A noninvasive option that may provide temporary relief of selected muscle and joint pain, stiffness, arthritis pain, or muscle spasm.
Laser therapy is an adjunct—not a substitute for diagnosis, rehabilitation, or treatment of the underlying problem. Results vary by condition and individual response.
Multiwave Locked System® (MLS) Laser Therapy uses red and infrared light delivered through a Class IV laser system. The MLS family of devices is FDA cleared for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness, minor arthritis pain, or muscle spasm; temporary improvement in local circulation; and muscle relaxation.
FDA clearance describes the device’s intended uses. It does not mean every painful condition will respond or that the treatment repairs damaged tissue.
Laser therapy may be considered as a supportive option for selected musculoskeletal pain or stiffness, including some arthritis symptoms, muscle soreness or spasm, and minor sprains or strains.
The diagnosis matters. Knee pain from osteoarthritis, tendon pain, nerve-related symptoms, and pain after an acute injury do not all have the same cause or treatment plan.
Laser therapy does not regrow cartilage, repair a torn tendon or ligament, reverse arthritis, or replace progressive rehabilitation.
Its practical value is whether temporary symptom relief helps you move, exercise, rehabilitate, or return to activity more comfortably.
Research on photobiomodulation and therapeutic laser is mixed and depends on the diagnosis, wavelength, dose, treatment schedule, and comparison therapy. Some studies report short-term improvements in pain or function, particularly when laser is combined with exercise, while other evidence remains limited or uncertain.
For that reason, LA Ortho & Wellness does not present laser as a guaranteed treatment or as the right choice for every condition.
The treatment area is identified and appropriate eye protection is used. The laser applicator delivers a programmed dose of light to the selected area without an incision or injection.
A session is commonly brief, but treatment time and the number of visits depend on the location, diagnosis, response, and goals. Some people feel little during treatment; others may notice mild warmth.
When symptoms improve, treatment may be paired with targeted exercise, progressive loading, activity changes, physical therapy, or a return-to-sport plan.
Laser may also be considered alongside other physician-directed care when appropriate, but combining treatments does not guarantee a better result.
Therapeutic laser is noninvasive, but “noninvasive” does not mean risk-free or appropriate for everyone. Eye protection and correct device settings are important. Health conditions, medications, skin findings, the treatment location, and device-specific precautions should be reviewed before starting.
Report unexpected pain, skin changes, or other concerning symptoms after treatment.
Dr. Jonathan Gelber evaluates the structure involved, how the problem affects your function, what you want to return to doing, and whether laser is likely to add value.
The goal is not simply to complete a package of sessions. It is to choose the least invasive plan that reasonably fits the diagnosis and your activity goals.
Related information: knee pain, osteoarthritis, and tendonitis/tendinosis.
Many patients feel little during treatment, while some notice mild warmth. The experience can vary with the area and settings used.
Sessions are commonly brief, often around 10 to 15 minutes, but timing depends on the size and number of areas treated.
There is no universal number. A short series may be recommended, then reassessed based on pain, function, and progress toward your activity goal.
Sometimes. Laser may be used as an adjunct to rehabilitation or other physician-directed care when the combination fits the diagnosis. It should not replace the active parts of recovery.
Not necessarily. Any relief may be temporary, and the durability depends on the condition, activity demands, rehabilitation, and individual response.
Coverage varies and many plans do not cover therapeutic laser. The office can explain expected costs before treatment.
LA Ortho & Wellness provides physician-led orthopedic care in Toluca Lake for active adults from Studio City, Burbank, North Hollywood, and greater Los Angeles.
Dr. Jonathan Gelber of LA Ortho & Wellness provides comprehensive orthopedics, blending functional and integrative medicine for the LA area.
