Lasers have been in use since 1958, the year of their invention. Modern day lasers can be utilized for many medical purposes. That means great things for your feet and ankles! The FAAWC offers two different lasers to treat a greater variety of conditions. The MLS laser is your solution to relieve pain, achieve a better outcome, and speed up recovery from injuries and surgery. The Aerolase laser is your solution for certain skin and nail conditions such as ugly fungal nails as well as embarrassing spider veins and warts. This laser can even remove unsightly age spots and rejuvenate the skin on your hands.
Laser Therapy for Foot & Ankle Conditions and Injuries
MLS Laser Therapy at the FAAWC
Welcome to the FAAWC and our MLS Laser. Laser therapy is safe, effective, and can greatly speed healing time. LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser therapy uses light energy (photons) to enhance the body’s natural healing process by increasing blood flow to the injured area, removing the toxins created by inflammation, and reducing pain. The light energy penetrates deeply into damaged cells and stimulates cellular activity which returns them to normal function. As a result of exposure to the laser, the cells of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves repair themselves faster than normal.
MLS Laser Therapy effectively treats:
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Sore muscles, muscle strains & tears
- Degenerative joint conditions
- Neurological & general pain & bruising
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Pre & post-surgical treatment
Benefits of Laser Therapy:
- Rapid pain relief
- Strong anti-inflammatory effect
- Quicker healing of sprains, strains, and fractures
- Rapid recovery of the structural integrity of the injured region
- Immediate improvement of local blood circulation
- Improved repair of superficial injuries such as wounds and ulcers
FAQs
What is laser therapy?
Laser Therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light to treat painful and debilitating conditions. MLS Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment modality where this light is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing as well as soft tissue and bone repair. The MLS laser is the only multi-wave locked system, dual wave, fully robotic laser therapy system on the market. This means deeper penetration with no heat produced allowing faster healing with no known side effects. It has been cleared with the FDA since 2009.
Why laser therapy over other forms of therapy?
Laser therapy does not require the use of drugs or surgery; there are no known side effects; and it is quick and convenient. Studies have shown that it is equal to or more effective than other forms of physical therapy. These studies were performed at many prestigious institutions, including Harvard.
How does MLS laser therapy work?
Light energy enters the damaged cells and stimulates inter-cellular activity. This reduces pain in the area and speeds recovery of the damaged cells. Once the cells recover, the healing process is complete.
What can I expect during laser therapy?
MLS Laser Therapy is a painless treatment that lasts an average of 8 minutes. You may experience a comfortable sensation at the point of application. The laser is fully robotic and placed above the skin allowing the healing energy to penetrate tissue, where it interacts with various intracellular bio-molecules resulting in the restoration of normal cell function. This also enhances the body’s natural healing processes.
What do the MLS laser treatments feel like?
There is little or no sensation during treatment, which means no pain. Laser treatments can even be relaxing.
How many laser treatments will I need?
This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. The typical treatment protocol is between 6 and 12 visits. Conditions such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
What can I expect after MLS laser therapy?
Most people experience positive results in 1 to 3 treatments, with the average course of treatment being 6 to 10 sessions. Swelling is greatly reduced and there is a rapid relief of pain. Acute conditions usually subside quicker typically within 3 to 4 weeks, while chronic conditions such as neuropathy or arthritis can be controlled with regular ongoing treatments.The effects of MLS Laser Therapy are cumulative; therefore, expect to see improvement as you proceed through your treatment plan which should be scheduled at least twice weekly. It is critical that once you start, you complete the course of treatments recommended by your doctor or symptoms are likely to reoccur.
Are the results of MLS laser therapy long-lasting?
MLS Laser Therapy is about healing. It’s not about masking or covering up a condition. When you feel better from this therapy…it’s because you are better. Therefore, results have been found to be quite long-lasting.
Can laser therapy be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
Yes. MLS Laser therapy is sometimes more effective when combined with other forms of therapy, including physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, soft tissue mobilization, electrotherapy, and following surgery.
How do I know if MLS laser therapy is right for me?
We will evaluate your condition and perform a complete history and examination to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. Call us to schedule your evaluation or a consultation with one of our doctors.
How much does laser therapy cost and will my insurance cover it?
The total cost of laser therapy will depend on how many treatments are necessary. For acute injuries we recommend a package of 6 sessions and for more chronic conditions, we offer a 12 session package. You will receive a quote including the total cost prior to scheduling treatment. Health insurance does not cover laser therapy; however, you may use your Health Savings Account or other health care spending dollars to pay for this treatment. We also offer CareCredit for convenient payment plan options. Prepaid treatment packages offer a small discount or you may pay for each session at the time of treatment. The range for therapy to one foot would be $350 to $750 and for two feet $550 to $1100.
Aerolase Laser Therapy at the FAAWC
The Aerolase laser can treat warts, rejuvenate skin, remove hair, cure fungal nails, and even diminish spider veins. Laser treatments of foot and ankle issues are quick, safe, and provide unparalleled results compared to traditional treatment methods.
The Aerolase Lightpod Neo Laser
The Aerolase Lightpod Neo laser is an FDA-approved aesthetic treatment for unsightly nails, fungal infections, spider veins, age spots, and warts. The FAAWC chose the Aerolase Laser over other options because it’s safe, effective, and offers the most advanced technology. This laser also has some of the best clinical research supporting it and superior recorded results.
Conditions Treated by the Aerolase Laser
Fungal Nails
The Foot & Ankle Wellness Center has been treating fungal nails with good success using the Aerolase laser. Studies report a 92.7% success rate with this laser treatment… the highest of any other treatment option. Our Aerolase laser penetrates through the nail plate to the nail bed where it kills fungal infection with no damage to the surrounding nail. This is a safe and simple treatment.
You can reapply nail polish immediately after treatment (we recommend Zoya nail polish). Your nail won’t look perfect right away. After the infection is destroyed, the yellowed and thickened nail will need to grow out. This usually takes about 6-12 months. Additional trimming and treatment in our Nail Salon can help make the existing nail look better.
Therapies are usually spread three to four weeks apart and can be combined with oral and/or topical medication, specialized socks, antimicrobial shoe spray, and more.
Warts
One of the most common uses for lasers is the effective removal of warts. Many at-home-remedy options for warts involve salicylic acid. This compound can be found in the form of drops, gels, or pads and should be used with caution since it can damage healthy skin and should not be used on people with diabetes or poor circulation.
However, laser treatment for wart removal can be used on everyone. Our laser will attack the wart in two ways, making it doubly effective for our patients. First, the laser destroys the cells that are infected. Then, it destroys the capillaries that feed the infected area. A local anesthetic is usually given for added comfort, especially when the wart is large or already painful. Treatment can often be completed in one office visit, though there might be some recovery time.
Age Spots
Age spots, also known as liver spots, are flat, isolated occurrences of hyper-pigmented skin. Age spots are not the same as melanomas and will not become cancerous. (If you see these spots change shape or color, make an appointment with your podiatrist immediately.) However, age spots can be unsightly especially when they occur on the feet and hands. The Aerolase laser treats age spots by breaking up the pigment so it is lightened and eventually disappears. In Ohio, podiatrists’ scope of practice includes treating any skin or nail condition of the hand as well as feet and ankles.
Spider Veins
The FAAWC is able to help diminish the look of spider veins using the Aerolase laser. The laser cauterizes the small, blood-filled vessels which create the dark look of spider veins. Veins will appear darker for three to four weeks before reducing in color.
Spider veins require an average of three treatments spaced three or four weeks apart. We recommend beginning treatment during fall and winter so your legs can be ready for spring. The FAAWC can only treat spider veins less than 1mm across and only below the knee.
Aerolase Laser Treatment Packages & Pricing
Fungal Nail Treatment Pricing
Laser treatment for fungal nails is not the same for everyone. Therefore, we offer a laser package that can be tailored depending on the type and severity of your condition. This treatment plan is designed to prevent recurrence of the condition and provide the best results possible. Your doctor will consult with you to determine if this package is right for you. Health insurance does not cover laser therapy; however, you may use your Health Savings Account or other health care spending dollars to pay for this treatment.
Our laser package includes a minimum of six laser therapy sessions booked 3 to 4 weeks apart and an evaluation 3 months after treatment is completed, as well as products that improve the effectiveness as well as diminish the likelihood of reinfection. The laser package costs $600 and is required before the first treatment. We also offer CareCredit for convenient payment plan options. Don’t delay. Call the FAAWC to book your Aerolase laser treatment consultation today.
Wart Treatment Pricing
Removal of warts by laser therapy is routinely covered by health care insurance plans.
Age Spot Treatment Pricing
Lightening of age spots with our laser requires a minimum of 3 treatments with a price range of $250 up to $500 depending on number of sessions.
Spider Vein Treatment Pricing
Spider vein treatments with our laser requires a minimum of 3 treatments with a price range of $250 up to $1,000 depending on the time needed for each session and severity of condition.
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