What is MLS Laser Therapy?
Advanced Pain Relief & Healing
At Restore Oncology Care & Lymphoedema Clinic, we use advanced, evidence-based technologies to support recovery, reduce pain, and accelerate healing, particularly for people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.
One of these technologies is MLS Laser Therapy, a specialised form of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) or Light Therapy.
How Does MLS Laser Work?
MLS Laser is light therapy. It is a dual wavelength, locked system that when applied to tissue, is absorbed at a cellular level. Inside your cells are mitochondria, often called the “powerhouses” of the cell. The laser stimulates light-sensitive molecules (chromophores) inside the mitochondria. These enzymes absorb the light triggering a series of beneficial effects:
- Increases Cellular Energy (ATP)
ATP is the energy your cells use to repair themselves.
More ATP means:
- Enhanced healing at a cellular level
- Faster tissue repair
- Reduced pain
- Reduced inflammation
- Increases Blood flow:
- Which increase oxygenation and nutrients to the tissue
- Improves removal of toxins from area
- Reduces Inflammation
MLS Laser helps to:
- Inhibit inflammatory cell activity
- Decrease inflammatory mediators
- Reduce swelling (oedema)
- Improve blood and lymphatic flow
Nitric oxide release also helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation, further supporting healing and recovery.
- Reduces Pain Signalling
MLS decreases transmission within pain pathways by:
- Modulating nerve cell activity
- Reducing inflammatory sensitisation
- Decreasing pain signal transmission to the brain
This is why many patients experience rapid pain relief, sometimes even during the session.
- Stimulates Wound Healing
By improving cellular signalling and activating repair pathways, MLS:
- Promotes tissue regeneration: increases fibroblast activity= increased collagen production=improved tissue repair
- Supports wound healing
- Accelerates recovery from injury or surgery
What Makes MLS Different?
Dual Wavelength Locked System
MLS stands for Multi-wave Locked System®, a patented technology that delivers two synchronised near-infrared wavelengths:
- 905 nm pulsed wavelength → Targets pain pathways and promotes tissue repair
- 808 nm continuous wavelength → Reduces inflammation and swelling
Because these wavelengths are locked together, they work in a coordinated way — rather than randomly overlapping — which allows for:
- Immediate pain relief
- Faster healing
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved tissue repair
The pulsed wavelength acts quickly on pain pathways, while the continuous wavelength works on inflammation and oedema — creating both short-term relief and long-term recovery.
Is MLS Laser the Same as Red Light Therapy?
Not exactly.
Red light therapy typically uses visible red light (600–700 nm) and is lower powered. MLS Laser is near-infrared (808 & 905 nm), penetrating much deeper — up to ~5 cm below the surface.
It is medical-grade, Class 4, and designed specifically for pain reduction, inflammation control, and tissue repair, not just cosmetic or superficial effects.
Is It Safe for Cancer Patients?
Yes. Extensive research shows:
- No stimulation of tumours
- No interference with cancer treatment
- No impact on survival rates
MLS is non-thermal, meaning it delivers energy safely without generating damaging heat. Most patients feel nothing at all, or occasionally a gentle warmth. Protective glasses are worn during treatment for safety.
What Conditions Can MLS Help With?
MLS Laser Therapy may assist with:
- Post-surgical pain
- Joint inflammation
- Tendon injuries
- Radiation fibrosis
- Lymphoedema-related discomfort
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
Myths vs Facts About MLS Laser
Myth: “Laser therapy burns the skin.”
Fact: MLS is non-thermal. No burning or tissue damage occurs.
Myth: “It’s just red light therapy.”
Fact: MLS uses dual synchronised near-infrared wavelengths, delivering deeper, coordinated, therapeutic effects.
Myth: “It’s unsafe for cancer patients.”
Fact: Research shows MLS is safe for oncology rehab when used appropriately.
Myth: “It only helps with pain.”
Fact: MLS reduces inflammation, improves circulation, decreases pain signalling, and stimulates tissue repair.
Myth: “If I don’t feel heat, it’s not working.”
Fact: MLS works at a cellular level. Most patients feel very little, but healing is occurring beneath the surface.
Myth: “Results take a long time.”
Fact: Pain relief can be immediate; tissue healing improves progressively with sessions.
Myth: “I will need a lot of treatment”
Fact: results can be felt immediately. For long standing conditions more sessions may be required, however, many patients experience relief after 1-3 sessions
Why We Use MLS at Restore Oncology Care & Lymphoedema Clinic
We choose technologies that are:
- Evidence-based
- Safe for cancer patients
- Non-invasive
- Effective for pain relief and tissue repair
MLS Laser delivers both immediate pain relief and long-term healing, making it a powerful tool in our oncology rehabilitation and lymphoedema management programs.