Many people living with osteoarthritis tell us the same thing:
“I don’t feel ready for a joint replacement, but I don’t want to rely on stronger and stronger painkillers either.”
It’s a dilemma faced by thousands of people. They want to stay active, remain independent and continue enjoying the activities they love, but increasing pain and stiffness can make everyday life progressively more difficult.
While MLS Laser Therapy can’t reverse osteoarthritis or regrow cartilage, it may help reduce pain and inflammation, making movement more comfortable and helping people remain active for longer.
At Feet & Motion Podiatry Clinic in Horsham, we use MLS Laser Therapy as part of a personalised osteoarthritis management plan for carefully selected patients.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Although it was once thought to be simply “wear and tear”, we now understand that it affects the entire joint, including the cartilage, underlying bone, joint lining and surrounding soft tissues.
This can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement. Over time, joints may become less flexible and everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods can become increasingly uncomfortable.
Although osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, there are many effective ways to manage symptoms, improve function and help people remain active.
What is MLS Laser Therapy?
MLS (Multiwave Locked System) Laser Therapy is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light energy to help reduce pain and inflammation.
The light energy penetrates into the tissues, where research has shown it can help modulate pain, reduce inflammation, improve local microcirculation and support normal cellular activity.
Treatment is painless, requires no injections or medication, and sessions are typically short, allowing you to return to your normal daily activities immediately afterwards.
What does the evidence say?
Research into laser therapy for osteoarthritis has produced encouraging results, although the evidence continues to evolve.
A systematic review published in BMJ Open found that laser therapy can reduce pain and improve physical function for some people with osteoarthritis, particularly when used alongside exercise and a broader conservative management programme (BMJ Open, 2019).
As with many treatments, results vary between individuals and depend on factors such as the joint being treated, the severity of osteoarthritis and the treatment protocol used.
How can MLS Laser Therapy help?
MLS Laser Therapy isn’t a cure for osteoarthritis.
Instead, its role is to help manage symptoms by:
- Reducing joint pain.
- Helping control inflammation.
- Improving comfort during everyday activities.
- Supporting mobility and function.
- Helping some people reduce their reliance on pain medication.
- Helping people remain active for longer.
Many patients describe the treatment itself as relaxing, with little or no sensation during the session.
Conservative management is about staying active
Many people tell us they don’t feel ready for a joint replacement, but they also don’t want to rely on stronger and stronger pain medication.
For these patients, conservative management aims to keep them as comfortable, active and independent as possible for as long as possible.
At Feet & Motion, we don’t simply ask where it hurts—we ask why that joint is becoming overloaded and what can be done to help you move more comfortably.
MLS Laser Therapy may form one part of that management plan, alongside:
- Strengthening and mobility exercises.
- Footwear advice.
- Orthotics where clinically appropriate.
- Activity and load management.
- Weight management advice where appropriate.
- Ongoing monitoring and review.
Rather than relying on one intervention alone, we combine the approaches most likely to help you continue doing the things that matter to you.
Is MLS Laser Therapy right for everyone?
No.
Every patient is different, which is why we begin with a comprehensive assessment before recommending any management plan.
MLS Laser Therapy may be appropriate for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, particularly when pain is affecting day-to-day activities and conservative management is the preferred approach.
If we believe another approach is more appropriate, we’ll explain why. Our recommendations are always based on the best available evidence and your individual circumstances.
Living well with osteoarthritis
Living with osteoarthritis doesn’t mean simply putting up with pain, nor does it automatically mean stronger medication or immediate surgery.
If osteoarthritis is affecting the activities you enjoy, the first step isn’t deciding whether you need laser therapy—it’s understanding how best to manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
At Feet & Motion, we’ll discuss the evidence, recommend the most appropriate management plan for your individual needs and help you keep doing what you love.
Olive Giles
Natalie Kitchener