MLS Laser is the best choice for chronic neck and back pain because it breaks the "pain-spasm-pain" cycle. Chronic pain causes muscles to guard and tighten, which restricts blood flow and creates more pain; the MLS Laser relaxes the muscle tissue and reduces nerve sensitivity simultaneously, providing a deep level of relief that massage or heat packs cannot reach.

How many treatments will I need for chronic pain?
For long-standing chronic pain (longer than 6 months), we typically suggest a protocol of 10 to 12 sessions. Many of our Flagstaff patients find that once the initial "flare" is calmed down, they only need a monthly maintenance session to stay active and pain-free.

 MLS Laser Therapy helps sciatica by reducing the inflammation around the pinched nerve root. When a disc bulges or herniates, the chemical inflammation is often what causes the "shooting" pain down the leg. The laser penetrates deep into the spinal tissues to flush out these toxins and reduce nerve irritation.

​Does the laser fix the disc?
While the laser doesn't "pop" the disc back in, it creates the optimal environment for the body to resorbed the disc material by increasing local circulation. It is an excellent companion to the chiropractic adjustments we provide at Cedar Health Center.

MLS Laser is not only safe after surgery, it is highly recommended for reducing post-operative pain and scar tissue. It helps close wounds faster, reduces the "internal" swelling from the procedure, and can even help prevent the formation of painful adhesions (internal scar tissue).

Will it help my surgical scar?
Yes. The laser stimulates fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for skin and tissue repair. This results in a cleaner, flatter scar and a much more comfortable recovery period for patients following joint replacements or spinal surgeries.

Yes, MLS Laser Therapy is highly effective for plantar fasciitis because it reaches the deep, thick tissue of the foot that is often resistant to stretching and icing. It works by breaking down chronic inflammation in the fascia and stimulating the repair of the micro-tears that cause that "first step in the morning" pain.

Why isn't my foot pain going away?
The plantar fascia has a very poor blood supply, which is why it heals so slowly. The MLS Laser forces blood flow into the area, providing the nutrients necessary for the tissue to finally knit back together. For our Flagstaff runners, this is often the "missing piece" in their recovery.

MLS Laser Therapy accelerates the healing of sports injuries by increasing ATP (cellular energy) production by up to 300%. This massive boost in energy allows your body to repair muscle tears, ligament sprains, and tendonitis at a fraction of the normal recovery time, getting you back to the trails or the slopes faster.

​Can I use the laser for an acute injury?
Absolutely. In fact, the sooner you use the MLS Laser after a sprain or strain, the better. By stopping the "inflammatory cascade" immediately, we can prevent the buildup of scar tissue and significantly reduce the total downtime of the injury.

MLS Laser Therapy is often superior to cortisone because it promotes tissue healing rather than just masking pain. Cortisone is a steroid that can actually weaken tendons and ligaments over time; in contrast, MLS Laser strengthens the tissue by boosting collagen production and cellular metabolism with zero side effects.

Are there side effects to MLS Laser?
Unlike injections or oral medications, there are no known negative side effects to MLS Laser Therapy. It is non-surgical, drug-free, and painless. Most patients describe the treatment as a "soothing, warm sensation" during the 10-minute session.

​Yes, MLS Laser Therapy is one of the few non-invasive treatments that can actually regenerate damaged nerve fibers. By increasing "angiogenesis" (the formation of new blood vessels), the laser brings oxygen-rich blood back to the nerves, which helps reduce the burning, tingling, and numbness associated with neuropathy.

Will I get feeling back in my feet?
While every case is different, patients often report a decrease in "phantom" pains and an increase in balance and sensation after a consistent protocol. At Cedar Health Center, we use the MLS Laser to wake up "dormant" nerves that have been deprived of nutrients due to poor circulation.

While MLS Laser cannot grow back lost cartilage, it is highly effective at eliminating the chronic inflammation and "synovitis" that causes the pain in bone-on-bone joints. By reducing the swelling inside the joint capsule and improving local circulation, patients can often regain significant mobility and delay or avoid joint replacement surgery.

Can I avoid knee surgery with Laser Therapy?
Many of our Flagstaff patients find that by managing the internal "fire" of arthritis with MLS Laser, they can return to hiking and daily activities without the need for invasive procedures. It is a powerful tool for those who have failed with cortisone shots or physical therapy alone.

The primary difference is that MLS Laser Therapy uses two synchronized wavelengths (808nm and 905nm) to treat pain and inflammation simultaneously, whereas traditional "Cold Lasers" (Level III) usually only use one. This synchronization creates a "synergistic effect" that penetrates deeper and works significantly faster than older laser technologies.

Why does "synchronized" light matter for healing?
One wavelength focuses on reducing swelling (edema) while the other focuses on blocking pain signals. By locking them together, we can deliver more energy to the deep tissue without any risk of thermal damage or burning. It is the most advanced "Class IV" laser technology available in the Flagstaff area.

Most patients at Cedar Health Center begin to feel a noticeable reduction in pain and swelling after just 2 to 6 sessions. While the biological healing continues for weeks after treatment, the "Multi-wave Locked System" (MLS) is specifically designed to provide rapid analgesic effects, meaning you often feel better before you even leave the office.

Is MLS Laser Therapy a permanent fix?
Unlike a temporary "numbing" shot, MLS Laser Therapy stimulates cellular repair (ATP production). By treating the underlying inflammation and increasing blood flow to the injured site, the results are cumulative. For Flagstaff patients with chronic conditions, a full course of 6–10 sessions is usually recommended to ensure the tissue stays healthy and pain-free long-term. For more severe conditions involving CCI, UCI, and/or AAI, treatments can take up to 36 sessions.