The Benefits of Incorporating MLS® Laser for Hand Therapy

    • Does hand pain have a grip on your patients’ daily life?  Are you looking to elevate your practice and revolutionise patient care?  We use our hands to complete most of our tasks, so when painful conditions affect our hands, it has a major effect on our quality of life. Conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis limit productivity and cause distress.  MLS® laser therapy can assist your patients to break free from the limitations caused by hand pain and regain optimal hand function.

      There are many benefits to integrating MLS® laser therapy into your hand treatment protocols.  From accelerating injury rehabilitation to mitigating chronic conditions like arthritis, MLS® laser is a game-changer for hand therapy.  Let’s delve into how this innovative modality can enhance patient outcomes across many conditions.

    • How Does MLS® Laser Therapy Work?

      A practitioner administering MLS® laser therapy to a man's hand with arthritis.

      MLS® (Multi-Wave Locked System) laser is a therapy that uses near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity. This therapy is used across many specialties, including hand therapy, to promote natural healing processes and reduce pain and inflammation.

      MLS® laser therapy works in the following ways:

      Pain Management

      The laser therapy device can help manage pain by reducing inflammation and promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. In hand therapy, this can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, or post-surgical recovery.  It is a safe and non-invasive alternative to opioids for chronic pain management.

      Anti-Inflammatory Effects

      The laser energy penetrates tissues and has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling and oedema.  This allows MLS® laser therapy to effectively treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.

      Improved Circulation

      MLS® laser therapy enhances blood circulation.  Improved blood flow can contribute to the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to affected tissues in the hand, supporting the healing process and reducing recovery time.

      Faster Healing

      By promoting cellular activity and accelerating tissue repair, MLS® laser therapy can speed up the healing process. It is effective in treating both acute injuries and chronic conditions.

      Reduced Scar Tissue Formation

      Laser therapy minimises the formation of scar tissue during the healing process.  In hand therapy, where fine motor skills are crucial, minimising scar tissue contributes to better functional outcomes.

      Non-Invasive Treatment

      MLS® laser is a non-invasive procedure, making it an attractive option for patients seeking alternative treatments or in too much pain for hands-on therapies.

      Complementary to Other Therapies

      MLS® laser therapy devices can be used alongside other hand therapy modalities such as exercises, manual therapy, and splinting.  It complements these interventions to provide a comprehensive approach to hand rehabilitation.

      It is important to note that the effectiveness of MLS® laser therapy can vary based on the specific condition being treated, the individual patient, and the overall treatment plan.

    • How Does MLS® Laser Improve Hand Therapy?

      A practitioner massaging a patient's hand.

      MLS® laser improves hand therapy in the following ways:

      Improved Injury Rehabilitation

      MLS® laser therapy expedites the healing process by stimulating cellular activity and promoting tissue repair.  For hand therapists, this means faster recovery times for common injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures.  By incorporating MLS® laser into your hand therapy treatment plans, you can help patients regain functionality and mobility sooner, facilitating their return to daily activities and work.

      Enhanced Post-Surgical Care

      Following hand surgery, patients often face challenges in regaining strength and range of motion.  MLS® laser therapy serves as a powerful adjunct to your existing post-operative protocols.  By reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and promoting tissue regeneration, MLS® laser therapy facilitates smoother recovery.  You can leverage this modality to optimise post-surgical outcomes and shorten rehabilitation timeframes.

      Accelerated Wound Healing

      MLS® laser therapy offers a non-invasive solution for promoting wound healing.  By increasing microcirculation and facilitating tissue regeneration, MLS® laser therapy accelerates the closure of wounds, reducing the risk of complications and improving overall patient wellbeing.

      Effective Pain Relief

      Pain management is a cornerstone of hand therapy treatment, particularly in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.  MLS® laser therapy stimulates analgesic effects by modulating nerve conduction and reducing inflammatory mediators.  Hand therapists can use MLS® laser therapy within comprehensive pain management strategies, providing patients with much-needed relief and enhancing treatment efficacy.

      A person suffering from pain in inflamed knuckles.

      Reduced Inflammation

      Inflammation is a common denominator in many hand-related conditions, contributing to pain and functional impairment.  MLS® laser therapy devices offer a targeted approach to reducing inflammation, penetrating deep into tissues to suppress inflammatory pathways.  By attenuating inflammation, you can optimise treatment outcomes and mitigate the risk of disease progression.  Reducing inflammation before applying casts or splints also improves comfort and fit for your patients.

      Management of Chronic Conditions

      Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, pose significant challenges in patient care.  MLS® laser therapy offers a proactive approach to managing arthritis symptoms, reducing pain and inflammation while promoting joint function.  Hand therapists can integrate MLS® laser therapy into long-term treatment plans, empowering patients to better manage their condition, reduce opioid use and improve quality of life.

      A practitioner massaging a patient's hand.

      MLS® laser for hand therapy is a transformative step towards enhancing patient outcomes.  From speeding injury rehabilitation to managing chronic conditions, MLS® laser therapy offers a versatile and effective treatment modality. By leveraging the benefits of the laser therapy device, hand therapists can optimise patient care, improve treatment efficacy, and elevate their standard of practice.

      In addition to improving patient outcomes, MLS® laser can:

      • Increase patient satisfaction,
      • Boost referrals,
      • Build your reputation, and
      • Strengthen your ROI.

      Find out how it does so by downloading our free eBook, ‘Revolutionise Your Practice with MLS® Laser Therapy’.

      Revolutionise Your Practice with MLS® Laser Therapy eBook.

    • Get a Grip on Your Patient’s Hand Pain Now

      Hands are used to complete most tasks, therefore when painful conditions affect a person’s hands, it has a major effect on their quality of life. Conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis can limit a person’s productivity and cause distress. However, by offering MLS® laser for hand therapy, you can reduce your patient’s pain and help them regain their range of motion as soon as possible.

      If you would like to learn more about how to optimise your hand treatment for your patients, book a demo of our lasers.

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