MLS Cold Laser Therapy
MLS laser uses specific wavelengths of light on the skin over a sore area. You feel warmth at most. It is one tool among others, and the exam decides whether a trial session makes sense.
Is it a fit
Where a Laser Trial May Make Sense
- A band of muscle that stays sore and guarded between visits
- An irritated knee, elbow, or shoulder that is tender to touch
- Neck muscles that will not settle enough to tolerate other work
- A spot that flares after activity and calms slowly
Where It May Be Tried
Chiropractors may try laser around a stiff neck, a sore low back, or an irritated knee when inflammation seems to be part of the picture. The new-patient trial can be a single laser session if that is the best fit. It is included in the exam visit, not billed as a separate first-day procedure.
What a Session Involves
You uncover the area, everyone in the room wears eye protection, and the handpiece is moved slowly over the skin for several minutes. There is no needle and no incision. The usual report is mild warmth or nothing at all, which is expected rather than a sign it is not working.
Why It Is Sometimes Paired with Other Tools
Laser is often used to calm an area enough that it tolerates the work that will actually change it, such as rehab or an adjustment. Used that way it is a door opener, not the whole plan. A course that never leads anywhere else is worth questioning.
Limits
Laser does not remove a herniated disc or realign a fracture. It is avoided over areas the chiropractor says should not be treated with light, and it is not used as a reason to delay emergency care.
Step by step
What a Laser Appointment Looks Like
Short, simple, and always tied back to a finding from the exam.
- 1The chiropractor marks the area the exam identified as irritated
- 2Everyone in the room puts on eye protection
- 3The handpiece is moved over the skin for several minutes
- 4Tenderness and motion are rechecked to judge whether to repeat it
Tell the Chiropractor Before Any Laser Session
Some situations mean the light is skipped over that area, or skipped entirely.
- You are pregnant, so the area treated is limited
- A known or suspected cancer in the region
- Broken skin, an active infection, or a recent rash where the handpiece would go
- Medication that makes you sensitive to light
- A pacemaker or implanted device near the treatment area
Where
Available at all four clinics
Austin
4601 Southwest Pkwy, Suite 101, Austin, TX 78735
Mon–Thu 8am–6pm · Fri 8am–12pm
Austin clinicBee Cave
11614 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 110, Bee Cave, TX 78738
Mon–Thu 8am–6pm · Fri 8am–12pm
Bee Cave clinicBuda
181 Cimarron Park Loop, Suite D, Buda, TX 78610
Mon–Thu 9am–6pm · Fri 8am–12pm
Buda clinicDripping Springs / Belterra
13341 W US-290, Suite 102, Austin, TX 78737
Mon–Thu 8am–6pm · Fri 8am–12pm
Dripping Springs / Belterra clinic
First visit
What the $98 New-Patient Visit Includes
- 1
Consultation
You tell the chiropractor what hurts, what you want to get back to, and which clinic you are visiting.
- 2
Exam
A neuro-musculo-skeletal exam looks for the source: the joint, the muscle, and the nerve.
- 3
Trial Treatment
One session of spinal decompression, cold laser, or spot cryotherapy, chosen from the exam. That session is included in the visit.
- 4
Findings Review
Your Chiropractor will go over the results of the exam and discuss a plan of care.
Questions
Common Questions
Is this surgery?
No. The laser does not cut skin. It is sometimes called cold laser because it is not a cutting beam.
Will it hurt?
Most people feel gentle warmth or nothing. If it becomes hot or sharp, say so and the handpiece is moved or the setting is lowered.
How many sessions before I know?
The chiropractor sets a short trial and rechecks the tender area. If a handful of sessions has changed nothing measurable, the tool should change rather than the count go up.
Can I have laser on the first visit?
Yes, if the chiropractor picks it as your trial treatment. It is part of the $98 new-patient exam visit, not an extra line item that day.
Do I need to do anything afterward?
Nothing special. There is no downtime, and you can drive and go back to work straight away.
Keep reading
Related Pages
Spot Cryotherapy
The focused-cold option, chosen for different findings.
Spinal Decompression
The table used when a disc is irritating a nerve.
Neck Pain
A common place laser is used to settle guarded muscle.
Founder
Dr. Michael P. Henry, DC
Dr. Henry founded TexStar Chiropractic in 2011. He grew up in Manchaca, studied kinesiology at The University of Texas, and was appointed to the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Your visit is with the chiropractor at the clinic you choose.
Find out if you are a candidate
The consultation, the exam, one trial treatment, and a review of the findings, in a single appointment. Mention the $98 offer when you book. Restrictions may apply.