Prescription painkillers are often subscribed after an injury, surgery, or chronic pain. Yet we know in our country we have a major problem with opioid misuse, addiction, and even overdose. How did we get to this place where so many people are struggling with opioid addictions? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in the mid 90’s the Pharmaceutical companies informed the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioids, so Physicians started to prescribe them at a higher rate. This caused many problems and many people struggled with misuse before it became clear that they indeed are highly addictive. Overdose rates began to rapidly increase. Today, it is estimated that EVERY DAY 130 people DIE from an OPIOID OVERDOSE.

Statistics from the NIDA states that approximately 21 to 29% of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. That number is way too high! People can experience chronic pain throughout their entire body including their feet and ankles . At Idaho Foot and Ankle Center , it is important to us to find and use alternatives to prescription painkillers for chronic foot and ankle pain . We are so excited to share with you the wonderful benefits to MLS Laser Therapy .

The FDA-approved MLS Laser Therapy uses concentrated light energy to stimulate the body’s own healing process. This therapy can speed up the process of relieving pain and inflammation for many conditions! Some of the conditions this therapy is used for are:

There are many benefits to MLS Laser Therapy . Swelling is greatly reduced and there is a rapid relief of pain. Acute injuries usually subside quickly while chronic issues can be controlled with regular treatments. Another benefit is there are no known side effects, it is pain free, and drug free! Looking for more information? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about MLS Laser Therapy :

Does It Hurt? What Does The Treatment Feel Like?
 There is little or no sensation during treatment.

How Long Does The Treatment Take? The typical course of treatment is 10 to 15 minutes. Treatments are typically received 2 to 3 times a week and are determined on an individual basis.
How Many Treatments Does It Take? This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. The typical treatment protocol is between 6 and 12 visits. Conditions such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
How Long Before Results Are Felt? You may feel improvement in your condition (usually pain reduction) after the 1 to 3 treatments. For some more chronic conditions it may take up to 6 visits to feel the benefits of l aser therapy .
Are The Results Long Lasting? MLS Laser Therapy is about healing. It’s not about masking or covering up a condition. When you feel better from this therapy… it’s because you are better. Therefore results have been found to be quite long lasting.
Can It Be Used In Conjunction With Other Forms Of Treatment?
Yes, MLS Laser Therapy is sometimes more effective when combined with other forms of therapy, including physical therapy, podiatric care , massage, soft tissue mobilization, electrotherapy, and following surgery .

Can Laser Therapy Be Used Over Medical Implants Or Over Metal? Yes, laser therapy is a light treatment. No heating is involved with the surgical or metal implants. It can be used safely with no side effects. It is extremely effective for post-operative wound healing. Many foot and ankle post surgical patients see us for care.

To learn more about all of the benefits of MLS Laser Therapy, click here ! Relief from chronic pain without the unwanted side effects of prescription opioids can be possible with MLS Laser Therapy. If you want to know if Laser Therapy is right for you, contact Idaho Foot and Ankle Center for an evaluation or consultation. We will evaluate your condition and perform a complete laser therapy examination to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. Consultations are always at no cost to the patient. We would love to help you get back on your feet!




Some content provided by drugabuse.gov.