MLS Laser vs Shockwave For Recovery: What’s The Difference?

Posted 20 Feb

The best part of being an innovative podiatry clinic in 2025? All the amazing treatment choices. The hardest part about being a patient at times? All the amazing treatment choices! But don’t worry – it’s our job to guide you through the options and help you make the best choice for your recovery.

A common question we get is: should I choose shockwave therapy or MLS laser therapy for my injury? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy, also known as Radial Pressure Wave therapy (RPW), uses sound waves to stimulate healing in painful or injured areas. These waves penetrate deep into the tissues, encouraging the body to repair itself. 

To offer more technical detail, the acoustic (sound) waves are emitted from the shockwave device and penetrate the targeted tissue to deliver mechanical energy. This energy initiates a biological response called mechanotransduction, converting mechanical stimuli into cellular activity that promotes healing. 

Shockwave is particularly effective for chronic (longstanding) conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies like Achilles tendonitis.

How does shockwave work to accelerate healing?

The acoustic waves in RPW therapy create microtrauma in tissues, which increases the blood flow to the area as well as the metabolic activity. This process encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms to repair and regenerate the affected tissues. Additionally, shockwave therapy can break down calcific deposits in tendons, enhancing mobility and reducing pain.

Is it safe and effective?

Clinical studies have demonstrated that RPW therapy is a safe and effective non-invasive treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions. This includes:

• Achilles tendinopathy – works for both types of Achilles tendon pain.
  
• Heel spurs – helps reduce pain and inflammation in the heel.
  
• Peroneal tendinopathy – reduces pain in the outer ankle.
  
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) – supports early-stage tendon injuries.
  
• Shin splints – helps relieve pain from overuse injuries.
  
• Metatarsalgia – reduces pain in the ball of the foot.
  
• Morton’s neuroma – may help with nerve irritation and discomfort.
  
• Sesamoiditis – eases pain beneath the big toe joint.
  
• Early-stage stress fractures – promotes bone healing.
  
• Plantar plate injuries – helps manage chronic pain.
  
• Chronic ankle sprains – reduces ligament pain and scar tissue.
  
• Bursitis – helps with stubborn inflammation in the heel.
  
• Patellar tendinopathy (Jumper’s knee) – supports healing in the knee.
  
• Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) – reduces pain in runners.
  
• Osgood-Schlatter disease – beneficial for growing teens with knee pain
  

Outside of podiatry, shockwave is also being used extensively for:

• Hip bursitis – reduces inflammation in the hip area.
  
• Gluteal tendinopathy – relieves chronic hip pain.
  
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy – helps with shoulder injuries.
  
• Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder – breaks down calcium deposits.
  
• Frozen shoulder – improves mobility and pain relief.
  
• Tennis elbow – highly effective for chronic elbow pain.
  
• Golfer’s elbow – similar to tennis elbow but affects the inner elbow.
  
• Biceps tendinopathy – helps with upper arm pain.
  
• Myofascial pain syndrome – targets muscle knots and tension.
  
• Lower back pain – relieves muscle tightness.
  
• Piriformis syndrome – helps with sciatica-type pain.
  
• Hamstring tendinopathy – useful for chronic hamstring injuries.
  
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome – relieves hip discomfort.
  

MLS Laser Therapy

Instead of sound waves, MLS laser therapy uses light energy to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and speed up healing. This treatment is helpful for both new (acute) injuries and long-term (chronic) pain.

How does the laser work to accelerate healing?

MLS laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues and stimulate cellular activity, a process known as photobiomodulation. The light energy from the MLS laser is absorbed by mitochondria, which is the “powerhouse” of your cells responsible for producing energy. This absorption enhances cellular metabolism, promotes the release of anti-inflammatory mediators, and increases collagen production, which is vital for tissue repair. The therapy also modulates nerve conduction, contributing to pain relief.

Is it safe and effective?

Absolutely. The MLS laser therapy is FDA-approved, backed by strong research, and adheres to stringent safety standards. It offers a noninvasive alternative to medications and surgery. Studies have shown that it effectively reduces pain and inflammation while improving functionality and quality of life in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.

How Does Laser Compare To Shockwave?

While both therapies aim to promote healing and reduce pain, they do differ in their approaches in a few key ways:

• How it works: shockwave therapy uses mechanical energy to stimulate tissue repair, whereas MLS laser therapy employs light energy to enhance cellular function.
  
• The body’s inflammation response: shockwave therapy may initially increase inflammation to trigger healing, making it more suitable for chronic conditions. In contrast, MLS laser therapy reduces inflammation, benefiting both acute and chronic injuries.
  
• How the treatment feels: shockwave therapy can cause discomfort during application due to the mechanical impact, while MLS laser therapy is generally painless.
  
• How long the treatment lasts: shockwave therapy often requires fewer sessions, typically spaced a week apart. MLS laser therapy may necessitate multiple sessions per week over a more extended period.
  

Are the treatments painful?

• Shockwave therapy can feel slightly uncomfortable during the session, but the sensation usually fades quickly.
  
• MLS laser therapy is completely painless and often described as warm and relaxing.
  

Are there any side effects?

Both treatments are non-invasive with minimal side effects. You may experience slight redness or swelling after treatment, but this resolves quickly.

How soon can I expect results?

• Many patients feel better after just a few sessions.
  
• The speed of recovery depends on the severity of the injury and how well your body responds to treatment.
  
• Following your podiatrist’s advice (like doing rehab exercises) can improve your results.
  

Why choose these treatments over traditional methods?

Many people prefer non-invasive options that treat the root cause of pain instead of just masking symptoms with painkillers or considering surgery. These therapies help:

• Avoid long-term medication use.
  
• Speed up recovery naturally.
  
• Improve mobility and function without surgery.
  

Building Trust Through Evidence-Based Practice

Your health and well-being are paramount to us here at The Feet People. Both shockwave therapy and MLS laser therapy are great options for managing pain and improving recovery. The best choice depends on your specific condition, pain levels, and personal preferences. That’s why we tailor every treatment plan to fit your needs.

If you’re unsure which therapy is right for you, book an appointment here or call us on (07) 3356 3579