The MLS M7 Laser: Why Depth Matters for Hip & Knee Joints

When it comes to laser therapy for deep joints like the hip and knee, how deeply the light can reach really matters. That's why we upgraded to the MLS M7 laser — a higher-powered system designed to deliver therapeutic light deeper into the joint than earlier models. For patients weighing their options before considering a joint replacement, it's one more non-invasive tool worth understanding. Here's the plain-English version.

Why depth matters for hips and knees

The hip and knee are large, deep joints, wrapped in muscle and thick capsule tissue. Surface-level therapies can struggle to reach the structures that actually hurt. A higher-powered laser can deliver more energy deeper into the tissue, which matters when the target — like the front of the hip joint or the deeper layers of the knee — sits well below the skin. That reach is the main reason we moved to the M7.

What photobiomodulation actually does

Laser therapy of this kind is called photobiomodulation. The idea is that specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by your cells and can support energy production, healthy circulation, and a calmer inflammatory environment in the joint. In knee osteoarthritis specifically, research suggests low-level laser therapy may help reduce pain and improve function for some people (systematic review, BMJ Open via NCBI (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6830679/)). It's a drug-free, non-invasive approach — used as part of a plan, not a magic bullet.

An honest word about "bone-on-bone"

You'll sometimes hear big promises about lasers "regrowing cartilage." We want to be straight with you: osteoarthritis damage generally can't be fully reversed, and outcomes vary from person to person (AAOS OrthoInfo (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-hip/)). What laser therapy can do for many patients is help calm inflammation and improve comfort and function, so you can move better and lean less on medication. For some people that's enough to delay or rethink a more invasive step; for others, it's one part of a larger plan. An evaluation is how we set realistic expectations.

Where it fits in your care

We use the M7 laser alongside movement, manual care, and the rest of your plan — not in isolation. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight remain foundational for hip and knee osteoarthritis (Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925)). The laser is a tool to help you do those things more comfortably.

The takeaway

If hip or knee arthritis has you considering surgery, it's worth exploring conservative options first. A deeper-reaching laser like the M7, used as part of a thoughtful plan, may help you move and feel better — and an evaluation will tell you honestly whether it's likely to help in your case.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MLS M7 laser?

It's a higher-powered therapeutic laser (a form of photobiomodulation) designed to deliver light deeper into tissue than earlier models — useful for large, deep joints like the hip and knee.

Can laser therapy regrow cartilage?

We don't make that claim. Osteoarthritis damage generally can't be fully reversed. Laser therapy may help reduce pain and improve function for some people, used as part of a broader plan. Results vary.

Does laser therapy help knee and hip arthritis?

Research on low-level laser therapy suggests it may reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis for some patients. It's non-invasive and drug-free, and works best combined with movement and other care.

Is laser therapy a substitute for joint replacement?

Not necessarily. For some people conservative care helps enough to delay or reconsider surgery; for others, it's one part of the picture. An evaluation helps set realistic expectations for your situation.

Explore your options before you decide on surgery

If you're facing hip or knee arthritis, find out whether deeper-reaching laser therapy can help you move more comfortably. Dr. Matthew Smith and the team at Elite Performance Health Center offer MLS laser therapy (https://www.elite-spinal-care.com/laser-therapy) as part of a personalized plan. Call (801) 302-0280 or book a consultation (https://www.elite-spinal-care.com/contact).

Elite Performance Health Center — 10434 S. 4000 W., South Jordan, UT 84009 — (801) 302-0280

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary and outcomes are not guaranteed. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific condition.