Recognized as a leading sports medicine and orthopedic surgeon and best-selling author, Dr. Pietropaoli is disrupting traditional approaches to knee care with a focus on using regenerative therapies to repair joints instead of replacing them.
With a mission to end knee repair by 2043, his innovative approaches blend advanced biologics, laser therapy, total body fitness, nutrition, and functional and holistic recovery, and have helped thousands of people avoid unnecessary knee and other joint replacements
Dr. Pietropaoli shares MLS® Laser Therapy as the gateway to regenerative medicine at his practice, and how incorporating regenerative therapies into comprehensive treatment plans has transformed patient outcomes.
Marc P. Pietropaoli, MD, FAAOS
Founder, Victory in Motion
How does regenerative medicine fit into your treatment philosophy?
My treatment philosophy is centered on clarity. Patients with knee pain or other musculoskeletal pain often lack critical information, not because it doesn’t exist, but because of delayed or incomplete diagnostic evaluation. Many patients have never had an MRI or ultrasound, or have been waiting months to obtain appropriate imaging. As a result, they are often given broad labels such as “arthritis” without understanding the true root cause driving their pain.
Everything begins with a Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation. While the knee is what we are most widely known for, the same principles apply to all joints. Regardless of the area that is symptomatic, our assessment includes a comprehensive history and physical exam, imaging, and a whole-body evaluation of movement patterns, biomechanics, strength, lifestyle, functional limitations, and other relevant biologic and metabolic factors. The goal is to identify the root cause of pain and provide clear, unbiased guidance on what can realistically be done.
Regenerative medicine fits naturally into this approach. Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can support the body’s repair processes when applied in the right clinical context. These treatments are not stand-alone solutions. Their effectiveness improves when combined with pain management strategies, inflammation reduction, nutrition, and total body strength and conditioning through our V-Motion Fit approach.
What encouraged you to pursue a specialty in laser therapy and regenerative medicine?
My exposure to laser therapy dates back to the late 1990s. I first learned about therapeutic lasers through Dr. Kevin Wilk during my sports medicine training at the American Sports Medicine Institute under Dr. James Andrews. The concept was compelling, but the technology was still evolving.
In 2011, I tore my calf muscle while running the Chicago Marathon and dealt with persistent symptoms for years. In 2017, I was introduced to MLS Laser Therapy. The difference compared to earlier technologies was immediately apparent. The synchronized wavelengths, consistent dosing, and exceptional safety profile stood out clinically and personally.
Initially, I used MLS as a stand-alone treatment, and it worked. Over time, I began to view it differently. MLS became the gateway to regenerative medicine. It allows practices to offer a highly effective, needle-free, non-invasive, cash-based service at a lower entry point, while giving patients tangible improvement and confidence before progressing to more advanced regenerative solutions.
What are the benefits of combining MLS® Laser Therapy with regenerative treatments?
From the patient’s perspective, the most immediate benefit is improved comfort and confidence. MLS helps reduce pain and inflammation without needles, medications, or downtime, allowing patients to remain active and engaged rather than sidelined by discomfort.
Clinically, MLS helps create a more favorable biologic environment around injured or degenerative tissue. When combined with regenerative treatments and structured total body strength and conditioning, patients often tolerate procedures better, recover more smoothly, and maintain momentum. This is supported by outcomes data from the DataBiologics registry. This synergistic effect is why we no longer offer isolated treatments. We build comprehensive programs.
What advice would you give colleagues considering MLS® Laser Therapy for their practice?
My advice is straightforward: use it. MLS Laser Therapy is exceptionally safe, FDA-cleared, nonthermal, and carries no meaningful risk profile. There is no risk of burning tissue, no injections, no medications, and no downtime.
Equally important, MLS provides a practical entry point into regenerative medicine. It helps clinicians and staff learn how to deliver high-value care outside the insurance model while building trust and demonstrating results. For those interested, I outline this broader philosophy in my book, Repair Not Replace.
For physicians and patients, the goal is the same: clarity, confidence, and better outcomes.
