INFRARED RADIATION (IRR) THERAPY

 

WHAT IS INFRARED RADIATION

Infrared radiation is defined as one of the electromagnetic energy radiations in the electromagnetic spectrum which lies between microwave and visible light radiations. infrared rays have wavelengths range between 750 to 400,000nm.

WHAT IS INFRARED RADIATION THERAPY

Infrared radiation therapy is the application of infrared radiation by using luminous and non-luminous infrared lamp for various therapeutic purpose.

TYPES OF INFRARED RADIATION

                Type                         Wavelength range

(1) Infrared radiation A (IRA) - 760 - 1400nm

(2) Infrared radiation B (IRB) - 1400 - 3000nm

(3) Infrared radiation C (IRC) - 3000nm - 1mm

PRODUCTION OF INFRARED RADIATION

Any heated material will produce infrared radiation, the wavelength being determined by the temperature.

In Electrotherapy, the most convenient method or technique to produce infrared radiation is to heat a resistance wire by passing electric current through it. 

SOURCES OF INFRARED RADIATION

The ultimate natural source of infrared radiation is the sun. and the artificial sources is divided into two luminous and non-luminous generators.

GENERATORS OF INFRARED RADIATION

  • Luminous generator: consist of tungsten filament within a glass bulb wich contain an inert gas at low pressure. this emits both visible and infrared radiations with peak wavelength of 1um.
  • Non-luminous generator: consist of coiled resistance wire, which wounded around or embedded within a ceramic insulating material like fire clay. when this coiled resistance wire being heated by passing electric current through it, this will result in the emission of only radiations of infrared with different frequencies and with peak wavelength of 4um. All non-luminous generators requires some time to heat up before the emission of radiations reach maximum intensity.

EFFECTS OF INFRARED RADIATION

(1) PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS: Infrared radiation therapy produces heating effect on the superficial skin tissues, resulting in vasodilation which increases blood circulation in that area. this lead to bring more oxygen and nutrients supply to the area which will lead to drainage of waste products, and resulting in pain relief and reducing of muscle spasm, inflammation e.t.c.
(2) THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS: Infrared radiations produces heating effects on the skin's superficial tissues, which will help in pain relieve and in promoting healing process.
(3) NEUROLOGICAL EFFECTS: Infrared radiations are used for muscle relaxation, which help in the treatment of inflammation, neuralgia, pain relief, muscle spasm e.t.c.
(4) METABOLIC CHANGES: The metabolic changes that occur due to heating effect of infrared radiation include the following:

  • Analgesia
  • Decrease muscle tone 
  • Decrease muscle spasm
  • Local increase in tissue temperature
  • Vasodilation
  • Increase metabolism 
  • Decrease formation of edeme 
  • Increase capillary permeability
  • Increase lymphatic and venous drainage
  • Secondary axonal reflex activity
  • Increase elasticity of connective tissue
  • Increase blood flow.

INDICATIONS OF INFRARED RADIATION THERAPY

(1) For pain relief
(2) To reduce edema
(3) To increase elasticity of connective tissue
(4) To increase sweating 
(5) To improve the local circulation
(6) To promote healing process
(7) To reduce joint stiffness 
(8) To reduce muscle spasm


CONTRAINDICATIONS OF INFRARED RADIATION THERAPY

(1) Impaired skin sensation (abnormal skin sensation)
(2) Impaired blood circulation (abnormal blood circulation)
(3) Over the eyes 
(4) Patient or person who have had deep X-ray therapy
(5) Patient who use or take Analgesic and Narcotic drugs 
(6) Ages especially elderly people who already have impaired sensation and impaired blood circulation
(7) Patient with acute infection
(8) Over skin tumors
(9) Blood pressure abnormalities 
(10) Severe cardiac conditions 


DANGERS OF INFRARED RADIATION THERAPY

(1) Skin burns
(2) Skin irritation
(3) Lowering of blood pressure 
(4) Eye damage
(5) Dehydration

Comments

  1. lumiredMay 15, 2021 at 12:48 AM

    I liked your work and the way in which you have shared this article here about therapy. Another red light therapy for sports injuries is also best one. It is a beneficial and helpful article for us. Thanks for sharing an article like this.

    ReplyDelete

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