Infrared Therapy: Difference between revisions
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
Infrared or thermal radiation is a band of energy in the complete electromagnetic spectrum, and it has been used effectively for millennia to treat/ease certain disorders and discomforts. Infrared (IR) are the radiations of longer wavelength than the red end of the visible spectrum and extend to the microwave region, i.e., from 760 nm to 1 mm.<ref name=":1"> | Infrared or thermal radiation is a band of energy in the complete electromagnetic spectrum, and it has been used effectively for millennia to treat/ease certain disorders and discomforts. Infrared (IR) are the radiations of longer wavelength than the red end of the visible spectrum and extend to the microwave region, i.e., from 760 nm to 1 mm.<ref name=":1">Infrared and visible radiations. Electrotherapy Explained principles and practice. John Low & Ann Reed. 2nd edition.</ref> | ||
[[File:ElectroMagnetic Spectrum Properties.png|thumb|Electromagnetic Spectrum|alt=|center]] | [[File:ElectroMagnetic Spectrum Properties.png|thumb|Electromagnetic Spectrum|alt=|center]] | ||
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An alternative classification provided in ISO 20473 <ref name=":0" /> | An alternative classification provided in ISO 20473 <ref name=":0" /> | ||
Any | Any heated body emits infra red; Sun also emits infrared radiation. Any material with temperature above absolute zero emits IR. IR radiations are produced in all matter by molecular vibration; the molecular movement causes infrared emission of different wavelengths and frequencies<ref name=":1" />. The frequencies at which maximum radiations are emitted are proportional to the temperature which means ''higher the temperature high the frequency'' and so ''shorter the wavelength''. <ref name=":1" /> | ||
The Near infrared are also known as 'luminous' as they have some visible light with wavelength of 770 to 1500 nanometers.<ref>Thermal agents in rehabilitation. Chapter 5 Biophysical Principles of heating.</ref> The luminous source is found to be more effective in tissue-heating as it penetrates deeper and energy is distributed in larger areas of the tissues<ref name=":1" />. The Far infrared also called as non-luminous are within 1500nm to 0.1 mm. the non-luminous with peak around 4000nm is absorbed in the skin<ref name=":1" />. | The Near infrared are also known as 'luminous' as they have some visible light with wavelength of 770 to 1500 nanometers.<ref>Thermal agents in rehabilitation. Chapter 5 Biophysical Principles of heating.</ref> The luminous source is found to be more effective in tissue-heating as it penetrates deeper and energy is distributed in larger areas of the tissues<ref name=":1" />. The Far infrared also called as non-luminous are within 1500nm to 0.1 mm. the non-luminous with peak around 4000nm is absorbed in the skin<ref name=":1" />. | ||
Production of Infrared | ==== Production of Infrared ==== | ||
Different kinds of lamps are used for production of therapeutic infrared: | Different kinds of lamps are used for production of therapeutic infrared: | ||
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Luminous generators - IR is produced by incandescent lamps in the luminous generator. The lamp consists of a wire filament (tungsten) enclosed in a glass bulb that may be evacuated or filled with an inert gas at a low pressure. When an electric current is passed through the tungsten filament, it gets heated and emits IR, visible and few ultra-violet rays. The front of the bulb is red to filter out shorter visible and UV rays<ref name=":2" />. | Luminous generators - IR is produced by incandescent lamps in the luminous generator. The lamp consists of a wire filament (tungsten) enclosed in a glass bulb that may be evacuated or filled with an inert gas at a low pressure. When an electric current is passed through the tungsten filament, it gets heated and emits IR, visible and few ultra-violet rays. The front of the bulb is red to filter out shorter visible and UV rays<ref name=":2" />. | ||
Depth of penetration of IR | ==== Depth of penetration of IR ==== | ||
== Physiological Effects == | == Physiological Effects == | ||
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
Infrared or thermal radiation is a band of energy in the complete electromagnetic spectrum, and it has been used effectively for millennia to treat/ease certain disorders and discomforts. Infrared (IR) are the radiations of longer wavelength than the red end of the visible spectrum and extend to the microwave region, i.e., from 760 nm to 1 mm.[1]
IR includes wavelengths between the 780 nm to 1000 μm. IR is divided into different bands: Near-Infrared (NIR, 0.78~3.0 μm), Mid-Infrared (MIR, 3.0~50.0 μm) and Far-Infrared (FIR, 50.0~1000.0 μm) as defined in standard ISO 20473:2007 Optics and photonics -- Spectral bands.[2]Classification
The classification of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) has three sub-divisions for the IR radiation[3]
| Type | Wavelength |
|---|---|
| IR A (Near IR) | 700-1400nm |
| IR B (Mid-IR) | 1400-3000nm |
| IR C (Far-IR) | 3000 nm– 0.1 mm |
An alternative classification provided in ISO 20473 [3]
Any heated body emits infra red; Sun also emits infrared radiation. Any material with temperature above absolute zero emits IR. IR radiations are produced in all matter by molecular vibration; the molecular movement causes infrared emission of different wavelengths and frequencies[1]. The frequencies at which maximum radiations are emitted are proportional to the temperature which means higher the temperature high the frequency and so shorter the wavelength. [1]
The Near infrared are also known as 'luminous' as they have some visible light with wavelength of 770 to 1500 nanometers.[4] The luminous source is found to be more effective in tissue-heating as it penetrates deeper and energy is distributed in larger areas of the tissues[1]. The Far infrared also called as non-luminous are within 1500nm to 0.1 mm. the non-luminous with peak around 4000nm is absorbed in the skin[1].
Production of Infrared[edit | edit source]
Different kinds of lamps are used for production of therapeutic infrared:
Non-luminous generator - An electric current is passed through a coil of wire wound on an insulating material (like porcelain/fireclay) which produces heat. The heated wire and heated material emits IR. In these heater the wire glows red thus giving some radiation in the visible region with peak emission in the near infrared. Non-luminous requires some time to heat up before the emitted rays reach maximum intensity and so must be switched on at an appropriate time prior to use [5].
Luminous generators - IR is produced by incandescent lamps in the luminous generator. The lamp consists of a wire filament (tungsten) enclosed in a glass bulb that may be evacuated or filled with an inert gas at a low pressure. When an electric current is passed through the tungsten filament, it gets heated and emits IR, visible and few ultra-violet rays. The front of the bulb is red to filter out shorter visible and UV rays[5].
Depth of penetration of IR[edit | edit source]
Physiological Effects[edit | edit source]
Infrared radiations cause[1]:
- local cutaneous vasodilation due to the release of chemical vasodilator (histamine) as well as possible effect on the blood vessels, occurs after 1-2 mins
- evident erythema the rate and intensity of erythema depends on rate and degree of heating.
- reflex dilation of other cutaneous vessels occurs to maintain normal heat balance
- prolonged heating leads to sweating leading to cooling
Therapeutic Uses[edit | edit source]
Infrared is used for the following purposes[1]:
- pain relief
- decreases muscle spasm
- increases the sensory nerve conduction velocity, increase in endorphins influencing the pain gate mechanism
- acceleration of healing and tissue repair- pressure sores
- used prior to electrical stimulation/testing or biofeedback to make the skin a better conductor
Application[edit | edit source]
Patient is placed in a comfortable position and the area to be treated is exposed. Nature and effects of treatment are explained. Skin is examined and thermal sensations are tested. Eyes are shielded in case they are irradiated. To achieve maximum penetration, the lamp is placed at right angles to area to be treated.[1]Distance from the lamp can be about 60-75 cm for large lamp (750-1000W) and 45-50cm for smaller ones. Intensity of heat is controlled by altering the position of the lamp or in some lamps by altering the resistance thereby the current to the element. Non-luminous lamp has to be switched on up to 15 mins before application to allow maximum emission.
New development
Infrared Emitting Materials for Clothing[edit | edit source]
Sports professionals, especially elite athletes, use far-infrared (FIR)-emitting garments to enhance exercise performance and recovery. [6]
Infrared Saunas and Waon Therapy[edit | edit source]
Dangers[edit | edit source]
- Burns
- Skin irritation
- Eye damage
- Dehydration
- Low BP
- Defective arterial blood flow[1]
Contraindications[edit | edit source]
- Impaired cutaneous thermal sensations
- Defective arterial cutaneous circulation
- Dermatitis or eczema
- Tumors
- Skin damage due to ionizing radiation
- Fever[1]
Resources[edit | edit source]
- bulleted list
- x
or
- numbered list
- x
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Infrared and visible radiations. Electrotherapy Explained principles and practice. John Low & Ann Reed. 2nd edition.
- ↑ Tsai SR, Hamblin MR. Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. 2017 May 1;170:197-207.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Vatansever F, Hamblin MR. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics & lasers in medicine. 2012 Nov 1;1(4):255-66.
- ↑ Thermal agents in rehabilitation. Chapter 5 Biophysical Principles of heating.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Methods of Heating the Tissues. Clayton's Electrotherapy
- ↑ Bontemps B, Gruet M, Vercruyssen F, Louis J. Utilisation of far infrared-emitting garments for optimising performance and recovery in sport: Real potential or new fad? A systematic review. PloS one. 2021 May 6;16(5):e0251282.
