Infrared Radiation Therapy: By: Vikalp Mohan Saxena Roll No.: 29 B.P.T 2 Year

INFRARED RADIATION THERAPY
By: Vikalp Mohan Saxena

Roll No.: 29
B.P.T 2nd Year
___________________________________
INFRARED RADIATION:
Infrared radiations are part of an electromagnetic spectrum, with
wavelength of 750nm-1mm, and frequency of 4x1014 and 7.4x 1011,
and located between microwave and visible light.
Of all radiations it’s the most natural form, from a human perspective.
INFRARED radiations constantly emitted from any heated body; it
produces heat when absorbed ; and is divided into long and short
wavelength categories for therapeutic purposes.
CLASSIFICATION OF IRR :
 IR A: 760-1400nm
They have the deepest penetration.
 IR B: 1400-3000nm
 IR C: 3000nm – 1mm
Near or short IR (760-1500nm)
Far or long IR (1500-15000nm)
Near (short)=750-1500nm Far (long)=1500-15000nm
Types IRA=750-1400nm IRB=1400-3000,

IRC=3000nm-1m
Sources Luminous heated body Non-luminous Heated bodies
-Incandescent bodies -Hot pack
-Sun -Electrical heating pads
-Tungsten
Penetratio Deeper; penetrates to Superficial; penetrates to the
n epidermis , epidermis ≤5mm
dermis & subcutaneous (5-
10mm)
Absorptio Deep Superficially
n
________________________________________________________
___________
PRODUCTION OF IRR:
Any heated material will produce IRR,
the wavelength being determined by the temperature. If short infrared
is to be produced efficiently the material must not be oxidized by the
higher temperatures used. The most convenient method is to heat a
resistance wire by passing an electric current through it.
THERAPEUTIC IRR LAMPS:
NON LUMINOUS GENERATORS

In these heaters the wire glows red
thus giving some radiations in the
visible region but peak emission in
the short infrared. IRR is produced
by electrically heated filament in an
evacuated glass bulb, often with
silvered inner surface to provide a
reflector. These generators are used is acute conditions. They have a
sedative effect.
As such lamp becomes hotter all the parts
 the emitter,
 the metal plate on the end of the emitter,
 the protective wire mesh and the reflector become heated
and giving off a range of wavelength from near to far
infrared.
 EMITTER placed at focus of semi parabolic reflector to
reflect radiations into approximate uniform beam .
 REFLECTOR and EMITTER mounted on strong metal
stand which can be adjusted to alter the height and angle
of the reflector/emitter.
 Small lamps take 5 min but larger ones take up to 15 min
to reach maximum emission.
LUMINOUS GENERATORS
These are generators fixed with
incandescent bulb which has a thin
filament usually made up of
tungsten. Radiations are produced
by electrically heated tungsten
filament in an evacuated glass
bulb, often with silvered inner
surface to provide a reflector.
In PRINCIPLE :the filament is
heated to a high temperature by the
current passed through it and so gives off continuous spectrum in the
infrared regions. They are used in chronic conditions. They work on
counter irritation.
ABSORPTIONS AND PENETRATION OF IRR

IRR is strongly absorbed near the skin surface. Little infrared is
reflected from the surface if it is applied perpendicular to the skin.
The only IRR to penetrate the tissues to any significant extent is a
band approximately between 650nm in the red visible and 1500nm in
the short IRR.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF IRR:
 CUTANEOUS VASODILATATION: This is due to liberation

of chemical vasodilators like histamine as well as possible direct
effect on the blood vessels. Vasodilatation is evident from the
nature of erythema which develops with an irregular patchy
appearance.
 SWEATING:- With prolonged and intense heating sweating
will start to occur.
 SENSATION:- Thermal heat receptors will be stimulated in
skin so that patient is aware of heating.
 INCREASE IN METABOLISM:- The rise in temperature
causes an increase in the metabolism.
 CHRONIC CHANGES:- Excessive and prolonged IRR
application can cause the destruction of erythrocytes, releasing
pigments and causing brown discoloration of the skin.
THERAPEUTIC USES OF IRR:

 PAIN RELIEF:- An increase in sensory nerve conduction might
influence sensory responses through increase in endorphins
which could affect the pain gate mechanism.
 FUNGAL INFECTIONS:- Which are difficult to control and
thrive in moist conditions like paronychia are treated with
regular IRR
 REDUCES MUSCLE SPASM
 PSORIASIS:- IRR used in treatment of psoriasis on the grounds
that moderate hyperthermia can affect cell replication.
 Promote superficial heating and repair.
 Promote tissue flexibility and reduce stiffness.
 Increase the vascularity of skin.
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF IRR THERAPY:
 Acute inflammatory conditions

• Impaired cutaneous thermal sensation and circulation
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Markedly loss of consciousness.
• Acute skin disease, e.g., dermatitis or eczema
• Deep X-ray therapy
• Defective blood pressure regulation
• Acute febrile illness (Fever)
• Tumours of the skin
• Haemophilia.
 Unreliable and elderly patients.

 Never apply heat directly to eyes or the genitals.
 Never heat the abdomen during Pregnancy (first and last
trimester )
SPECIFIED CLASSIFICATION:
General contraindications:
- Hyperpyrexia
- Hyperesthesia
- Dermatitis
- Tuberculosis
- Inflammation and injury
- Deep X-ray therapy
- Vascular impairment
Local contra indications:
- Open wounds
- Thrombosis
- Improper blood supply
______________________v_____________________

Infrared Radiation Therapy: By: Vikalp Mohan Saxena Roll No.: 29 B.P.T 2 Year

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Infrared Radiation Therapy: By: Vikalp Mohan Saxena Roll No.: 29 B.P.T 2 Year

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Infrared Radiation Therapy: By: Vikalp Mohan Saxena Roll No.: 29 B.P.T 2 Year

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

INFRARED RADIATION THERAPY

By: Vikalp Mohan Saxena

Near (short)=750-1500nm Far (long)=1500-15000nm

Types IRA=750-1400nm IRB=1400-3000,

THERAPEUTIC IRR LAMPS:

NON LUMINOUS GENERATORS

ABSORPTIONS AND PENETRATION OF IRR

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF IRR:

 CUTANEOUS VASODILATATION: This is due to liberation

THERAPEUTIC USES OF IRR:

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF IRR THERAPY:

 Acute inflammatory conditions

 Unreliable and elderly patients.

You might also like