INFRARED RADIATION

(IR)

PTR1215191 HEAT, LIGHT AND HYDROTHERAPY

Lect. Çağla ÖZGÖREN
Infrared waves lie between visible light and
microwaves.

• Wavelength: 750 nm to 400000 nm.

• Frequency: 4×1014 Hz and 7.5×1011 Hz.
N
 Types of Infrared Radiation

1. Type Wavelength:
IRA → 760-1400 nm
IRB → 1400-3000 nm
IRC → 3000nm –1mm

2. Former Classification:
Near or short IRR → 750-1500 nm
Far or Long IRR → 1500-15000nm
Physiological Effects of IR
→ Near IR

Penetrates to dermis deep layer or subcutaneal

tissue

→ Far IR

Penetrates superficial Epidermis

 TYPES OF IR LAMPS

Two types of infrared sources are used in

physiotherapy practice:
1. Non-Luminous Generators
2. Luminous Generators
 1. Non-Luminous Generators

▪ Also known as low temperature generators.

▪ Produces only infra-red rays of wavelength

750 nm to 15000 nm.

▪ For recent injury, sedative effect of non-

luminous generators may prove more useful.
Non-Luminous Generators
 2. Luminous Generators

▪ Also known as high temperature

generators.
▪ Emits visible rays, ultraviolet rays, and
infra-red rays of wavelength 350 nm to
4000 nm.
 Luminous Generators
▪ Are in the form of incandescent bulb.

▪ Filament made of tungsten as it tolerates repeated

heating and cooling.

▪ For lesion of more chronic type the effect of

shorter rays may prove to be of value and
luminous generators are used under these
circumstances.
Luminous generator in form of incandescent bulb
 ABSORPTION
▪ Some radiations striking the surface of the
skin will be reflected and some will penetrate,
scattered, refracted and ultimately absorbed.

▪ Close to 95% of the radiation applied

perpendicular to the skin is absorbed.

▪ Water and proteins are strong absorbers for

infrared.
! Any radiation entering into the skin
depends on :

✓ Structure
✓ Vascularity
✓ Pigmentation of skin
✓ Wavelength of radiation
 Penetration
▪ IR rays produced by Luminous generators
can penetrate into dermis and epidermis.

▪ IR rays produced by Non-luminous

generators can penetrate the superficial
dermis only.
Penetration of energy into a medium is depended
upon:

✓ Intensity of the source of infrared

✓ Wavelength and frequency
✓ Angle at which the radiation hits the surface
✓ Coefficient of absorption of the material.
Depth of Penetration
 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

➢Increases metabolic rate

➢Cutaneous vasodilatation
➢Sweating
➢Stimulation of thermal heat receptors
 THERAPEUTIC USES
✓ Relief of pain
✓ Muscle relaxation
✓ Increase blood supply
✓ Increase in joint mobility
✓ Acceleration of healing and repair
Choice of Tool- I :

• Non-luminous remote IR can be used in terms of

sedative effect and pain reduction in acute
inflammation or newly formed injuries.

• In chronic cases, near IR is used.

 Choice of Tool- II :

• If the area to be treated is a localized area, a single

headed IR lamp can be used.

• However, IR devices with 2 heads are more

suitable if the treatment area is a wider area such
as back and waist.
 DANGERS
➢Burns
➢Electric shock
➢Faintness or dizziness.
➢Headache
➢Gangrene
➢Injury to the eyes
➢Dehydration
 APPLICATION
Patient position: Position the patient in a suitable, well
supported position with the area to be treated
exposed.
 APPLICATION
Explanation: Explain the nature and effects of
the treatment to the patient.

Examination: Examine the skin to be treated

and test the thermal sensation and also check
for contraindication.
 CONTRAINDICATIONS-I

➢Defective arterial blood supply

➢Hemorrhage
➢Defective skin sensation
➢Over pelvic region during pregnancy
➢Varicose veins
➢Known cases of tumors
 CONTRAINDICATIONS-II
➢Shouldn’t be applied directly over the eyes
➢Patient whose consciousness is lowered
➢After deep X-ray and cobalt therapy
➢Acute skin disease like dermatitis or eczema
➢Advanced cardiac disorders
➢Patients who are in extremes of age
➢Over testes
 Equipments
▪ Non-luminous generators take some time to get
heated, so they should be switched on before 5-7
min of treatment.

▪ Luminous generator needs no warm up time and

can be switched on once the patient is ready for
the treatment.
 Arrangement of Lamp and Patient

▪ Expose the skin to be irradiated and cover or

shield the eyes.

▪ The lamp is positioned opposite to the treatment

area such that rays strike the skin at right angles.

▪ Set the lamp at an appropriate distance which is

usually 50-75 cm.
 INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS

➢The patient is warned that he/she should

experience comfortable warmth.

➢Patient should report immediately if the heating

becomes excessive.

➢Patient should not touch any part of the lamp or

not move nearer to the treatment bed himselves.
 APPLICATION
➢At the beginning of the treatment, intensity of the
radiation should be low, but after 5-10 minutes
(after vasodilatation) strength of radiation can be
increased.

➢Therapists should be near the patient throughout

the treatment.

➢Sweating is encouraged.
 TERMINATION
➢On completion of the treatment the skin
should be checked carefully.

➢With palpation it may felt mildly or

moderately warm and a moderate erythema
should be evident.
 DOSAGE
➢The dosage can be adjusted by changing the
distance and angle of lamp to the body.
➢Generally, 20- 40 minutes of applications are made
per day.
➢It is planned with a treatment period of 10-15
days.
➢After the first 5-10 minutes, there is an increase in
skin temperature, and after 15-30 minutes, there is
an increase in temperature muscle tissue.