INFRA RED AND LUMINOUS

RADIATION
L.S.Angliadi
Department Of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation
Faculty of Medicine University of Sam
Ratulangi Manado
 General Consideration
Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Wavelengths from about 4.000 to 7.700 Angstrom or
400 – 700 mU have the appropiate quantum energy
to produce photochemical reaction in the retina that
will cause the perception of light.
- Visible spectrum from 7.700 to 14.000 Angstrom or
770-1,400 mU , is the near or the shortwave IR
- The extending to about 400,000 Angstrom or
40, 000 mU is the far or longwave IR.
 Sources of Infrared
The Sun is the most natural source of infrared
radiation.
Artificial sources of IR are generally devided
into 2 groups :

1. Low- temperature or Non-Luminous or

Infrared radiators.
2. High- temperature or Luminous or
Heat lamps
 Non Luminous
Generators are heated by the passage of electric
current through a bare wire carbon, held in a suitable
nonconducting material like porcellain , mounted in the
center of a parabolic reflector.
When NL object is heated---- a red glow and emit
a quantity of visible red radiation. The parabolic
reflector should concentrated the rays on the surface
of the body evenly without hot spots.

NL generator marketed in small unit drawing 50-300 W

of power and large unit drawing up to 1,500 Watts.
 Luminous or Heat Lamps
High temperature generators emit a large amount of luminous
radiation through one or more incandescent lamps, consists of a
wire filament enclosed in a glass bulb, which may or may not
contain an inert gas at a low pressure.
The filament is a coil of fine wires usually made of tungsten. This
material tolerate repeated heating and cooling. The exclusion of air
prevents the exitation of the filament which would cause an
opaque deposit to form inside the bulb.
The wattage vary from 60-1,000 watts.
Caution : explosion during treatments.
Lamps whivh consumes > 300 watts are usually provided with
a wire mesh quard in front of the reflector which may serve to
catch a large portion of the glass in the case of an exploson.
These lamps emit near or short IR radiation but the secondary
heating of the reflector may allow the emission of far or long
waves.
The pattern of heating influenced by the geometric characteristics of
the reflector. With some reflector , a spotlight effect may produced
a floodlight effect.
 Depth of Penetration and
Absorption
Dependent on the wavelength of the radiation
used
The human skin absorb 95% of the radiation,
which hit the surface perpendicularly and
produces the physiological effects of heat.
Depth of penetration is only .05-0.1 mm(stratum
corneum of the skin / superficial layer)
Stillwell and Stoner : Average penetration of near
IR is 3 mm
Watkin and Shiber : 20- 30 mm.
Using quartz IR generator :(1,500 mU),max.10mm
 Physiological Effects
Exerts local as well as systemic or general effects on
the human body.
Local effects :- Increase local temperature
- Increase metabolic rate
- Increase production of metabolites
- Arteriolar dilatation
- Increase capillary blood flow
- Increase hydrostatic pressure (cause
edema abd swelling )
Mild heating also causes a relief of pain and sedation
but strong heat will cause marked counterirritation
 Physiological Effects
The analgesic effect of local heating is not well understood,
although it may be related to a reduction in the thermal
gradient of the skin.May also be some reflex muscle
relaxation due to decreased firing of the gamma spindles
within the muscle.
Heat also causes reflex vasodilatation.
Because of this dilatation in the other vessels of the
body,the organism attempts to eliminate the
excess heat by:
1. profuse systemic perspiration
2. increase in the pulse and cardiac rates
3. lowering of the blood pressure.
4. increase in the respiratory rate and ;
5. increase in the elimination of waste through the kidneys.
 Clinical Uses
1.Subacute and chronic traumatic and inflammatory
conditions in areas accesible to exposure.
2.Various forms of the arthritides and rheumatoid
conditions where the joints are painful and pressure
on it must be avoided.Milder forms of neuritis or
neuralgia .
3. Acute, subacute and chronic catarrhal conditions of
the mucus membranes,particularly in episiotomies.
4.Infections of the skin like furunculosis,folliculitis and
abscess formation.
5.As a preliminary heating modality before exercise or
electrical stimulation, particularly in superficial areas of
the body like the face (Bell’s PalsY)
 Technique of Application
The patient should be placed in a comfortable ,
relaxed position and the radiation from the generator
directed over the part to be treated.
Distance : 14 – 18 inches. This can be increased
for patients who are oversensibilities to the expopsure.
Time limit : 20 – 30 minutes
When applied to the face , the eyes should be protected by
moists cotton pledgets. This is to protect the mucous and
the retina from over heating.
- The technique for general body heating is the same as
local heating except for the larger area exposed.
- Application from 15 minutes to one- half hour at a distance
of comfortable tolerance while continous monitoring of
patient’s pulse must be done.
Anytime of patient feels faint, or that his pulse rate goes
higher than 100/ min ,or becomes irregular , the treatment
should be discontinued.
 Contraindications
Impaired sensation for temperature or pain.
Impaired circulation
Non inflamattory edema
Patients who are in extreme of ages, the very
young and the very old, carefully monitored.
Malignancy
LABORATORY SESSION
 Method of Heating
A. Radiation
B. Superficial heating agent.
 Advantages
Ease of application
More constant heat
Better regulation of heat
No pressure on body parts
Part treated in visible for
checkingduring treatments
Probably the simplest, least
expensive
Ideal for home use.
 Precautions & Contraindication
A.Does not come in contact with the heat source.
B.Safe practice dictates that wire quards should be used over bulb
type lamps.
C.Patient response should determine adequate dose
Therofore temperaure sensation must be intact over the area to be
treated. The patient must not fall asleep during the treatment.
D.Special care during the first treatment of a new patient
E.Protect scars (old & new) with wet gauze.Special precautions must
be observed for anesthetic and paralyzed areas.
F.If the face is to be treated , protect the patient’s eyes with cotton
pledgets. This becomes absolutely essential when using luminous
source of infrared.
G. Make sure the lamp is locked in position so it cannot fall on the
patient.
H. Use atimer for an accurate treatment.
I. Always move the lamp to a greater distanceif the patient
complains of a burning sensation.
J. Instruct the patient that the heat should not be excessive and to notify
the therapist in case of discomfort. Be within call.
 Time , Temperature and Dosage
A. Temperature :
1. IR application is governed primarily by two laws:
a. Inverse Square Law : The intensity of radiation
from any source of light varies inversely with the
square of the distance from the source.
The patient receive more heat energy as patient –
to-lamp distance is reduced. This however , is greatly
modified by the reflectors of the lamp.

b. Cosine Law : The energy per square centimeter is pro-

portional to a constant multiplied by the cosine of the
angle made by a line connecting the source and the
patient , and a line perpendicular to the patient’s body.
Optimum radiation to the patient occurs when the source
of radiation is at right angles to the center of the area to
be radiated.
 Time , Temperature and Dosage
2. The energy of the source which reaches the petient per square
centimeter per second will depend on :
a. output of the source (watts)
b. distance
c. angle of application
3. Placement of the source is determined by the above consideration .
If the area becomes uncomfortably warm,diminish the radiation.
If mild,superficial heating is indicated,the source is set up with less
than optimal radiation,i.e. smaller lamp, greater distance .
4. The proper distance is one that is sufficient to give a normal reaction ;
to produce a comfortable heat to the patient without burning or
discomfort. Check the patient every 5 minutes.

Example of Prescription : IR over the right side of the face ,30 minutes,
B.I.D.
 Preparation
A. Determine the procedure to be used :
1. The choice of a luminous or non luminous generator depends on
what is available . As well as on the individual preference of the
therapist and / or patient.
2. Select the correct size lamp, if available.
B. Check the lamp :
1. Know how to operate the lamp and manipulate all the manual
adjustments.
2. The lamp reflector should be clean and dust free.
3. Be sure the lamp is operating safely and efficiently :
a. Do not use frayed line cord.
b. All plug and wire connections should be tight.
c. Bulbs, rods or tubes should be working , and secure.
d. The screen covering the reflector must be secure.
4. All manual adjustments must be in working order.
5. Turn on the nonluminous lamp to heat for five to ten minutes
before use.
C. Select the patient’s position.( comfort & relaxation)
D. Prepare all material to be used.
 Guidelines in the treatment
A. The patient should always be a comfortable and relaxed position.
B. If a paralyzed part is present , a rays provide necessary support.
C. When edema is present , elevate the part.
D. Have the patient remove clothing and jeweleries from the area to be treated.
E. Drape the patient. Expose only the part to be treated.
F. Pre-heat the non luminous lamp,which may take up to 5 minutes.
G. Inspect the skin before,during and after tratment.
H. In giving treatment to the face, protect the patient’s eyes (covering with wet cotton.), the ears may also protected by a
towel. Orotect the patient’s eyes from luminous sources, irregardless of whether it is the face or the other parts of the body
which is being treated.
I. Lamps with dark glass absorb more heat and are more likely to shatter in use. Never place this type of bulbs directly over
the patient unless a wire guard of fine mesh protects the patient.
J.To limit IR radiation to a given area, a “ skirt” of sheeting may be fastened around the lamp. This is usually done when
using a large (1,000 watts)lamp.
K. Adjust the lamp to the adequate distance and position.
L. Check the intensity of the lamp by:
1. observing the relationship of the lamp to the part being treated.
2. Questioning the patient.
3. placing a hand over the part to feel if the lamp is directed to it.
 Equipments
A. Luminous ( Near Infrared)
1. Tungsten filament . 250 watt Mazda type bulb commonly
available for home use.
2. Carbon filament.
3. Predominance of short, penetrating rays.
4. Wxample of Commercial Models: Burdick Quartz Tube
Infrared. Desert Sun 500 watt Mazda Tungsten Filament, etc.
B. Non luminous ( Far Infrared)
1. Usually carborundum.
2. Predominance of long and less penetrating rays,mostly absor-
bed by the skin.
3. Used where light bothers the patient.
4. Useful where the face is being treated or in fretful children.
5. Feels more soothing in acute painful conditions.
6. Example of Commercial Models : Burdick Zoalite Carborundum Rod
Type,McCall Desert Air 500 watt Lava Unit,Birtcher 750 watt Golden
Glow Metal Resistant Plate type etc.
C. Reflector should always shiny metal.
D.Wire mesh screen over the heating source is desireble for safety.
E. Base of the lamp should be large enough to minimize the danger of tipping.
F. Wheels on the base should be large enough to facilitate moving the lamp.
 Starting the treatment
A. Explain the procedure to the patient :
1. Explain the sensation he should feel. The heat should be
comfortably warm and not hot. If it is too hot, he should call
you immediately.
2. Tell him not to touch line cord, adjustments or any part of
the lamp stand or reflector.
B. Place the patient in the correct position and be sure he is
properly draped.
C. Check the area to be treated :
1. The skin should be clean.
2. Check skin sensation.
3. All scar tissues, any abrasions or new skin must covered with
thick ,wet padsof gause or cotton. Hold yhe covering in place
with masking tape.
4. Remove any metal.
5. If the face is tobe treated, cover the eyes with wet cotton .
Contact lens should be removed.
 Starting the treatment
D. Position of the Lamp.
1. All lamp adjustment should be made before positioning the
lamp over the patient.
2. The distance between the lamp and the patient: 18 – 20
inches initially with the luminous lamp, and 24-30 inches
with the nonluminous lamp.
3. Place your foot on the lamp base while raising or lowering
the lamp. Be careful not to separate the upper part of the
lamp from the lower part.
4. Center the lamp both lengthwise and sidewise over the area
to be treated.
5. The lamp reflector should be at right angle.
E. Turn on the luminous lamp( Should be preheated )
F. Remind the patient to call you if the heat becomes too intense.
1. Never raise or lower the lamp (whether it is on or off) while
it is over the patient.
2. Covering the part will change the type of heating transfer
from the radiation to conduction.
G. Set the timer ( 20 – 30 minutes).
 Terminating the treatment.
A. Turn off the lamp, unplug the line cord and drape it
over the lamp arm or use the hook provided on the lamp.
Move the lamp out of the patient’s way. If using non luminous
lamp and another patient is to follow , leave the lamp on to
avoid preheating time. Warn the patient that the lamp is hot.
B. Give the patient a towel and tell him to dry the skin.
C. Check the skin for any unsual marks thet were not there
before starting the treatment.