INFRARED RADIATION
(IR)
PTR1215191 HEAT, LIGHT AND HYDROTHERAPY
Lect. Çağla ÖZGÖREN
Infrared waves lie between visible light and
microwaves.
• Wavelength: 750 nm to 400.000 nm.
• Frequency: 4×1014 Hz and 7.5×1011 Hz.
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 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:
• 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.
