Infrared Radiation and Heat Therapy

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Questions and Answers

What is infrared radiation (IR)?

A superficial thermal agent used therapeutically for the relief of pain and stiffness, to increase joint motion, and to enhance the healing of soft tissue lesions and skin conditions.

Which of the following are sources of infrared radiation? (Select all that apply)

Coal fire (correct)

Electric bulbs (correct)

Microwaves

The sun (correct)

What is the wavelength range of infrared radiation?

750 to 400000 nm

What is the definition of heat in the context of infrared radiation?

A form of energy produced by the movement of atoms and molecules Signup and view all the answers

IR radiation is produced by ________ motion of molecules.

molecular Signup and view all the answers

What type of infrared radiation has a wavelength range of 700 nm to 1400 nm?

IR-A (Near or Short IR) Signup and view all the answers

All substances with a temperature above absolute zero possess heat.

True Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of IR radiation to its wavelength range:

IR-A = 700 nm – 1400 nm IR-B = 1400 nm – 3000 nm IR-C = 3000 nm – 1 mm Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to 75% of the acetabulum?

Ilium and ischium Signup and view all the answers

The acetabular labrum does not provide significant stability to the hip joint.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal value of the angle of inclination of the femur in adults?

125° Signup and view all the answers

Which angle pertains to the axis of the femoral neck and the axis of the femoral condyles?

Angle of femoral torsion Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the angle of Wiberg?

Lateral and superior stability of the hip joint Signup and view all the answers

The acetabular anteversion angle is typically _____ degrees.

20 Signup and view all the answers

What could cause both patella to point inward during a posture examination?

Excessive femoral anteversion angle Signup and view all the answers

What is the abnormal change associated with increased angle of Wiberg?

Femoral acetabular impingement Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Infrared Radiation (IR)

Infrared radiation (IR) is a superficial thermal agent used therapeutically for relief of pain and stiffness, increase joint motion, and enhance healing of soft tissue lesions and skin conditions.
IR is electromagnetic waves with wavelengths of 750 to 400000 nm and frequencies 4 × 1014 Hz and 7.5 × 1011 Hz.
IR can be produced by any hot body such as the sun, electric bulb, coal fire, gas fire, etc.

Heat vs. Temperature

Heat is a form of energy produced by the movement of atoms and molecules.
Temperature measures the ability of an object to spontaneously give up energy.

Factors Influencing Heat Energy

The speed of particles (kinetic energy)
The number of particles (mass)
The capacity of particles to store heat (specific heat capacity)

Cold & Heat Modalities

Most cold and heat modalities used in therapy produce infrared radiation.
Examples include hydrocollator packs, paraffin baths, hot and cold whirlpools, ice packs, and infrared lamps.

Infrared & Ultraviolet Radiation

Infrared radiation causes thermal changes in the body.
Ultraviolet radiation causes chemical changes.

Classification of Infrared Radiation

The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) classifies infrared based on wavelength:
- IR-A (near or short IR): 700 nm – 1400 nm
- IR-B (mid IR): 1400 nm – 3000 nm
- IR-C (far or long IR): 3000 nm – 1 mm

Physical Characteristics of IR

IR is produced by molecular motion and vibration/rotation of molecules.
Increased temperature leads to higher frequency output and shorter wavelength of IR.
Most bodies emit multiple IR wavelengths due to emission and absorption effects on molecules.

Infrared Lamps

Infrared lamps emit electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range that causes heat absorption.

Sources of Infrared Radiation

Natural Sources: The Sun
Artificial Sources:
- Luminous Sources:
  - Tungsten filament enclosed in glass bulb with inert gas at low pressure.
  - Emit infrared, visible, and ultraviolet rays.
- Non-Luminous Sources:
  - Coiled resistance wire embedded in ceramic insulating material.
  - Emit only infrared rays.

Luminous vs. Non-Luminous Sources

Luminous Generators:
- Use tungsten filament enclosed in a glass bulb containing inert gas at low pressure.
- Emit infrared, visible, and ultraviolet rays.
- Have a low heat-up time.
- Emit a wider range of wavelengths (350 - 4000 nm)
- Emit the peak wavelength around 1000 nm.
Non-Luminous Generators:
- Use a coiled resistance wire embedded in a ceramic insulating material.
- Emit only infrared rays.
- Have a high heat-up time (5-7 minutes).
- Emit a narrower range of wavelengths (750 - 15000 nm)
- Do not emit a peak wavelength.

Depth of Penetration

Luminous generators can penetrate into the dermis.

Bony Articulation

The acetabulum is made up of the ilium and ischium (75%) and the pubis (25%).
The acetabulum is a cup-like socket that holds the femoral head.
The acetabular labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that deepens the acetabulum.
The labrum adds stability to the hip joint by holding the femoral head and deepening the socket by 30%.
The labrum helps maintain negative pressure in the joint, which helps resist distraction of the joint surfaces.
If the acetabulum is malformed, it can lead to instability, dislocation, and osteoarthritis.

Hip Angles

The angles of the hip are important for hip stability and movement.
The angle of inclination of the femur (also known as the "neck shaft angle," is measured between the axis of the femoral head and the axis of the femoral shaft.
The angle of inclination is measured in the frontal plane.
The normal angle of inclination is 125° in infants but decreases to 120° over time.
An abnormally high angle can lead to a condition called "coxa valga".
The angle of femoral torsion (also known as the "anteversion angle") occurs when the femoral neck is rotated forward compared to the femoral condyles.
The angle of torsion is measured in the transverse plane.
The normal angle of torsion is between 10-15° but can be higher in infants.
When this angle is high, the patient walks with their toes inwards (toe-in Gait).
Low angle of femoral torsion, the patient walks with their toes out (toe-out gait).
The acetabular center-edge angle (also known as the "angle of Wiberg") is measured between a line passing through the lateral rim of the acetabulum and center of the femoral head and the vertical line passing through the femoral head center.
The center-edge angle is measured in the frontal plane.
The normal center-edge angle is 22-42°.
Changes in this angle can result in instability.
The acetabular anteversion angle is measured between a line passing through the anterior and posterior rim of the acetabulum and a straight line from the posterior rim straight forward.
The acetabular anteversion angle is measured in the transverse plane.
The normal acetabular anteversion angle is 20°.
Changes in this angle result in instability and can cause femoral acetabular impingement.
In cases of excessive femoral anteversion, a physical therapist may notice the patient’s patella pointing inward when viewed from the front.
The capsule of the hip joint surrounds the hip joint.

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Description

This quiz explores infrared radiation as a therapeutic tool for pain relief and healing. It also discusses the distinctions between heat and temperature, factors influencing heat energy, and various cold and heat modalities in therapy that utilize infrared radiation. Test your knowledge on these essential concepts!