Infrared Therapy and Pain Relief Quiz

Infrared Radiation (IRR)

• Infrared radiation (IRR) is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, ranging from 750 to 400,000 nanometers.
• Its frequency ranges from 4 x 10¹⁴ Hz to 7.5 x 10¹¹ Hz.
• IRR is generally invisible to the human eye.
• Any hot body, including the sun, lightbulbs, and fires, emits infrared rays.

Types of Infrared Generators

• Infrared generators are categorized as either non-luminous or luminous.
• Non-luminous generators produce IRR by heating a wire or coil wrapped around a cylinder of insulating material (e.g., porcelain).
• An electric current passes through the wire, generating heat that produces infrared rays.
• Another type of non-luminous generator uses a steel tube containing an electric coil encased in an insulator but a good heat conductor.
• Luminous generators consist of incandescent lamps or bulbs that contain a wire filament in a glass bulb.
• The bulb often contains inert gas at low pressure.
• The maximum proportion of the emitted rays has wavelengths in the 1000 nm region.
• The bulb's front is typically red to filter out shorter visible and ultraviolet rays.

Wavelength Classification

• Infrared radiation is further characterized as near (short) or far (long) infrared, based on wavelength.
• Near infrared (750-1500nm): This is the type closest to visible light, comprising a significant part of the sun's infrared spectrum.
• Far infrared (1500-15000nm/1500-1mm): This type is mainly absorbed by water in the body, only penetrating approximately 5mm beneath the skin.

Penetration Depth

• Luminous generators produce infrared rays with wavelengths between 350nm and 4000nm, capable of penetrating the dermis and epidermis of subcutaneous tissue.
• Non-luminous generators produce infrared rays with wavelengths from 750nm to 15000nm, primarily penetrating only the superficial dermis.
• Thus, luminous generators have greater penetration power.

Physiological Effects

• Infrared treatment generates heat in the superficial epidermis and dermis; this causes vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the area.
• This improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to the targeted area and removes waste products, leading to pain relief.
• Increased blood flow also contributes to muscle relaxation, potentially alleviating spasms.

Indications and Therapeutic Effects

• Infrared radiation effectively alleviates pain, particularly in cases of acute inflammation or recent injury.
• Mild heating produces a sedative effect on sensory nerve endings.
• For chronic pain or inflammation, more intense heating is often necessary.

Contraindications

• Infrared treatment is contraindicated in areas with defective arterial blood supply, potential for hemorrhage, poor skin sensation, and directly over the eyes.
• It is also generally not recommended after deep X-ray or cobalt therapy, in the presence of tumors, or during acute inflammatory conditions or skin diseases such as dermatitis or eczema

Dangers of Infrared Radiation

• Excessive heating can cause burns, particularly if the intensity of radiation is too high, sensory feedback is neglected or patient doesn't report discomfort, or if there are circulatory issues.
• Unconscious patients, those who move closer to the lamp, or those who fall asleep during a treatment warrant close monitoring.