Infrared Radiation In Physiotherapy SRS

Infrared Radiation In Physiotherapy

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INFRARED RADIATION

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Definition
•Infrared radiations lie within that part of the
electromagnetic spectrum which gives rise to
heating when absorbed by matter.
•Infrared radiations are those, whose
wavelengths are longer thanthat of visiblered
light extending to the microwaveregion, i.e.,
from 750 nm to 1mm.
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Infrared Radiation
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Types
•Infrared radiations can be subdivided into three regions or
bands, A, B, and C, approximately distinguished by their
absorption characteristics. A and B are utilized therapeutically
and corresponds roughly to an older classification of ‘near’
and ‘far’infrared.
Type Wavelength
IRA 760 nm to 1400 nm
IRB 1400 nm to 3000 nm
IRC 3000 nm to 1 mm (not used in therapy)
•Former Classification
Near or Short IR760 nm to 1500 nm
Far or Long IR 1500 nm to 15000 nm
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Generators
•NON LUMINOUS or FAR IR generators provide
infra red rays only with a wave length of 3000 to
4000 nm
•LUMINOUSor NEAR IR generators emit visible
and few ultra violet rays also. The spectrum is
from 350nm to 4000nm
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Non Luminous IR
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Luminous Generators

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Absorption & Penetration
•Some radiations striking the surface of the skin will
be reflected and some will penetrate, to be
scattered, refracted, and ultimately absorbed in the
tissues.
•Close to 95% of the radiation applied perpendicular
to the skin is absorbed.
•In general, water and proteins are strong absorbers
of infrared.
•Therefore, any radiation entering into skin is highly
complex and depends on
1.Structure
2.Vascularity
3.Wavelength of the radiation
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Choice of apparatus
Non luminous
•Sedative effect
•Acute inflammation
•Recent injuries
luminous
•Counter irritant effect
•Chronic conditions
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Physiological Effects And Therapeutic Uses
Physiological
•cutaneous
vasodilatation
•sweating
•increases metabolic
rate
•stimulation of sensory
nerve
Therapeutic
•pain relief
•reduces muscle spasm
•acceleration of healing
and repair

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Dangers
•Burns
•Skin Irritation
•Lowered blood pressure
•Eye damage
•Dehydration
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Contraindications
•Impaired cutaneous thermal sensation
•Defective arterial cutaneous circulation
•Patients whose consciousness is lowered
•Acute skin disease
•Skin damage due to x-ray therapy or other
radiation
•Defective blood pressure regulation
•Acute febrile illness
•Tumors of skin
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Patient Preparation
•Expose the area
•Check skin sensation
•Warn against excessive heat
•Not to touch the lamp or move near to it
•Should be comfortable and fully supported
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Lamp Arrangement
•Position opposite to centre of area
•Rays strike the skin at right angles
•Distance of lamp from the patient is 50-75 cm
•Face should not expose to rays
•Eyes must be shielded
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Application
•Warm up of 5 to 15 minutes for non luminous
•Start with low intensity
•After 5-10 minutes increase the intensity
•PT should be at hand throughout
•Encourage sweating by giving water during
treatment
•Patient should not stand up or go to the cold
immediately after treatment
•For acute cases and wounds 10-15 minutes and
longer for chronic cases
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