Dr.

Manish Shrivastava
Prof. PCPS
 Infrared Radiations
 Infrared radiations (IRR) are electromagnetic
radiation that lies within that part of
electromagnetic spectrum between visible light
and microwave radiation.
 The radiation is characterized by wavelength
extended from 750 nm to 400000 nm.
 IRR can be subdivided into 3 regions (A,B &C)
according to their absorption and their effect
upon the tissue.
760nm to 1 mm
 Classification of infrared
radiation

Penetration Wavelength Type

5 mm reach 760 - 1400 IRA (short
to dermis nm or near IR)
Up to 1 mm to 1400 – IRB (long
epidermis 3000 nm or far IR)
Not used 3000nm – IRC
therapeutically 1 mm
 Production of Infrared
 Infrared is produced as a result of molecular
motion within heated materials. All hot
bodies emit IR, as increase the temperature
of any material above absolute zero result in
vibration and rotation of molecule
within the material .
 The wavelength of the emitted IR are
determined by the temperature of the
material. The higher the temperature of the
body, the higher the frequency, and the
shorter the wavelength.
 Sources of Infrared
 Natural sources: The sun

 Artificial sources:
1- Luminous sources
2- Non-luminous sources
 Artificial sources
Luminous sources
 350 to 4000 nm
 Electrically heated filament made of
tungsten filament within a glass bulb
which contain an inert gas at low pressure.
Part of the glass bulb is silvered to provide
a reflector.
 Luminous sources emit mainly:
- Short or near IR (IRA)
- Visible light
- Ultraviolet
 Non-luminous sources
 750-15000nm
 Non-luminous sources are those which
produce infrared radiation from a non-
glowing source, such as moist heat packs
and non-luminous IR lamps
 Non - luminous sources emit mainly
long or far IR radiation.
 Switched on before 5 -10 mint.
Types of Non-luminous

 A coil of wire wrapped around a insulating

material like porcelain or fireclay
 coiled resistance wire which embedded
within a ceramic insulating material
Or the coil of wire is placed behind a plate
of fireclay
 8mm steel tube within which spiral wire
embedded in some electrical insulator but
good conductor of heat.
Absorption and penetration of IRR
 IRR is strongly absorbed near the skin
surface and the heat is carried to deeper
tissues by conduction and by the
circulating fluids.
 The absorption and penetration of IRR
rays depend on:
1- Frequency or wavelength of the rays
2- Angle of incidence of the rays.
3- The intensity of the emitting source.
Physiological Effects of Infrared
IRR is considered as superficial
heating modality
 Cutaneous vasodilatation
 Erythema
 Increase metabolism
 Neurological effect
 Effect on connective tissue
 Cutaneous vasodilatation
Heating with IRR leads to vasodilatation
of the blood vessels as a result of:
 release of chemical mediator histamine
like substance
 axon reflex mechanism.

Vasodilatation causes increase blood

flow in the cutaneous circulation
 Erythema
 Redness of the skin occurs due to
vasodilatation. Its intensity depends on
the degree of heating.

 Local erythema appears immediately

after exposure to IRR and lasts 30
minutes after treatment has stopped.
 Increase metabolism
Increase temperature by IRR leads to
increase metabolic activities within the
superficial tissue due to direct effect of
heat on chemical process in the cell

Increase metabolic activities lead to

improve cell function and improve tissue
healing.
 Neurological effect
The heat production by IRR leads to relief
pain by:
 Stimulation of sensory nerves lead to
inhibition of pain at the level of the spinal
cord.
 Decrease activity of muscle spindle leading
to relaxation of muscle
 Removal of waste products as the result of
improving circulation and increase venous
return thus removing the source of pain
stimulation.
 Effect on connective tissue
 The heat effect of IR leads to increase the
extensibility of connective tissue and
therefore is used prior to exercise to
increase range of motion (stretching and
mobilization exercises).
 TECHNIQUES OF IRR
 Choice of apparatus:
Choice Needed Effect Inflammation

NonLuminous Sedative Acute

Luminous Counter irritation Chronic

Choice Area

Single element Single surface

Tunnel bath Several aspects

 Preparation of Generator:
• Check before use
• NL –switch on before 5-10 mint
 Preparation of patient:
• Remove clothing
• Check for sensation
• Explain about the treatment
• Look for comfort
• Ask him to tell about the warmth
 Arrangement of lamp & patient
• Perpendicular to surface
• 50-75 cm distance
• Eyes must be covered
 Application:
• Intensity shall be low initially
• After 5-10 mint vasodilatation take place
• Increase intensity gradually
• Reduce intensity if heat becomes
excessive
• Sweating is desirable
• look for erythma
• Should not rise suddenly or go out in to the
cold
 Duration & frequency:
10-15 minutes
May be applied to several times in a day
 Therapeutic Uses of Infrared
1. Relieve of pain
2. Muscle relaxation
3. Reduction of muscle spasm
4. Acceleration of healing
5. Subacute and chronic inflamm-
ation of musculoskeletal system
6. Reduction of chronic mild to
moderate edema
7. Prior to stretching &mobilizing
exercises
8. Some skin conditions
 Contraindications
1. Acute inflammation
2. Acute infection
3. Open wounds
4. Impaired sensation
5. Impaired circulation
6. Over pregnant uterus
7. Eyes
8. Metal
 Hazards and Dangers
 Burns: The main danger of IR treatment is
the burn. It occurs if
1- heat is too intense.
2- the patient is not fully aware of the level of
heating.
3-the patient is unable to communicate with
physiotherapist.
 Eye damage : The eye should be covered
with a light towel or head turned away during
the application of IRR to avoid eye surface
dryness or possible irritation.
 Electric Shock:
Touching some exposed part of circuit
 Gangrene:
Heat increases the O2 demand of the
tissue. if the demand does not met than
gangrene is liable to develop.
 Headache:
If sweating does not occur or treatment
during hot weather
 Faintness :
Fall in blood pressure (Hypoxia)