Dr. Mohammed T OmarAssociate professor – CAMSE-mail-momarar@ksu.edi.saDr.taher-M@yahoo.com Mobile: 0542115404Office: 2074

Following completion of this lecture the student must be able to;Understand how the infrared radiation is classified in the electromagnetic spectrum. Describe the physiological effect of infrared radiation.

Describe the indications and contraindications of infrared radiation.

Explain how the therapist can use the infrared radiation.

I. Definition and classification.II. Sources and production.III. Physiological and therapeutic effects.IV. Indications and contraindications.V. Dangers/PrecautionsVI. Practical and clinical application

Infrared radiations are part of an electromagnetic spectrum, with wavelength of 750nm-1mm, and frequency of 4x1014 and 7.4x 1011, and located between microwave and visible light.

N.B. Any hot body emitted infrared rays such as N.B. Any hot body emitted infrared rays such as sun, electric bulb, gas fire, and coal fire.sun, electric bulb, gas fire, and coal fire.

Near (short)=750-1500nmNear (short)=750-1500nmFar (long)=1500-Far (long)=1500-15000nm15000nm

TypesTypes IRA=750-1400nmIRA=750-1400nmIRB=1500-3000, IRB=1500-3000,

IRC=3000nm-1mIRC=3000nm-1m

SourceSourceLuminous heated bodyLuminous heated body

-Incandescent bodies -Incandescent bodies

-Sun-Sun

-Tungsten-Tungsten

Non-luminous Heated bodies Non-luminous Heated bodies

-Hot pack-Hot pack

-Electrical heating pads-Electrical heating pads

PenetratioPenetrationn

Deeper; Deeper; penetrates to penetrates to epidermis , dermis & epidermis , dermis & subcutaneous (5-10mm) subcutaneous (5-10mm)

Superficial;Superficial; penetrates to the penetrates to the epidermis ≤5mm epidermis ≤5mm

AbsorptionAbsorption Deep Deep Superficial Superficial

N.B -Infrared is superficial Heating modality with penetration depth N.B -Infrared is superficial Heating modality with penetration depth 1- 10mm.1- 10mm.

•Infrared is radiant heat transmits energy by radiation. Infrared is radiant heat transmits energy by radiation.

1-Source: Produced by electrically heated filament (Tungsten), with an evacuated glass bulb containing an inert gas under low pressure and covered with slivered as inner surface acts as a reflector (incandescent lamps).

2-Wave length: 350-4000nm, peak maximum intensity at 1000nm3-Emission : 70% near IR, 24% far IR, 5% visible light, & 1%

UV.4-Penetration: Epidermis, dermis & subcutaneous tissue (5-10mm)5-Uses: Chronic inflammation.6-Physiological effect: Pain reduction via counter-irritant effect.7-Treatment time: 15-20minutes 8-Types: Quartz lamp, Tungsten lamp, Carbon filament lamp9-Distance: 40-60cm from treated area

1-Source: It is produced by electrically heated resistance wire coiled in a cylinder of insulating material as porcelain. It takes about 5-15 minutes to be heated and emit their maximum intensity, so the lamp must be switched on at appropriate time before they are worked.

2-Wave length: 1500-12000nm, maximum peak intensity at 4000nm3-Composition: Emit 90 % far IR, with 10% near IR.

4-Penetration: Epidermis & superficial dermis (2mm)5-Uses: Acute conditions.

6-Physiological effect: Pain reduction via sedative effect.7-Treatment: time 20-30minutes8-Types: Hot pack9-Distance: 75-90cm from treated area

Infrared radiations striking the surface of the skin will be reflected, scattered, refracted, penetrate and absorbed in the tissues. The depth of penetration and absorption of IR depends on;

1-Wavelength/ frequency of radiation 2-Thermal conductivity of the tissue 3-Thickness of tissue. 4-Specific heat of tissue. 5-Distance form source of IR. 6-Intensity of IR source. 7-Vascularity 8-Types of the skin

INCREASE Local temperature superficially Local metabolism Capillary permeability and blood flow Lymphatic and venous drainage Vasodilatation of arterioles and

capillaries Leukocytes& phagocytes activity Axon reflex activity Elasticity of soft tissue. Stimulation of sensory nerve

Vasodilatation starts after 1–2 minutes and lasts for 30 minutes.

Erythema: is of irregular patchy red appearance of skin due to vasodilatation and lasts for about 30 minutes after IR application.

1-Relief of pain & muscle spasm.

Mild heating has a 'sedatory' effect on sensory nerves endings and is thus useful for the relief of acute pain.

Strong heating has a ‘counter irritant' effect on sensory nerves endings and is thus useful for the relief of chronic pain.

2-Prior to other Treatments: (e.g. stretching, mobilization, traction, massage, exercise therapy, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback).

3-Reduce edema (chronic).

5-Decrease joint stiffness & Increase range of motion

6-Increase healing of tissue (no more recommended)

Acute inflammatory conditions

Impaired cutaneous thermal sensation and circulation

Peripheral vascular disease Markedly loss of

consciousness. Acute skin disease, e.g.,

dermatitis or eczema Deep X-ray therapy Defective blood pressure

regulation Acute febrile illness (Fever) Tumors of the skin Hemophilia.

Unreliable and elderly patients.

Never apply heat directly to eyes or the genitals.

Never heat the abdomen during pregnancy (first and last trimester )

Burn

Intensity of radiation is so high

Loss of sensation, Reduce consciousness

Unreliable patients Accidentally touch of hot

element Metal & Inflammable materials

in treated area, Electrical Shock: Due to exposed part or

heated wires in the circuit

These dangers can be avoided by:

Flaw application principle

Adequate warnings to the patient

Checking the skin several times

DehydrationLowering blood pressure and fainting Damage to the eyes

Advantages Can be used to treat large

area.

Patients may be able to apply at home

Disadvantages Heating only superficial tissue,

therefore limited in use.

Equipment is often unstable.

Select the Infrared generator according to treatment area, and conditions (acute versus chronic).

Warm up the lamp if necessary (5-10minutes for non luminous).

Clean the treated area from any sweat, dirt, or oils, and remove any jewelry.

Position the patient in a comfortable manner.

Drape the body part so that only the area to be treated is exposed.

If a moist heat treatment is desired, place a damp terry cloth towel over the area.

Place the lamp so that the source of heat is (50-90cm) away from the patient.

Adjust the lamp so the energy will strike the tissues at a right angle (inverse square law).

To prevent burns, instruct the patient not to move/sleep and check the patients comfort periodically.

The intensity may be adjusted by moving the lamp toward the skin (increasing temp) or away from the skin (decreasing temp). [40-90cm]

Instruct the patient to summon assistance if the intensity of the treatment becomes too great.

Treatment duration will be 15-30 minutes,

Face should not exposed to the rays and eyes must be shield