INFRA RED

Infrared radiations (IRR) are

electromagnetic radiation that lies
within that part of electromagnetic
spectrum between visible light and
microwave radiation.
IR has no color, it is detected by warmth
IR is emitted from any heated body
Its wavelength is higher than visible light
IR has a wavelength of 760nm to 1mm

ELECTRO MAGNETIC
SPECTRUM
INITIAL

WAVES

WAVELENGTH

RADIOWAVES

0.1 MM TO 100 KM

INFRA RED

750 NM TO 0.4 MM

VISIBLE LIGHT

400 NM TO 750 NM

ULTRA VIOLET

10 NM TO 400 NM

XG

X-RAY / GAMMA
RAYS

0.01 PM TO 100
NM

760nm to 1 mm

CLASSIFICATION OF IR

IR
IR A

IR C

760- 1400 NM

IR B

THERAPEUTIC

1400 3000
NM
THERAPEUTIC

3000NM 1MM
NON THERAPEUTIC

Classification of infrared
radiation
Type

Wavelength

IRA (short or 760 - 1400 nm

near IR)
IRB (long or far 1400 3000 nm
IR)

Penetration
5 mm reach to
dermis
Up to 1 mm to
epidermis

IRC 3000nm 1 mm Not used therapeutically

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

IR LAMPS

NON LUMINOUS
GENERATOR

LUMINOUS
GENERAT
OR

Luminous Lamps (i.e.

bulb)

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 (i.e. coil heater)

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 infrared lamp
consists of a coiled resistance wire
which embedded within a ceramic
insulating material
Non - luminous sources emit mainly
long or far IR radiation.

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.

Power
Smaller Lamps both luminous and
non-luminous
250 to 500 W
Large Non-Luminous 750 to 1000 W
Large luminous 600 to 1500 W

Physiological Effects of
Infrared

IRR is considered as
superficial heating
modality
Cutaneous vasodilatation
Erythema
Increase metabolism
Neurological effect
Effect on connective tissue

N.B.
Increasing tissue extensibility by heating
through IRR will not decrease soft tissue
shortening. So infrared must be used in
conjunction with stretching and ROM exercises

Dosage
Sensory

report of the patient

Adjusted
Adjusted by:
Changing

power output of the lamp

Distance of lamp
Angle of incidence

Therapeutic Uses of
Infrared

1. Relieve of pain
2. Reduction of muscle spasm

3. Acceleration of healing
4. Subacute and chronic

inflammation of
musculoskeletal system

5. Reduction of chronic mild to

moderate edema
6. Prior to stretching & mobilizing
exercises
7. Some skin conditions (fungal
infection

Contraindications
1. Acute inflammation
2. Acute infection
3. Open wounds
4. Impaired sensation
5. Impaired circulation
6. Over pregnant uterus
7. Eyes
8. Metal

Proper Application
Check for any
contraindications.
Clean area to be treated.
Position patient so that the
lamp is perpendicular to the
targeted tissue.
Intensity: adjust wattage or
distance of lamp

Luminous = 24 inches
NonLuminous = 32 inches

Instruct patient to not move.

Check the patient often.
Instruct the patient to tell
the clinician of any burning
sensation.

Hazards and Dangers

Burns
Eye damage
Lowered blood Pressure
Areas of defective arterial
blood flow
Dehydration