05-Jan-12

Dr.Mittul Patel

Infrared

radiations are produced in all matter by various kinds of molecular vibration. Any object emits infrared radiations and material that is at temperature above absolute zero emits infrared. Infrared radiations gives rise to heating when absorbed by matter. Longer than visible red light extending to the microwave region, i.e., from 760 nm to 1 mm.

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

The frequencies of radiation is proportional to temperature. Thus the higher the temperature the higher the frequency and hence the shorter the wavelength. The shorter, visible radiations not only cause molecular and atomic motion but can also break chemical bonds when they are absorbed.

Dr.Mittul Patel

1. 2.

Luminous and non-luminous. Subdivided :- A, B, C

Any

- (A and B ) utilized therapeutically IRA 760 nm to 1400 nm IRB 1400 nm to 3000 nm IRC 3000 nm to 1 mm
3. Former Classification Near or Short IR - 760 nm to 1500 nm Far or Long IR - 1500 nm to 15000 nm

heated material will produce infrared radiations, the wavelength being determined by the temperature. The most convenient method is to heat a resistance wire by passing an electric current through it.

05-Jan-12

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

1. a coil of suitable resistance wire, wound on a ceramic insulator.(glows red) 2. wire embedded in the insulating ceramic so that no visible radiations are given out. 3. The heater wire can also be mounted behind a metal plate or inside a metal tube, which does not become red-hot but emits infrared in the same way.

When

such lamps are switched on they require some time to reach a stable, peak level of heat emission as the molecular oscillation causing heating spreads slowly through the body of the heater.

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

Consist of a tungsten filament in a large glass envelope, which contains inert gas at low pressure. Oxidation of the filament does not occur because there is no oxygen present, only a trace of some inert gas. The peak emission occurs at near 1000 nm but long infrared ,visible rays and ultraviolet are also produced. UVR are absorbed by the glass and are not therefore transmitted by the lamp. Sometimes the glass is reddened, to give a red visible emission.

Large

lamps are fitted with wire-mesh screens over the front of the reflector to prevent accidental contact with the hot emitter. The screen will also diminish any remote risk of the hot emitter element falling out. Stand Caster

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

Non luminous: Mainly 3000 4000 nm (long IR), with about 10% between 1500 nm and visible (short IR) Luminous: Peak emission at 1000 nm and below Approximately 70% short IR ,5% visible, 24% long IR, 1% UVR absorbed by glass of bulb

Radiations

striking the surface may be: 1. Reflected or 2. Transmitted : scattered, refracted, and ultimately absorbed in the tissues. Close to 95% of the radiation applied perpendicular to the skin is absorbed. Skin (epidermis & dermis) is not homogeneous tissue but a complicated multilayered structure full of irregular forms, such as hair follicles and sweat glands.

05-Jan-12

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

Therefore,

it is difficult to determine pattern of penetration and absorption of infrared radiation in the skin. In general, water and proteins are strong absorbers of infrared.

The

long infrared used therapeutically is absorbed at the surface, much of it by the water on the skin surface. Because the energy penetration decreases exponentially with depth, most heating due to infrared will occur superficially.

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

At

around 3000 nm, penetrating depth is about 0.1 mm. From here there is increasing penetration with decreasing wavelength in the short infrared region, to maximum penetration depth of about 3 mm around the 1000 nm wavelength region.

Cutaneous Vasodilatation: - As a consequence of heating with infrared radiations local cutaneous vasodilatation will occur which leads to erythema. - The local erythema lasts for about 30 minutes after irradiation has stopped.

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

Sweating: With prolonged or intense heating, sweating will start to occur. Sensation: Thermal heat receptors will be stimulated in the skin so that the patient is aware of the heating.

Increase in Metabolism: Due to increase in temperature there will be an increase in the rate of metabolism. Chronic Changes: Excessive and prolonged infrared application can cause the destruction of erythrocytes, releasing pigments and causing brown discoloration of the skin. This rarely occurs as a sequel to normal treatment; it usually results from prolonged exposure of the legs to domestic fires.

05-Jan-12

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

Relief of Pain: Mild heat has sedative effect on the superficial sensory nerve endings. Stronger heating irritates the superficial sensory nerve endings, and so relieves pain by counter-irritation. An increased flow of blood through the part removes nociceptive substances and so relieves pain. When pain is due to lesions of a more chronic type, stronger heating is required.

Muscle Relaxation: Muscles relax most readily when the tissues are warm, and the relief of pain also facilitates relaxation. Infrared radiation is thus of value in helping to achieve muscular relaxation and for the relief of muscle spasm associated with injury or inflammation.

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

Increased Blood Supply: This effect is most marked in the superficial tissues, and may be used in the treatment of superficial wounds and infections. Good blood supply is essential for healing to take place, and if there is infection the increased number of white blood cells and the increased exudation of fluid are of assistance in destroying the bacteria. Infrared treatment is frequently used for arthritic joints and other inflammatory lesions, and for the after-effects of injuries.

Pressure Sores: Infrared has also been suggested for the prophylaxis of pressure sores, to promote a greater blood flow in the skin.

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

Oedema: Infrared is sometimes used for surface heating of a part in elevation in order to hasten reabsorption of oedema. This effect is limited because infrared heats the superficial tissues and because it is usually only applied to one aspect at a time.

Prior to other Treatments: Infrared is sometimes chosen as a form of heat prior to stretching, mobilization, traction, massage and exercise therapy. It may also be used prior to electrical stimulation to warm the skin, making it more vascular and hence a better conductor. This is done before wetting the skin to lower its electrical resistance further.

05-Jan-12

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

Burns: defective sensation or reduced consciousness. mentally retarded. Occasionally patients accidentally touch the hot element if there is no protective guard. These dangers can be avoided by: Careful application Adequate warnings to the patient Checking the effects on the skin several times during the application

Skin Irritation: Some chemical irritants on the skin have their effects increased by heating sometimes to the point of irritation or inflammation. For this reason liniments should be removed prior to treatment. Eye Damage: Long-term irradiation can cause corneal and retinal damage leading to cataract. Protect eyes form irradiation.

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

Lowered Blood Pressure: As infrared treatment causes marked cutaneous vasodilatation it may lead to temporary lowering of blood pressure, particularly in elderly people who have less effective vasomotor control. This may lead to faintness especially on standing up immediately after treatment. It may also cause headache.

Areas of Defective Arterial Blood Flow: Areas in which the arteries and arterioles cannot respond by adequate vasodilatation to the demands of additional heating should not be treated(atherosclerosis, arterial injury or after skin grafting). The possible result of heating such tissue would be tissue necrosis (gangrene).

Dr.Mittul Patel

Dr.Mittul Patel

Impaired cutaneous thermal sensation Defective arterial cutaneous circulation Patients whose level of consciousness is markedly lowered by drugs or disease Acute skin disease, e.g., dermatitis or eczema Skin damage due to deep X-ray therapy or other ionizing radiation Defective blood pressure regulation Acute febrile illness additional heating is not helpful and possibly dangerous to patients whose heat regulation system is under stress. Tumours of the skin may be stimulated to increase growth Testes Subjects with advanced cardiovascular disease

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