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Infrared Radiation

History
Late 19
th
century- Edison light lamps as a
source of heat for medical purposes.

1800 William Herschel
Who discovered a type of visible radiation in the light
spectrum beyond red light, by means of its effect upon a
thermometer.

1891- radiant heat tunnel or baker
First medical luminous heat source

Infrared Radiation
Infrared radiations are a small segment of the electromagnetic
spectrum adjacent to the long-wavelength, low-
frequency(red)end of the visible spectrum .

emitted from any substance with a temperature above
absolute zero.

Infrared produces heating by inducing molecular vibriation.


IR has a frequency of 7x10
14
to 400x10
14
Hz
Wavelengths from 700 to 15000 nm

Short infrared rays 700nm to 4000 nm
Long infrared rays 4000nm to 15000nm
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Determinants
Distance and angle of delivery.
The inverse square law states that the
intensity of radiation varies inversely
with the square of the distance of the
source.
this means that doubling the distance from a heat
lamp reduces the heating intensity of four.
typical distances are 30 to 60 cm from
the patient's body depending on heat
lamp wattage

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Maximal radiation is applied when the
source of radiation is perpendicular to
the source.
As the angle away from perpendicular
increases, the intensity of the radiation
decreases in proportion to the cosine of
the angle.
Two types of generators
Luminous generator
Non luminous generator


Non luminous generator provides infrared rays only while luminous
generator emits visible and a few ultraviolet rays as luminous
generator is often called radiant heat. The term infrared is generally
being applied to the radiations from non luminous source.
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Luminous infrared heat lamps emit
radiation in the near-infrared spectrum.
wavelength 770 to 1500 nm
Non-Luminous infrared heat lamps emit
radiation in the far-infrared spectrum.
wavelength 1500 to 12,500 nm
Heat lamps often use 175 or 250-watt
bulbs and are usually placed about 40 to 50
cm from the patient.

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Absorption and penetration of IR
Frequency or wavelength of the rays
Thermal conductivity of the tissues
Density of each tissue
Specific heat of each tissue
Angle of incidence of the rays
Distance from the source of infrared
Patency of the circulation
Source of the infrared
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Indications
Pain and muscle spasm
Oedema
Healing of wounds and
chronic suppurative areas
Contra-indications
Impaired sensation
Dermatological conditions
Eyes
Analgesic and narcotic drugs
Skin tumors
Acute infection


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Technique for Infrared Therapy
Equipment required
luminous or non-luminous infrared
generator
test tubes
pillows
sheets
towels

Position the patient with pillows and towel under the area to
be treated. Make sure that the limb, trunk and head is
supported in a pain-free position with the area to be treated
adequately exposed.
Remove all metal objects
Ensure that there is ample room around the patient to
position the lamp.
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Inform the patient regarding:
the choice of modality
rationale for treatment
sensation to be experienced
frequency and duration of treatment

Check for any contra-indications to heat.
Check the patency of the circulation in the underlying areas.
NEVER position the lamp directly over the patient.
Make sure that the lamp is steady and not likely to fall.
The patient must not MOVE,TOUCH the lamp or LOOK at the
generator.
Advice the patient not to sleep or read during the treatment.
Give patient an adequate method of calling your atention.
Switch on the lamp and stay with the patient.
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as the lamp warms up, put your hand between the lamp and the
patient to check that it is producing heat.
Ask thepatient to tell you when heat is felt and to describe the
intensity.
At the end of the treatment time, switch the lamp off and remove it
before assessing the are for any excessive erythema and for relief of
symptoms.

Advantages:
Infrared can be used to treat large areas
patients may be taught to apply infrared for home use.
Disadvantage:
Heating is only very superficial
Equipment is often rather unstable
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References
DeLisa's Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Electrophysical Agents in Physiotherapy
http://www.newexamtable.com/luminousheatlam
ps.aspx
http://electrotherapyforphysio.blogspot.com/2012
/11/infrared-radiations.html

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