Infrared light therapy is used in physical therapy to promote a superficial and dry increase in temperature in the area to be treated, which promotes vasodilation and increases blood circulation, favoring tissue repair because it penetrates the body acting on small blood vessels, capillaries and nerve endings.
Infrared physiotherapy is indicated for:
- Pain relief; Increase joint mobility; Muscle relaxation; Favor the healing of skin and muscles; Changes in the skin, such as yeast infection and in case of psoriasis.
The infrared light used in physiotherapy varies between 50 and 250 W and therefore the depth of the skin it reaches varies between 0.3 to 2.5 mm, according to the lamp used and its distance from the skin.
There are also infrared light chambers found in SPAs and hotels, which are similar to a dry sauna, which also promote relaxation after a sports injury, for example. These can be used for about 15-20 minutes, and are not suitable for people with pressure changes.
How to use infrared light
The treatment time with infrared light varies between 10-20 minutes, and to achieve the therapeutic benefits, a temperature in the treatment site must be maintained between 40 and 45 ° C for at least 5 minutes. The temperature check can be checked with an infrared thermometer directly on the area exposed to light. The temperature in the treated region should return to normal after about 30-35 minutes.
The treatment time can be shorter when the area to be treated is small, in case of acute injury, skin diseases such as psoriasis. To increase the intensity of the infrared light, you can approach the lamp to the skin or change its capacity in the generator.
To start the treatment, the person must remain in a comfortable position, keeping the limb to be treated at rest, and may be sitting or lying down. The skin must be exposed, clean and dry, and the eyes must be kept closed during the treatment, in case the lighting is affecting the eyes, to avoid dry eyes.
The light must fall on the treated area directly, forming a right angle which allows a greater absorption of energy. The distance between the lamp and the body varies between 50-75 cm, and the person may move the lamp away from the skin if there is a burning or burning sensation, especially as long-term use is harmful to health.
Contraindications for infrared light treatment
Despite being a treatment that has several health benefits, this technique has associated risks, and for this reason it is contraindicated in some situations. Are they:
- It should not be used in case of open wounds on the skin, because it can promote tissue dehydration, delaying healing. It should not be directly focused on the testicles because it can decrease sperm count. It should not be used in babies because there is a risk of apnea. it should be used on large areas, such as the back or shoulders because there may be dehydration, temporary pressure reduction, dizziness, headache; It should not be used in case of skin lesion caused by tissue devitalized by deep radiotherapy or other ionizing radiation, as it may be more prone to burns. It should not be used on top of cancerous skin lesions In case of fever; In unconscious person or with little ability to understand; do not use in case of dermatitis or eczema.
The infrared medicinal light can be purchased in stores of medical and hospital products, and can be used at home, but it is important to respect its method of use and contraindications so as not to harm health.
