The document discusses infrared therapy (IRT), including its sources, classification, physiological effects, therapeutic effects, dangers, technique of application, dosage, and contraindications. IRT uses infrared radiation to provide superficial heating that increases local temperature, metabolism, blood flow, and other physiological effects. Common applications of IRT include relief of pain and muscle relaxation by accelerating healing. Precautions must be taken to avoid burns and other dangers when applying IRT.

1. INFRARED THERAPY (IRT)
Dr. Akshay Shetty
Asst. Professor
Dept of Panchakarma
SSRAMCH Inchal

2. Contents
• Objectives
• Introduction to IRT
• Sources of IR
• Classification of IRT
• Physiological effects of IRT
• Therapeutic effects of IRT
• Dangers of IRT
• Technique of Application of IRT
• Dosage of IRT
• Contraindications of IRT
• Summary
• References
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3. Objectives
By the end of the presentation the learners must be able
1. To know about Introduction to IRT
2. To know the Sources of IR
3. To know Classification of IRT
4. To know Physiological effects of IRT
5. To know Therapeutic effects of IRT
6. To know the Dangers of IRT
7. To know the Technique of Application of IRT
8. To know the Dosage of IRT
9. To know Contraindications of IRT
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4. Introduction of IRT
• IR rays are electromagnetic waves
• It lies between visible light and
microwaves
• Wavelength is about 750nm to 400000 nm
• Frequency is 4x 1014 and 7.4x 1011
• Infrared is superficial Heating modality
(penetration depth 1- 10mm).
• Infrared is radiant heat transmits energy
by radiation.
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5. Sources of IR
Sources
of IR
Natural
Sun
Artificial
Non
luminous
Luminous
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6. Classification of IR
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8. Physiological effects of IRT
Increases
• 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
• Stimulation of sensory nerve
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9. Therapeutic effects of IRT
• Relief of pain
• Muscle relaxation
• Increases blood supply
• Increases joint mobility
• Acceleration of healing & repair
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10. Dangers of IRT
• Burns
• Electric shock
• Fatigue
• Giddiness
• Headache
• Gangrene
• Injury to eyes
• Dehydration
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11. Technique of application of IRT
Patient position
In a suitable well supported position with the area to be treated
exposed.
Explanation
Explain the nature & effects of the treatment to the patient
Examination
Examine the skin to be heated & test the thermal sensation ,check for
contraindications .
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12. Contd…
Apparatus
Non luminous generator takes some time to get heated so they should
be switched on before 5 to 7 minutes.
Luminous generator needs no warm up time and can be switched on
once the patient is ready for the treatment.
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13. Contd,..
Arrangement of the lamp & patient
Expose the skin to be irradiated and cover or shield the eyes
Lamp is positioned opposite to treatment area such that the rays strike the
skin at right angle.
Set the lamp at an app. Distance which is usually 50-75 cms
Instructions & warnings
The patient is warned that he should experience comfortable warmth.
The patient should report immediately if the heating becomes excessive
The patient should not touch any part of the lamp or to move near to it.
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14. Contd..
Application
At the commencement of the treatment the intensity of the radiation
should be low but after 5 to 10 mins strength of the radiation can be
increased.
The physiotherapist must be near the patient throughout the
procedure.
Sweating is encouraged
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15. Contd..
Termination
On completion of the treatment the skin should be checked carefully
On palpation it may feel mildly or moderately warm and a moderate
erythema should be evident
After extensive irradiation the patient should not rise suddenly from
the recumbent position or go out in cold therapy.
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16. Dosage of IRT
For acute cases 10-15 mins
daily for 1-3 mins as per
requirement
For chronic cases up to 30
mins once or on alternate
days
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17. Contraindications of IRT
• 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 )
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18. Summary
• Dosage of
IRT
• Dangers of
IRT
• Physiological
effects of IRT
• Sources of IR
Introduction
Classification
of IRT
Technique of
Application
of IRT
Therapeutic
effects of IRT
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19. References
• http://fac.ksu.edu.sa/sites/default/files/3-infrared_radiation.pdf
• Fundamentals of Physiotherapy, Venkat Prasad
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20. THANK YOU
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