Phys Agents Infrared

What is Infrared?

Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible light and shorter than radio waves

• Invisible to eye

When to use infrared?

• Enhance patient comfort

• Reduce pain

• Mildly heat superficial tissue

Tissue temperature is directly proportional to:

• Power (W)

• Wavelength of radiation

• Distance from target

• Angle of incidence

• Absorption coefficient of tissue

• Skin color

Use only for superficial heating (less than 8mm)

Advantage and Disadvantage

Advantage: Heating without touching, divergent and large area

Disadvantage: Does not go deep

Application

• Wear protective glasses

• Take off metal/jewelry

• Drape patient on exposed treatment area

• Warm lamp for 5-10 min

• Place lamp straight from body 45-60 cm away

• Intensity should be warm comfortable level

• Treatment duration: 15-20 minutes

How to enhance heat?

Place wet towel on skin

Wave Lengths

• 660 nm

• 850 nm (near infrared)