Infrared Lamps

infrared lamps use what method of heat transfer?

radiation

infrared has ________________ wavelengths than visible light and _________________ wavelengths than radiowaves

longer, shorter

near infrared goes ______________

deep(er)

tissue temp is directly proportional to the amount that __________________ the _________________

penetrates, tissue

the amount of infrared light that penetrates the tissue depends on what 5 things?

power of source, wavelength, distance from target, angle of incidence, absorption coefficient (of tissue)

______________ skin color has a higher absorption coefficient

dark(er)

infrared lamps penetrate 50% into ______________________ and 50% into _______________________

subcutaneous tissue, deeper tissue (still relatively superficial)

advantages of infrared lamps: (2)

disadvantage of infrared lamps:

heats without touching, cheap, does not go deep (only ~2 cm)

approximately how deep do infrared lamps go?

2 cm

3 indications of infrared lamps

treat acute and chronic pain, facilitate healing, skin/subcutaneous tissue

how do infrared lamps facilitate healing?

increase blood flow (dilate arteries), assist circulation (of O2-rich blood), accelerate metabolic events

______ degree(s) used for heating superficial tissues

1

steps of applying infrared lamps:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

1. wear protective glasses,

2. take of metals,

3. drape patient (only expose treatment area),

4. warm up lamp for 5-10 minutes (so it becomes stable),

5. wet towel on skin (enhances heat, optional),

6. place dry towels elsewhere on body,

7. place lamp straight from body 45-60 cm away,

8. warm comfortable intensity,

9. 15-20 minutes

duration of infrared lamp usage

15-20 min(utes)

how far away from body should infrared lamp be?

45-60 cm

why do you have to heat up the infrared lamp before treatment? for how long should it heat up?

so it becomes stable, 5-10 minutes

diathermy should be how far away from body?

vs

infrared lamp should be how far away from body?

close but not touching, 6 inches away