Infrared Radiation: Nithin Nair
Infrared Radiation: Nithin Nair
RADIATION
NITHIN
-
NAIR
INTRODUCTION
Infrared rays are electromagnetic waves.
It lies between visible light and microwaves.
Wavelength: 750 nm to 400000 nm.
Frequency: 4×1014 Hz and 7.5×1011 Hz.
TYPES OF INFRARED
RADIATION
INFRARED RADIATIONS ARE SUBDIVIDED INTO:
Type Wavelength
IRA 760-1400 nm
IRB 1400-3000 nm
IRC 3000nm –1mm
Former classification
Near or short IRR 760-1500 nm
Far or Long IRR 1500-15000nm
TYPES OF IR LAMPS
Two types of infrared sources are used in
physiotherapy practice:
(a) Non-luminous generators
(b) Luminous generators
Non luminous generators
Also known as low temperature generators.
Produces only infra-red rays of wavelength 750
nm to 15000 nm.
These generators are heated by passage of
electric current through a bare wire or carbon,
held in a non-conducting material like
porcelain, mounted in the centre of parabolic
reflector.
For recent injury, sedative effect of non
luminous generators may prove more useful.
Non luminous generators
Luminous generators
Also known as high temperature generators.
Emits visible rays, ultraviolet rays, and infra-red
rays of wavelength 350 nm to 4000 nm.
Are in the form of incandescent bulb – consist of a
wire filament enclosed in a glass bulb which may
contain inert gas at low pressure.
Filament made of tungsten as it tolerates repeated
heating and cooling.
For lesion of more chronic type the effect of
shorter rays may prove to be of value and under
these circumstances a luminous generator is used.
Luminous generator in form of incandescent bulb
ABSORPTION
Some radiations striking the surface of the skin
will be reflected and some will penetrate,
scattered, refracted and ultimately absorbed.
Close to 95% of the radiation applied
perpendicular to the skin is absorbed.
Water and proteins are strong absorbers of
infrared.
Any radiation entering into the skin depends
on : Structure, vascularity, pigmentation of
skin, wavelength of radiation.
Laws regulating absorption of
radiation
Grothus-Drapper law
Law of inverse square
Cosine law
Beer-Lambert law
Kirchhoff’s law
Wien’s law
Arndt-Schultz principle
Stefan-Boltzman law
Penetration
IR rays produced by Luminous generators can
penetrate into dermis and epidermis.
IR rays produced by Non-luminous generators
can penetrate the superficial dermis only.
Penetration of energy into a medium is depended
upon :
a) Intensity of the source of infrared
b) Wavelength and frequency
c) Angle at which the radiation hits the surface
d) Coefficient of absorption of the material.
Depth of penetration
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Increases metabolic rate
Cutaneous vasodilatation
Sweating
Stimulation of thermal heat receptors.
THERAPEUTIC USES
Relief of pain
Muscle relaxation
Increased blood supply
Increase in joint mobility
Acceleration of healing and repair.
DANGERS
Burns
Electric shock
Faintness or giddiness
Headache
Gangrene
Injury to the eyes
dehydration
Technique of APPLICATION
Patient position: Position the patient in a
suitable, well supported position with the
area to be treated exposed.
Technique of application
Explanation: Explain the nature and effects
of the treatment to the patient