INFRARED
is a form of heat therapy that produces an almost immediate
warming of the skin. The radiation brings about physiologic changes
commonly associated with superficial heating. The depth of the
penetration depends on the source of the infrared rays.
The primary effect
is the stimulation of local circulation, with a pink color developing
on the surface of the skin. As a vasodilator, radiant heat locally
increases circulatory and metabolic rates but the major physiologic
effects are an almost instant feeling of warmth, relaxation and
general sedation, an antispasmodic effect, a decongestant effect,
and some analgesic effect.
Where these physiologic
effects are indicated, radiant heat has been shown to be effective
as an adjunct to other therapies in the treatment of non-acute
arthritis, chronic backaches, peripheral neuropathy, spasms, sprains,
stiff joints, strains and superficial infections. It can also
be helpful for certain peripheral vascular diseases such as causalgia,
Raynaud's disease and thromboangitis obliterans. Other beneficial
effects include increased lymph flow, increased sweating, enhanced
local blood alkalinity and tissue acidity, enhanced local nutrition,
enhanced absorption of exudates, increased urinary output, decreased
vascular stasis, and an increased pain threshold.
Infrared
| Ultraviolet | Low
Level Laser Therapy | Photonic
Stimulator |
Syntonics | Q-Light
Therapy | Bioptron Polarized
Light
