Infrared light therapy is used in physical therapy to promote a superficial and dry increase in the temperature of the area to be treated, which promotes vasodilation and increases blood circulation, promoting tissue repair as they enter the body by acting on small blood vessels, capillaries and nerves. End.
Infrared physiotherapy is indicated for:
- The infrared light used in physiotherapy varies between 50 and 250 W and therefore the depth of the skin it reaches varies between 0.
- 3 and 2.
- 5 mm.
- Depending on the lamp used and its distance to the skin.
There are also infrared light rooms in SPA and hotels, which are similar to a dry sauna, which also promote relaxation after a sports injury, for example, can be used for about 15 to 20 minutes and are not suitable for people with pressure changes. .
The treatment time with infrared light varies between 10-20 minutes, and for therapeutic benefits a temperature should be maintained at the treatment site between 40 and 45 degrees C for at least 5 minutes The temperature control can be checked with an infrared thermometer directly in the area exposed to light. The temperature in the treated area should return to normal after approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
Treatment time may be shorter when the area to be treated is small, in the case of an acute injury, skin diseases such as psoriasis. To increase the intensity of infrared light, you can approach the skin lamp or change its capacity in the generator.
To start treatment, the person must remain in a comfortable position, keeping the limb at rest, while he or she can sit or lie down, the skin should be exposed, clean and dry, and the eyes should be kept closed during treatment, if there is light. affects the eyes, to avoid dry eyes.
The light should fall directly onto the treated area forming a right angle that allows for greater absorption of energy. The distance between the lamp and the body varies between 50 and 75 cm and the person can remove the lamp from the skin in case it burns or burns. , especially since prolonged use is harmful to health.
Although it is a treatment that has several health benefits, this technique carries associated risks and is therefore counter-added in some situations.
Medical infrared light can be purchased in medical and hospital stores and can be used at home, but it is important to respect its use and contraindications so as not to harm health.