IRR – INFRARED
RADIATION
Dr/ Amal Mohamed Abd El Baky
L. chandrasekar Loganathan
1435 – 1436H – 1ST SEMESTER - PHT 221 – SECTION – 1099- 243
Lecture Outline
3

This lecture deals about the topic IRR in following subcategories;
1. Basics principles & production of IRR
2. Indications & Contraindications of IRR
3. Physiological & Therapeutic effects of heat
4. Methods of application / Treatment procedure – An
overview of clinical application
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Lecture Objective
4

At the end of this lecture, the students will be able to;
1. Recall the classification, principles, production & types of IRR
generators.
2. Compare & list down some of the indications,
contraindications, precautions, physiological, therapeutic
effects, advantages, disadvantages & dangers of IRR.
3. Safely & effectively to demonstrate the methods of
application to various segments of the body as a treatment.
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

Infrared= below red.
The discovery of infrared radiation is by William Herschel, the
astronomer, in the early 19th century.
DEFINITION:Infrared light (IRR) are electromagnetic radiation that lies within that
part of electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and
microwave radiation.


N.B -Infrared is superficial Heating modality with penetration depth 110mm.
• Infrared is radiant heat transmits energy by radiation.
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


we experience this type of infrared radiation every day in
the form of heat! The heat that we feel from sunlight, a fire,
a radiator or a warm sidewalk is infrared.
The temperature sensitive nerve endings in our skin can
detect the difference between inside body temperature
and outside skin temperature.
All objects in the universe above absolute zero emit
electromagnetic radiation.
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
Infrared wavelengths is ranged from 760 nm to 1
millimeter.

The rays travel through the ether until they encounter
some medium which absorbs them & when they are
absorbed HEAT is produced.
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
Thermo gram—a picture that shows regions of different
temperatures in the body.

Uses: Remote controls (TV/VCR), radiant heaters, grills,
optical fibre communication, night vision.

Dangers: Skin burns
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It can be classified according to their absorption characteristics and their
effect upon tissue.
Near (short)=750-1500nm
Far (long)=1500-15000nm
Types
IRA=750-1400nm
IRB=1500-3000,
IRC=3000nm-1m
Source
Luminous heated body
-Incandescent bodies
-Sun
-Tungsten
Non-luminous Heated bodies
-Hot pack
-Electrical heating pads
Penetration Deeper; penetrates to epidermis , dermis Superficial;
& subcutaneous (5-10mm)
Absorption
epidermis
Deep
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penetrates
≤5mm
Superficial
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to
the
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 Reflected
 Absorbed
 Penetration
 Refracted
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Source of Infrared
Sources of IR
Artificial
Luminous
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Natural
Sun 60%
Non-luminous
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
Any heated material will produce I.R.R., It is produced as
a result of molecular motion within heated materials.

The wavelength & frequency are being determined by the
temperature.

TYPES OF I.R. – GENERATORS:1.
Non – Luminous Generator
2.
Luminous Generator
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
A coil of wire wound on a cylinder of some insulating
material such as FIRECLAY or PORCELAIN.(A simple type
for production IRR)
Electric Current
passed through the wires
Produces Heat
IRR are emitted from the hot wires & from the fireclay which is
heated by CONDUCTION.
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
Usually the coil of wire is embedded in the fireclay, then
the emission of rays (IRR +Some Visible) is then entirely
from the fireclay which is commonly painted BLACK.

It is placed at the FOCAL POINT of a PARABOLIC
REFLECTOR. This set-up is mainly to reflect the radiations
into an approximately uniform beam.

The beam does diverge somewhat & thus reduces the risk
of developing of HOT SPOTS.
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
The parabolic reflector & emitter are mounted on a metal
stand, firmly supported & which can be adjusted to alter
the HEIGHT & ANGLE of the reflector / emitter.

When such lamps are switched ON, they require some
time to warm-up because of the THERMAL INERTIA of the
considerable mass of metal & insulating material that has
to be heated.
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Non-Luminous IR
1-Source: It takes about 5-15 minutes to be heated and emit their
maximum intensity, so the lamp must be switched on at appropriate
time before they are worked to get maximum emission.
2-Wave length: 1500-12000nm, maximum peak intensity at 4000nm
3-Composition: Emit 90 % far IR, with 10% near IR.
4-Penetration:
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Epidermis & superficial dermis (2mm)
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Non-Luminous IR
5-Uses: Acute conditions.
6-Physiological effect: Pain reduction via sedative
effect.
7-Treatment time 20-30minutes
8-Types: Hot pack
9-Distance: 75-90cm from treated area
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IRR LAMPS
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1.The emitter/Source
2.The metal plate
3.Protective wire mesh.
4.Parabolic Reflector.
5. Adjustable Metal stand with screws.
6. Base / Wheel.
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
Luminous generators are produced by one or more
INCANDESCENT LAMPS.

Incandescent lamp consists of a TUNGSTEN FILAMENT in a
large envelop which contains INERT GAS AT LOW
PRESSURE.
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
The inside part of the glass bulb is often SILVERED to
provide / act as a REFLECTOR.

This lamp work on the same principle as a SIMPLE
ELECTRIC BULB.

On passing electric current, it gives off a continuous
spectrum in the infrared & visible region & a few UVR.
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
These visible & UVR radiations are absorbed by the glass & are
not transmitted by the lamp.

The outside glass is REDDENED, absorbing some of the GREEN &
BLUE RAYS to give a RED VISIBLE EMISSION.

It is important to ensure that all rays fall PERPENDICULAR to the
surface in-order to be MAXIMALLY ABSORBED.

The human skin absorbs 95% of the energy if the rays are
PERPENDICULAR to the surface.
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Luminous Generators of IR
1-Source: - (incandescent lamps).
2-Wave length: 350-4000nm, peak maximum intensity at 1000nm
3-Emission
: 70% near IR, 24% far IR, 5% visible light, & 1% UV.
4-Penetration: Epidermis, dermis & subcutaneous tissue (5-10mm)
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Luminous Generators of IR
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5-Uses: Chronic inflammation.
6-Physiological effect: Pain reduction via counter-irritant
effect.
7-Treatment time: 15-20minutes
8-Types: Quartz lamp, Tungsten lamp, Carbon filament
lamp
9-Distance:
40-60cm from treated area
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Absorption & Penetration

Infrared radiations striking the surface of the skin will be reflected,
scattered, refracted, penetrate and absorbed in the tissues. The
depth of penetration and absorption of IR depends on;
1-Wavelength/ frequency of radiation
2-Thermal conductivity of the tissue
3-Thickness of tissue.
4-Specific heat of tissue.
5-Distance form source of IR.
6-Intensity of IR source.
7-Vascularity
8-Types of the skin
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
Luminous - Epidermis, dermis & subcutaneous tissue (5-10mm)

Non-Luminous - Epidermis & superficial dermis (2mm)

The effect will be marked heating of the skin. Some of this heat will
be conducted more deeply into the SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE.

The sensation to be experienced in only a COMFORTABLE WARM
SENSATION which must not FEEL HOT.
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 Metabolic
 Increases
 Circular
effect:
metabolic activity.
effect:
 Increases
blood flow superficially.
 Neurological
effects:
 Increases
nerve conduction velocity.
 Stimulation of sensory nerves lead to inhibition of pain at the
level of the spinal cord.
 Increase pain threshold
 Decreased
Viscosity & Increased Collagen Extensibility
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 Blood
Pressure:
 If
the heating is given to a large area of the body for a prolonged
period, there will be FALL in B.P.
 Pigmentation:
 Excessive
& prolonged IRR application can cause the destruction of
ERYTHROCYTES, releasing PIGMENTS & causing brown discoloration
of skin.
 Sweating:
 There
is increased activity of sweat glands by reflex stimulation
from heat regulating center.
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Physiological Effects of IR
INCREASE









Local temperature superficially
Local metabolism
Capillary permeability and blood flow
Lymphatic and venous drainage
Vasodilatation of arterioles and capillaries
Leukocytes& phagocytes activity
Axon reflex activity
Elasticity of soft tissue.
Stimulation of sensory nerve
Vasodilatation starts after 1–2 minutes and lasts for 30 minutes.
Erythema: is of irregular patchy red appearance of skin due to
vasodilatation and lasts for about 30 minutes after IR application.
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Pain
– Stimulation of Sensory heat receptor –
Pain Gate Mechanism.(Mild heating has a 'sedatory'
effect on sensory nerves endings and is thus useful for the
relief of acute pain. Strong heating has a ‘counter irritant'
effect on sensory nerves endings and is thus useful for the
relief of chronic pain.)
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 Muscle
spasm – Secondary afferent muscle
spindle
 Joint
stiffness – The viscosity decrease &
Increased collagen extensibility
 As
a precursor to other treatment
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 Tissue
healing – Increased Metabolic rate, Cell activity &
Local blood flow.
 Edema
– Increased fluid exchange & Increased
reabsorption of exudates.
 Skin
lesion – Psoriasis.
 Sedation
– Reflex phenomenon.
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 Pain
& Muscle Spasm
[
 Chronic
Inflammatory state – Oedema
 Pressure
sore – Healing of wounds
 Psoriasis
– Skin Conditions
 Joint
 As
stiffness – Sub & Chronic stage
a preparation for stretch and mobilizing
exercise.
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 Impaired
Sensation: Not able to determine if the
excessive heat is occurring.
 Impaired
Circulation: (Atherosclerosis, DVT, Beurger’s
disease) – Not able to dissipate heat & will lead to
BURNS.
 Dermatological
Conditions – Fungus, Dermatitis &
Eczema.
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 Analgesic
& Narcotic drugs – It will raise the pain
threshold.
 Deep
x-ray therapy – Past 3 months – it reduces
sensory appreciation.
 Topical
creams & Oils – It will cause burns
 Never
heat the abdomen during pregnancy (first
and last trimester )
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
Defective blood pressure regulation

Acute febrile illness (Fever)

Tumors of the skin

Hemophilia.
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 Metal
 Eyes
– It retains the heat & will lead to a burn.
– The radiations can cause CATARACTS.
 Age
– Elderly patients generally have impairment
of sensation & circulation. (lack of normal CVS
may lessen the tolerance of thermal stress)
 Never
apply heat directly over the genitals.
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 Acute
Infections – It will increase the infection
processes.
 Severe
cardiac conditions – Heating a large area
will cause An Increase in cardiac output & the
same may not be tolerated with severe cardiac
patients.
 Markedly
loss of consciousness.
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Dangers & side effects of IR
1. Burn
Causes:
Intensity of radiation is so high
Loss of sensation,
Reduce consciousness
Unreliable patients
Accidentally touch of hot element
Metal & Inflammable materials in treated area,
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These dangers can be avoided by:
Flaw application principle
Adequate warnings to the patient
Checking the skin several times
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Dangers & side effects of IR
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2. Electrical Shock: Due to exposed part or heated
wires in the circuit
3. Dehydration
4. Lowering blood pressure and fainting
5. Damage to the eyes
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Infrared radiation
Disadvantages
Advantages


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Can be used to treat large
area.
Patients may be able to apply
at home


Heating only superficial tissue,
therefore limited in use.
Equipment is often unstable.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Explanation to the patient
Testing of thermal sensation
Preparation of the patient
Preparation of the Equipment / Selection of the equipment
Preparation of the part to be treated
Instructions & warning to the patient
Method of Application – Setting up
Duration & Frequency of treatment
Termination
Documentation / Recording
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1.
If SEDATIVE EFFECTE is needed then – NON
LUMINOUS IRR LAMP is selected
2.
If COUNTER IRRITATION is needed then –
LUMINOUS IRR LAMP is chosen.
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1. Instruct the patient that he/she should feel only a
COMFORTABLE WARMTH.
2. Ask the patient to inform immediately if the treatment part
becomes very HOT or if the pain INCREASES to avoid
BURNS.
3. Advice the patient NOT TO MOVE, NOT TO TOUCH the
LAMP or NOT TO LOOK at the GENERATOR.
4. Advice the patient NOT to SLEEP or READ during the
treatment.
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1.
Never position the lamp directly over the patient.
2.
Lamp position should be positioned perpendicular to the
area of treatment to obtain MAXIMUM ABSORPTION.
3. The distance between the patient & the lamp (Emitter)
usually should be in the range 40 cm - 90 cm.
4. Protect the eyes from the rays by wearing GOOGLES or
covering the eyes with PADS OF COTTON WOOL.
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5. Check the knobs & screws of the lamp that
control the height & angle of the reflector.
6. Only switch ON the heating element of the lamp
prior to positioning if the element takes longer
than 5min to reach its maximum output of IRR.
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 1.
Radiation (lamp to body)
2. Convection and conduction ( through the body)
Dosage
 Sensory report of the patient
 Adjusted by:

 Changing
power output of the lamp
 Distance of lamp
 Angle of incidence
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1.
At the end of the treatment time switch of the
lamp & remove it.
2.
Inspect the area for any excessive erythema
& for relief of symptoms.
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1.
The area & side of the treatment
2.
Type of generator used
3.
Duration & Frequency of treatment
4.
Any adverse reactions
5.
Patients response.
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Practical and clinical application
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
Select the Infrared generator according to treatment area, and
conditions (acute versus chronic).

Warm up the lamp if necessary (5-10minutes for non luminous).

Clean the treated area from any sweat, dirt, or oils, and remove
any jewelry.

Position the patient in a comfortable manner.
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Practical and clinical application
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
Drape the body part so that only the area to be treated
is exposed.

If a moist heat treatment is desired, place a damp terry
cloth towel over the area.

Place the lamp so that the source of heat is (50-90cm)
away from the patient.

Adjust the lamp so the energy will strike the tissues at a
right angle (inverse square law).
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Practical and clinical application
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
To prevent burns, instruct the patient not to move/sleep and
check the patients comfort periodically.

The intensity may be adjusted by moving the lamp toward
the skin (increasing temp) or away from the skin
(decreasing temp). [40-90cm]

Instruct the patient to summon assistance if the intensity of
the treatment becomes too great.

Treatment duration will be 15-30 minutes,

Face should not exposed to the rays and eyes must be
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1.
IR A – Penetrate to the level of DERMIS &
SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUES.
2.
IR B – penetrate only to the EPIDERMIS LEVEL.
3.
It is useful method of superficial vigorous heating
for larger areas.
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4. The intensity of radiation varies inversely with
the square of the distance from the lamp.
5.
The rise in temperature is maintained as long as
the lamp is ON & QUICKLY SUBSIDES on
removal.
6.
It’s a dry form of Heat when compared to
WAXBATH & HOTPACKS.
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