Infrared treatment
In physical medicine, infrared treatment is the therapeutic, external application of warming infrared radiation , usually with the help of so-called red light lamps . The tissue temperature is increased, which (if the pressure conditions in the tissue permit) leads to vasodilation. The therapeutic effect is based on the improved local blood flow .
technology
The red light lamps use incandescent lamps in which the proportion of infrared radiation (heat radiation) exceeds the proportion of visible light due to the glass bulb or additional coatings and the design of the filament. For infrared lamps is IR-A is used; Infrared A is the region (780 to 1400 nm) that is adjacent to visible light. Often these lamps still contain a red component, which is suppressed by a red filter. The “classic” red light lamp is particularly common in home use. Heating plates can be found in infrared saunas, for example.
Mode of action
The infrared heat radiation penetrates only a few millimeters deep into the tissue. The active principle is based on this warmth.
However, the subcutaneous fatty tissue , the connective tissue or the joints can also be reached through heat conduction . There is a risk that too short a distance between the radiation source and skin or too long exposure times can lead to burns .
application
Red light is used for treatments where success is achieved through warming. These include muscle spasms, fibromyalgia , " lumbago " sinus processes , bronchitis , rheumatic disease and middle ear infections , and the use in Abszessreifung . For newborns (especially premature babies), red light is used to keep warm and protect against hypothermia.
Another possible application is animal husbandry. Here, in particular, the heat radiation from infrared radiators is used, which is why these devices work more in infrared B and infrared C (1400 to 3000 nm). In pig breeding, these heat sources are also called piglet radiators , and they are also used in poultry breeding. Since only the heat is used in this area, there is no depth effect. This is why IR-A is also used in veterinary medicine.
Diathermy is used in addition to IR radiation . It is high-frequency radiation used to produce the thermal radiation. This longer-wave radiation, which connects to the far infrared, also directly heats deeper tissue layers.
Limits
If the intensity is too high, there is a risk of burns from incorrect use. The eyes, which must be protected from infrared rays, are particularly at risk. The eyes must remain closed during the application session, especially if the facial area is irradiated. The use of eye protection goggles is highly recommended because the penetration depth of the infrared radiation is greater than the thickness of the eyelid ; Children should definitely wear protective goggles .
The positive effect of the treatment has not been proven. The infrared radiation is ultimately about heat and anyone who has the feeling that this is good for them with a cold can use the lamp without hesitation. Applied correctly, the treatment has at least no negative consequences. You should only be careful with middle ear infections, cardiovascular problems or small children.
Individual evidence
- ↑ As described e.g. B. in the instructions for use of a manufacturer: "When irradiating the face, do not look directly into the infrared light and close or cover your eyes." ( PDF ; 1.0 MB)
- ↑ Fact or fallacy - does red light help with a cold? stern.de, December 16, 2015.
