Infrared irradiation: mechanism of action, technique, indications and contraindications

Infrared irradiation is the application of infrared radiation with therapeutic or cosmetic purposes.

Infrared radiation is a spectrum of electromagnetic oscillations with a wavelength of 400 μm to 760 nm. It was discovered in 1800 by the English physicist William Herschel. Physiotherapy uses the near part of infrared radiation with a wavelength range from 2 μm to 760 nm, these beams are absorbed at a depth of 1 cm. Fractional rays with a longer wavelength penetrate to a depth of 2-3 cm.

The mechanism of action of infrared radiation

The energy of infrared rays is relatively small, therefore, in tissues during absorption, the amplification of vibrational and rotational motions of molecules and atoms, Brownian motion, electrolytic dissociation and ion motions is observed, as well as accelerated motion of electrons in orbits. All this in the first place leads to the formation of heat, so infrared rays are also called caloric or thermal rays.

With local irradiations, the temperature of the skin and underlying tissues can be increased by 1-2 ° C. As a result of direct action of heat and excitation of thermoreceptors, a thermoregulatory reaction develops. It develops phasewise: after a short-term (up to 30 s) spasm, there is hyperemia associated with the expansion of surface vessels and an increase in blood flow to the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. This vascular reaction and increased blood filling in the irradiated region lead to the appearance of severe skin hyperemia (thermal erythema ), which has an uneven patchy color and disappears after 30-40 min after the irradiation has ceased. When using sources of infrared radiation, pigmentation does not occur on the skin.

Intensive heating of the skin leads to the breakdown of its protein molecules and the release of biologically active substances, including histamine-like ones. They increase the permeability of the vascular wall, participate in the regulation of local and general hemodynamics, cause irritation of the skin receptors.

In the development of the general reactions of the organism and the reaction from the more deeply located organs, the role of the predominantly reflex reaction plays. Heat, as is known, is a catalyst that speeds up biochemical processes in tissues, increases the metabolism, vital activity of biological structures, which activates the oxidation-reduction reactions of the organism.

As a result of the influence of IR irradiation, the phagocytic activity of leukocytes is increased, immunobiological processes are activated, the metabolic products are absorbed and removed, which causes an anti-inflammatory effect. Part of the liquid is released with subsequent evaporation, which leads to detoxification and dehydration of the tissues. Activation of proliferation and increased differentiation of fibroblasts leads to an acceleration of granulation of wounds and trophic ulcers, and also activates the synthesis of collagen fibers. Influence of infrared radiation on mitochondria, the energy center of the cell, in the form of stimulation of ATP synthesis, which is a "fuel" for a living cell, is revealed.

Therapeutic effects: vasodilator, decongestant, catabolic, lipolytic.

Indications for infrared radiation:

• treatment of subacute and chronic inflammatory processes of a non-inflammatory nature (in the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous adipose tissue, muscles);
• sluggishly healing wounds, ulcers, burns, bedsores, frostbite;
• itching dermatoses;
• postrigreous infiltrates;
• stagnation in the postoperative period;
• care for dry withering skin (face, neck, décolleté, hands);
• overweight, cellulite;
• neurosis, chronic depression, overwork, sleep disorders.

Methods of procedures

When performing infrared ray treatment, the patient should not feel a pronounced, intense heat (it should be light and pleasant). In facial procedures, IR irradiation is performed after make-up and peeling (chemical peels are not performed on the same day with IR irradiation). It is recommended to apply the active serum, cream or mask to the skin before the procedure and apply the therapy on the massage lines at a slow pace. Course of procedures - 10-20, duration - 4-8 minutes. Assign exposure every day or every other day.

In the course of correction of the figure for IR-therapy, heat-shrinkage (using electromanagement), free sources of infrared radiation (lamps with IR spectrum), infrared cabinets are used. The tissues are heated by the general method (IR-cab) or locally (by problem areas). When using sources of IR radiation, ambient air warms up to 45-60 ° C, which allows the procedure to be carried out for a longer time: it is recommended that the capsule be kept for 20 to 30 minutes, and when using local effects, the procedure lasts from 40 to 60 minutes. IR radiation can be combined with other physiotherapeutic procedures aimed at correction of the figure, such as massage, electromyostimulation, electrolypolysis, vibration therapy, endermology, etc. Procedures can be performed simultaneously or sequentially. Depending on the purpose of the combination of procedures, the first is performed the main, and the second is the secondary purpose. For example, in the treatment of obesity or cellulite, the first procedure will be lipolysis, and then to enhance and prolong the effect - IR-therapy. If it is necessary to carry out the procedure of myostimulation, and the patient has a lowered pain threshold or muscle spasm in the area of the procedure or adjacent, IR-therapy is first appointed, and after the procedure is completed, the increased temperature in the area of influence is performed by myostimulation.

The course of procedures is 10-12, 1-2 times a week.

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