How Infrared Therapy Works
Infrared radiation is a form of energy on the electromagnetic spectrum. In a clinical setting, we use specialized lamps to emit this energy, which the body absorbs and converts into heat.
- Deep Thermal Effect: The heat penetrates roughly 2–10 mm below the skin’s surface, reaching the superficial muscles and nerves.
- Vasodilation: As the area warms up, blood vessels dilate (expand). This significantly increases the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the injured site.
- Cellular Metabolism: The gentle heat speeds up metabolic processes, helping the body repair damaged cells and clear out waste products like lactic acid more efficiently.
Key Benefits of IRR
Many patients find Infrared Therapy to be one of the most relaxing parts of their rehabilitation program. Its primary benefits include:
- Instant Muscle Relaxation: The thermal effect reduces muscle tension and “melts away” spasms, making it an excellent pre-treatment before manual therapy or stretching.
- Natural Pain Relief: By soothing irritated nerve endings and increasing circulation, IRR helps reduce the intensity of chronic and acute pain.
- Increased Flexibility: Warming up the collagen fibers in our tendons and ligaments allows for a better range of motion and reduced joint stiffness.
- Accelerated Wound Healing: In specific clinical cases, infrared can be used to improve blood flow to the skin to help minor skin breaks or ulcers heal faster.
Common Conditions We Treat
We often recommend Infrared Therapy as part of a comprehensive plan for:
| Category | Typical Conditions Treated |
| Chronic Pain | Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Low Back Pain |
| Muscle Issues | Muscle Strains, Tight Traps/Neck Spasms, Hamstring Tightness |
| Joint Stiffness | Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis), Stiff Ankles, Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Sports Injuries | Ligament Sprains (sub-acute stage), Tennis Elbow, Achilles Tendinitis |
What to Expect During Your Treatment
An Infrared session is simple, safe, and comfortable.
- Positioning: You will be positioned comfortably, and the area to be treated will be exposed.
- Setup: The IR lamp is placed at a specific distance (usually 45–60 cm) from your skin to ensure even, safe heating.
- The Sensation: You will feel a pleasant, “sedative” warmth. It should never feel hot or like it is burning.
Duration: A typical session lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. After the session, the skin will appear slightly pink (erythema), which is a healthy sign of increased blood flow.
Safety & Precautions
While IRR is incredibly safe, our therapists take specific precautions to ensure your comfort:
- Sensation Check: We always test your skin’s ability to feel heat before starting to prevent burns.
- Eye Protection: We ensure your eyes are protected if the lamp is positioned near your face.
- Contraindications: IRR is generally avoided over areas with active skin cancer, severe inflammation (acute stage), or if you have a high fever.
Clinical Tip: We often use Infrared Therapy as a “warm-up” tool. By applying IRR for 15 minutes before your physical therapy exercises, your muscles become more pliable, making your workout more effective and less painful.