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

Infrared irradiation is the use of infrared radiation for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes.

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

Mechanism of action of infrared radiation

The energy of infrared rays is relatively small, so when tissues absorb them, they mainly experience an increase in the vibrational and rotational motion of molecules and atoms, Brownian motion, electrolytic dissociation and ion movements, as well as accelerated movement of electrons along orbits. All this primarily leads to the formation of heat, so infrared rays are also called caloric or thermal.

With local irradiation, the temperature of the skin and underlying tissues can increase by 1-2° C. As a result of the direct effect of heat and excitation of thermoreceptors, a thermoregulatory reaction develops. It develops in phases: following a short-term (up to 30 sec) spasm, hyperemia occurs, associated with the expansion of superficial vessels and an increase in blood flow to the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. This vascular reaction and increased blood filling in the irradiated area lead to the appearance of pronounced hyperemia of the skin (thermal erythema), which has an uneven spotty color and disappears 30-40 minutes after the cessation of irradiation. When using IR radiation sources, pigmentation on the skin does not occur.

Intensive heating of the skin leads to the disintegration 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, and irritate skin receptors.

In the development of general reactions of the organism and reactions from deeper organs play the role of a predominantly reflex reaction. Heat, as is known, is a catalyst that accelerates biochemical processes in tissues, increases metabolism, vital activity of biological structures, and activates oxidation-reduction reactions of the organism.

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

Therapeutic effects: vasodilating, anti-edematous, catabolic, lipolytic.

Indications for infrared irradiation:

• treatment of subacute and chronic inflammatory processes of a non-purulent nature (in the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, muscles);
• slow-healing wounds, ulcers, burns, bedsores, frostbite;
• itchy dermatoses;
• post-acne infiltrates;
• congestion in the postoperative period;
• care for dry, aging skin (face, neck, décolleté, hands);
• excess body weight, cellulite;
• neuroses, chronic depression, fatigue, sleep disorders.

Methodology for carrying out procedures

During infrared treatment, the patient should not feel any pronounced, intense heat (it should be light and pleasant). During facial procedures, IR irradiation is performed after makeup removal and peeling (chemical peelings are not performed on the same day as IR irradiation). It is recommended to apply an active serum, cream or mask to the skin before the procedure and perform therapy along massage lines at a slow pace. The course of procedures is 10-20, duration is 4-8 minutes. Irradiation is prescribed daily or every other day.

In the courses of figure correction for IR therapy, thermal wraps (using electric bandages), free sources of IR radiation (lamps with IR spectrum), infrared cabins are used. Tissue heating is carried out according to the general method (IR cabin) or locally (in problem areas). When using IR radiation sources, the surrounding air is heated to 45-60 ° C, which allows the procedure to be carried out for a longer time: it is recommended to stay in the capsule from 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 figure correction, such as massage, electromyostimulation, electrolipolysis, vibration therapy, endermology, etc. The procedures can be performed both simultaneously and sequentially. Depending on the purpose of the combination of procedures, the first one performs the main purpose, and the second one - the secondary purpose. For example, when treating obesity or cellulite, the first procedure will be lipolysis, and then IR therapy to enhance and prolong the effect. If it is necessary to perform a myostimulation procedure, and the patient has a reduced pain threshold or muscle spasm in the area of the procedure or adjacent, IR therapy is prescribed first, and after the procedure is completed, while the elevated temperature in the area of impact remains, myostimulation is performed.

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

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