Infrared Radiation Therapy: What It Treats and How It Works

Infrared radiation therapy is a non-invasive treatment using infrared light for healing, reducing pain and inflammation. As an alternative therapy, it has become popular because it can treat such a wide variety of conditions-from musculoskeletal injuries to chronic pain. This therapeutic approach works by harnessing the power of infrared radiation to penetrate deep into tissues, providing pain relief and improving circulation. Infrared radiation may help you find better ways to cope with pain or speed up your recovery.

Read on to understand the long and short of infrared radiation therapy, what it cures, and how it will help you gain better health overall.

What is Infrared Radiation Therapy?

Infrared radiation therapy is a type of heat therapy that makes use of infrared light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Infrared radiation is an electromagnetic energy whose wavelengths are larger than visible light. Thus, it can go deeper into the skin and tissues, getting absorbed by the body and being transformed into heat. Such heat may contribute to increasing blood flow, relaxing muscles, reducing pain, and relieving stiffness.

Unlike other modes of heat therapy, infrared radiation is deeper in the tissues, meaning that it creates more targeted and efficient healing. This treatment can be delivered via devices, including infrared lamps or pads. These devices are manufactured to accurately deliver controlled amounts of infrared radiation to the affected area.

How Does Infrared Radiation Therapy Work?

Infrared radiation therapy is based on the principle of infrared light waves emitted through the skin and tissues. The body absorbs infrared radiation, which leads to heat production. This produces various beneficial effects on the body.

Blood Flow Enhancement: Infrared radiation produces heat that dilates the blood vessels. This promotes improved circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the site of damage, thus aiding the healing process while reducing the occurrence of pain and inflammation.
Pain Relief: Deep penetration of infrared light relaxes muscles and reduces stiffness, thus relieving pain from musculoskeletal injuries, arthritis, and other conditions. The therapy also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Muscle Relaxation: Infrared radiation therapy helps improve blood flow throughout the muscles, thus reducing spasms and muscle tenseness. Hence, this relaxes muscles highly in individuals subjected to chronic back pain, work-related overuse and stress.
Minimised Inflammation: Improving the local circulation with fewer fluid buildup can reduce inflammation among patients who suffer from arthritis, tendonitis, etc.
Cell Regeneration: Infrared radiation promotes the production of collagen and other vital proteins, which are important in tissue repair and regeneration. This can be helpful in hastening the healing of wounds, injuries, and skin conditions.

Conditions Treated by Infrared Radiation Therapy

Infrared radiation therapy helps treat several conditions, mainly those concerning pain, inflammation, and musculoskeletal injuries. Some of the common conditions that can be treated through infrared radiation include:

Chronic Pain and Inflammation: This type of treatment decreases chronic pain due to diseases like arthritis and fibromyalgia and various inflammatory diseases. It improves circulation and diminishes inflammation, leading to a reprieve from ongoing pain.
Muscle and Joint Pain: Infrared radiation can ease muscle and joint pain, which may be due to an injury or overuse. The therapy relaxes sore muscles by improving blood flow and reducing muscle tension, easing joint stiffness.
Sports Injuries: This treatment is often employed by athletes for the acceleration of the recovery process from strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries. The high penetration of infrared light reduces the swelling in the tissues, thus promoting rapid repair of tissue, which aids in faster recovery and return to activities.
Wound Healing: Infrared radiation accelerates the healing of wounds, cuts, and burns by increasing blood circulation to the affected area and stimulating the production of collagen, which is essential for tissue repair.
Skin Conditions: Infrared therapy can help treat certain skin conditions, such as acne, by reducing inflammation and promoting better circulation. It can also aid in reducing the appearance of scars and improving overall skin texture.
Poor Circulation: Infrared radiation therapy may suit people suffering from poor circulation of blood or disease like Raynaud’s. Improved circulation helps to ease symptoms caused due to poor circulation.

Conclusion

Infrared radiation therapy is a highly effective and non-invasive treatment option for a variety of conditions, ranging from pain management to wound healing. This therapy promotes blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and aids in tissue repair, which helps individuals recover faster and enjoy improved mobility. For effective treatment, consider consulting specialists at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, where you can receive expert care personalised to your needs.