Infrared
What is an example of convection?
whirlpool therapy
What are the wavelength speed is best for healing inflammatory conditions?
- 700 to 1,000 nanometers
Can you use infrared to treat acute and chronic pain?
- It can treat both chronic pain
What is the function of circulation through the skin?
- Nutritional Supply - Conduction of heat from internal structures of the body to the skin
What is the main physiologic effects of thermal modalities?
- Superficial circulation - Muscle tone
What is radiation?
- radiant energy is transmitted in the form of (electromagnetic) radiation
What are the 5 methods of energy transfer?
-Conduction -Convection -Radiation -Evaporation -Conversion
What is the physiological effect of cold?
-Decreased local temperature -Decreased metabolism -Initial decrease in blood flow -Decreased muscle excitability - Decreased formation and accumulation of edema - Analgesic and anesthetic effects
What are the physiologic effects of heat?
-increased local, superficial temperature - increased local metabolism - increased blood flow to heated area - increased elasticity of musculature - Analgesia - Increased Edema
How deep do infrared modalities penetrate the skin?
About 1 cm
What occurs during convection?
Direct energy transfer, but the particles must be moving across the body
What happens during conduction?
Direct transfer of energy between two objects in physical contact with each other
What occurs during conversion?
Energy changes from one or another
What gradient is energy transferred during conduction?
From high to low gradient (conduction)
What is the energy gradient for convection?
High to low (convection)
What is an example of conduction in PT?
Hot pack or ice pack
What is the most common type of modality used within Physical Therapy?
Infrared
What is an example of conversion in PT?
Microwave to heat
What is activated by the photoreceptors to relax the arteries?
Nitric Oxide and Antioxidants
Should a PT use thermotherapy for an unknown edema?
No
What is the primary use of infrared modalities?
Pain relief
What type of effect does infrared have on muscle tone?
Relaxes (at muscle spindle level): - Skeletal muscle tone - Muscle Spasms
What is an example of radiation in PT?
Shortwave diathermy
Where does infrared mostly effect?
Superficial and Cutaneous nerve receptors
How does infrared work?
The light is absorbed through the photoreceptors within the cell
What is an example of evaporation in PT?
Vapor coolants
What happens during evaporation?
heat is absorbed by the liquid on the skins surface and cools the skin as it turns into gaseous state
Is contact need between the source and target during radiation?
no! no contact is needed
What is the definition of infrared?
the portion of the electro-magnetic spectrum associated with thermal change
