Infrared therapy is simple, painless, non-invasive treatment used to treat pain and help to heal injuries. Found in natural daylight, Infrared light is the heat people feel when exposed to the sun. Infrared light has shown immense health benefits (Unlike ultraviolet light, which has damaging effects upon the tissues and cells of the body) Infrared therapy is safe and effective, without adverse side effects. Most patients report a pleasant soothing effect immediately.
What is Infrared Therapy?
Infrared light therapy uses certain wavelengths of light to help treat acute and chronic pain, reduce inflammation and help the body to heal after injury by helping the body’s cells to regenerate or repair themselves Infrared light also improves the circulation of oxygen-rich blood in the body, promoting faster healing of deep tissues and relieving pain.
Infrared light penetrates below the skin layers, providing a much greater depth which is able to effectively provide pain relief, without damaging the skin through UV radiation.
How does Infrared Therapy work?
Infrared light penetrates to the inner layers of the skin at about 2 to 7 cm deep. So it can reaches the muscles, nerves and even the bones.
Infrared light is absorbed by the photoreceptors in cells. Once absorbed, the light energy kickstarts a series of metabolic events, triggering several natural processes of the body on a cellular level.
Infrared light triggers the release of nitric oxide from blood vessels and red blood cells, nitric oxide is vital to the health of the body’s blood vessels. It helps to relax the arteries, battles free radicals to reduce oxidative stress, prevents platelet clumping in the vessels, and regulates the blood pressure. It enhances blood circulation to deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to damaged and injured tissues in the body.
The increase in the blood flow to the different parts of the body makes it possible for oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells, enabling them to function properly and effectively. Hence, this therapy stimulates the regeneration and repair of injured tissues, reducing pain and inflammation.
At ActiveHCP, we use Infrared Therapy in the treatment of various health conditions, including back pain, arthritis, bursitis, muscle spasm, tendonitis, post-surgical wound healing and often combine the therapy with acupuncture or myofascial cupping as the increase in circulation to the targeted area can enhance treatment.
Need help?
If you’ve got an injury which you feel is holding you back, get in touch. We can help you get there!
Julia Cuttelle Parker
About the author:
Julia is a Sports & Musculoskeletal Therapist with a vast knowledge of treating musculoskeletal injury, but is also a qualified Personal Trainer with advanced qualifications in GP Exercise referral for clients with medical conditions and Level 4 qualifications for working with clients with Lower Back Pain, Diabetes and Obesity.
Recent Comments