Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
INFRARED RADIATION
Radiant Energy
All substances with T above absolute zero (-273 C) emit radiant energy Emission & transmission of radiant energy:
Quantum theory Electromagnetic wave theory
Energy is transmitted by oscillatory motion in the form of electromagnetic waves Electromagnetic spectrum
Are electrical & magnetic waves that travel together through space without need of a carrier medium Wavelength = the length of one complete wave, the distance between two successive crests or peaks.
Measured in meters or nanometers (1 nm=
10-9 meter
Frequency describes the number of crests of the wave that pass by a point every second.
1 hertz = 1 wave crest/second.
Electromagnetic spectrum
Uses of EM Waves Hazards of EM waves
Reflection Occurs when EM ray encounters a medium that will not transmit it The angle of incident ray is equal to angle of the reflected ray
Reflection
Employed in design of reflectors used to re-direct rays towards an appropriate target Skin will also reflect some rays
parabolic reflector - avoids danger of concentration of rays, ensures even radiation to minimize focal points of heat to minimize possibility of spot burns Patients complexion (amount of melanin) Skin texture (scaly or smooth) Oiliness or dryness of skin
Refraction
Occurs when EM rays are transmitted from 1 medium to another with an angle of incidence greater than zero Causes rays to be deflected from its original course by an amount depending on the media involved and the angle of incidence (Snells law) Passing through optically denser medium = refracted towards normal Hydrotherapy = positioning of objects in the water
Absorption
When energy is absorbed by a surface, it heats up Biological tissue exposed to radiant energy will be affected by that energy Grotthus Draper law
waves of different wavelengths produce different effects Extent of the effect will be determined by the amount of energy absorbed by the tissue
describes the geometrical fact that light intensity decreases as the square of the distance from the source As light from a point source radiates out into space, the area illuminated increases as the square of the distance and the intensity of the light decreases as the square of the distance. Intensity of the wave varies inversely with the square of the distance between the source of radiant energy & the absorbing tissue because of the divergence of the rays I = 1/D2
Cosine law
Maximum absorption of radiant energy occurs when the source is at right angles to the absorbing surface 90 angle of incidence = no rays absorbed 0 angle of incidence = absorption is maximized For application of IR & UVR
Ensure that maximum number of rays strike the surface at 90 (0 angle of incidence ) for the most effective treatment
The intensity & duration of the dose of radiant energy are inversely proportional Energy (E) = intensity (I) x time (T) The intensity & duration of the dose can be manipulated even when one wants the amount of energy delivered to the patient to remain constant
Infrared radiation
EM waves with wavelengths of 750nm 400,000nm Near infrared = 770 1500 nm Far infrared = 1500 150,000 nm Produced as a result of molecular motion Inc T => vibration of molecules => emission of IR Higher T => higher mean frequency output => shorter wavelength
Absorption
Structure & type of tissue Vascularity Pigmentation Intensity of source Wavelength & frequency of radiation Angle at which radiation hits surface Coefficient of absorption of material
Therapeutic uses of IR
Indications
Relief of pain & Muscle spasm Subacute & chronic conditions Adjunct to therapy (prior to ES)
Determined by the patients response Intensity of the output of the lamp (in watts)
40 45 C maintained for at least 5 min Observe proper distance Should not exceed patients tolerance
Dosage
For Initial treatment, subacute conditions, preheating prior to ES = 15 20 min For chronic conditions = 20 30 min Luminous = 30 in for 750-1000 W lamps; 24 in for 50-600 W lamps Non-luminous = 36 in for 750-1000 W lamps; 30 in for 50-600 W lamps Once or twice daily for subacute conditions Once daily for chronic conditions
Acute conditions Lack of thermal sensitivity Local areas of recent bleeding Devitalized skin after deep X-ray treatment Skin conditions like skin carcinomas, acute dermatitis Impaired local circulation Infected tissues
Advantages
Maybe used to treat large body parts Maybe used to treat patients who cannot tolerate weight
Produces soothing & gentle heat which promotes relaxation Maybe used areas with open wounds & to dry seeping wounds No contact with patient = less infection risk Area being treated maybe observed Disadvantages
Not easily localized to a specific treatment area Causes skin dryness Dry heat may be agitating & irritating to some patients Luminous lamp produces glare which may be irritating to the eyes Needs close & constant monitoring of duration of application & proper positioning of patient & equipment to avoid burns Difficult to ensure consistent heating of irregular surfaces since heat transfer depends on distance & angle of source to skin
Danger of IR radiation
Burns Electric shock Gangrene Headache Faintness Injury to the eyes