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Writer's pictureTav Keen

A QUICK GUIDE TO INFRA-RED THERAPY

Updated: Jan 12

Utilising light to address both acute and chronic pain, Infra-Red Therapy is a straightforward and pain-free treatment method currently being developed and practiced for its potential applications across diverse wellbeing and medical fields.



A quick guide to Infra-Red Therapy


What exactly is Infra-Red Therapy?


Infrared light is an innovative therapy that is increasingly immerging for the treatment of patients with chronic or acute pain. This light therapy utilises specific wavelengths of the light spectrum that are targeted to areas of the body that may be compromised, strained or injured.


In contrast to ultraviolet light, which can be detrimental to the body's tissues and cells, infrared light offers therapeutic effects by aiding in cellular regeneration and repair. Additionally, it enhances the circulation of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, expediting the healing process for deep tissues and alleviating pain.

A distinctive quality of infrared light lies in its capacity to penetrate beneath the layers of the skin, reaching greater depths and delivering effective pain relief.

This non-invasive, natural, and painless approach proves to be versatile in providing a wide array of health benefits without causing harm to the skin through UV radiation.


Infrared light, often recognized as the warmth felt when exposed to sunlight, naturally emanates from the skin on a daily basis. Its profound health benefits range from pain relief to the reduction of inflammation, showcasing its potential to contribute positively to overall well-being.


How does it work?


Penetrating the inner layers of the skin at depths ranging from 2 to 7 centimeters, infrared light extends its reach to muscles, nerves, and even bones. Numerous studies advocate for the healing properties of infrared light within a frequency range of 700 to 1,000 nanometers, particularly for addressing inflammatory conditions.

The historical timeline of using electricity for healing dates back to 2,750 BC when electric eels were employed for electric shocks. Despite early attempts with electricity and magnetism, it wasn't until 1975 that transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) emerged as a method for treating chronic pain. In more recent times, infrared therapy has proven effective in enhancing wound healing, alleviating arthritis-induced pain, elevating endorphin levels, and bioactivating neuromodulators.

Infrared therapy technology facilitates the harnessing of sun-derived benefits without exposing individuals to harmful ultraviolet rays. Noteworthy is its safety and effectiveness, even extending to the neonatal intensive care setting, where infrared light is employed safely for infants. As light is absorbed by photoreceptors in cells, a cascade of metabolic events is initiated, setting off natural cellular processes.



Infra-Red Therapy Technology


Central to the effectiveness of infrared light therapy is the role of nitric oxide, a crucial gas for arterial health. Nitric oxide serves as a potent cell signaling molecule, promoting arterial relaxation, combating oxidative stress by battling free radicals, preventing platelet clumping, and regulating blood pressure. This multifaceted molecule enhances blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues, thereby stimulating regeneration, reducing pain, and alleviating inflammation.

The enhanced blood flow resulting from infrared light therapy enables oxygen and nutrients to reach cells, fostering proper cellular function. This stimulation facilitates the regeneration and repair of injured tissues, providing relief from pain and inflammation. Infrared light therapy finds application in treating an array of health conditions, including but not limited to back pain, arthritis, muscle strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, and surgical incisions.


Concluding Thoughts on Infra-red Therapy


We hope this guide provides some useful insights into how Infra-red therapy are emerging as a quick, secure and efficacious approach for pain reduction and the treatment of various conditions. It proves to be a reliable, drug-free method for enduring pain relief and aids in the healing process of injured body parts.


The application of infrared therapy extends its benefits beyond pain relief to encompass a spectrum of advantages, including the reduction of inflammation and the restoration of function to affected body parts. This therapeutic approach demonstrates effectiveness in addressing diverse conditions such as joint pain, joint inflammation, muscle pain, spinal injuries, nerve pain, and sports-related injuries.



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