Electromagnetic spectrum

A spectrum is an arrangement of rays in order of their wave length. (It is the distance

between point on one electromagnetic wave to exactly the same point on the next wave).

Electromagnetic radiation Gamma Rays

Light with the shortest wavelengths and the highest energies and frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum; also called gamma radiation.X-Rays

Electromagnetic radiation with very short wavelengths and very high energies and frequencies. X-rays fall between gamma rays and ultraviolet radiationUltraviolet

Electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths and higher energies and frequencies than visible light. UV light is lower in frequency than X-rays.Visible Light

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that human eyes can detect; also known as the visible spectrum. The colors of the rainbow make up visible light. Blue light has more energy than red light.Infrared

Radiation that has longer wavelengths and lower frequencies and energies than visible light.Radio Waves

Radiation with the longest wavelengths and smallest frequencies and energies in the electromagnetic spectrum.

What is Infra Red Radiation?

Electro magnetic waves with wave lengths of 750nm – 400,000nm any hot body emits infra red wavesThe sun, gas fire, coal fires, electric fields, hot, water pipes etc. are some of the sources

Various types of infra red generators are employed in physiotherapy departmentsThere are two main groups

1. non luminousprovide infra red rays only

2. luminous emits visible and few ultra violet

rays as well as infra red

Treatment with luminous generator is often refried as radiant heatThe term infra red is generally applied to radiation from non luminous surces

Choice of apparatus In many cases luminous and non luminous generators are equally suitableBut in some instances one becomes more satisfactory than others

When there is acute inflammation or recent injury, the sedative effects of the rays obtained from non luminous generator may prove more effective for relieving pain than counter irritant effect of those from luminous source For lesions of more chronic type the counter irritant effect of the shorter rays may prove to be value & there fore luminous generator is chosen

Arrangement of the lamp and the patient

The lamp is positioned so that it is opposite to the centre of the are to be treatedRays should strike the skin at right anglesMaximum absorption should be ensuredDistance of the patient from the lamp should be measuredIt is usually 75 to 50cmIt depends on the output of the generatorCare must be taken that the patient’s face is not exposed to the IR raysThe eyes must be shielded if it is not possible to avoid irradiating the face

Therapeutic Effects

1.Relieving pain

2.Muscle relaxation

3.Increasing blood supply

Dangers 1. BurnBurs may be caused by following reasonsa. If intensity of radiation is to highb. If sensation is not properc. Patient fails to report over heatingd. Unconscious patiente. Patient moves closer to the lampf. Falls asleep during treatment

2. Electric shock3. Faintness or giddiness4. Headache5. Gangrene6. Injury to eyes

Contraindications

1.Defective arterial blood supply2.Areas where there is danger of

hemorrhage3.Defective skin sensation4.Directly over the eyes5.After deep x-ray or Cobalt

therapy6.Known cases of tumors

Thank You..