Treatments

Infrared and Radiant heat.

There are two types of heat lamp used by therapists:

• Infrared or non-luminous lamp provides no visible light but produces heat.
• Radiant heat or luminous lamp combines infrared rays and visible light to produce heat

When giving treatment with heat lamps the characteristics of each lamp must be considered and the manufacturer?s instructions must always be followed.

Benefits and Effects

• Encourages the regeneration of cells.
• A hyperaemia or redness of the skin is produced.
• Mild heating has an analgesic effect on the superficial sensory nerve endings in the skin, relieving pain.
• More intense heating irritates the superficial nerve endings and pain is reduced due to counter irritation.
• Lowers the blood pressure, due to vasodilation
• Increases body temperature as local heat spreads to surrounding tissues.
• Stimulates the sweat glands, improving the elimination of waste and as a result the cleansing of the skin.
• Nourishes the skin through the application and absorption of a product.
• Relaxes the muscles and relieves tension.
• Prepares the client for further treatment.

Contraindications

• Skin diseases or disorders
• Recent scar tissue
• Sun burn or skin inflammation
• Circulatory disorders
• Thrombosis or phlebitis
• Swelling or fluid retention
• Hypersensitive skin
• Acute eczema or dermatitis
• Low blood pressure
• Headache or migraine
• Diabetes*
• Epilepsy*
• Pregnancy *
• Heart conditions *

* Only to be carried out with medical approval.