From the Guidelines
Infrared therapy is not recommended as a primary treatment for most medical conditions, but it may be considered as a complementary therapy for certain conditions, such as pain relief and improved circulation, under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The effectiveness of infrared therapy varies depending on the condition being treated and the quality of the evidence available. For example, a study published in 2020 1 found that infrared radiation therapy may be beneficial for wound healing, but the results were limited by the high risk of bias in the studies. Another study published in 2024 1 recommended the use of infrared thermometry to monitor active Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy in persons with diabetes mellitus, but the strength of the recommendation was graded as "Conditional" due to the lack of high-quality evidence.
Some of the potential benefits of infrared therapy include:
- Pain relief
- Improved circulation
- Reduced inflammation
- Enhanced wound healing
However, it is essential to note that infrared therapy should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment, but rather as a complementary therapy to be used in conjunction with standard medical care. Additionally, infrared therapy may not be suitable for everyone, particularly pregnant women and individuals with certain skin conditions or sensitivity to heat.
In terms of specific guidelines, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recommends against the use of transcranial near-infrared laser therapy for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke 1. However, the use of infrared thermometry to monitor active Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy in persons with diabetes mellitus is recommended, with the caveat that the strength of the recommendation is "Conditional" due to the limited evidence available 1.
Overall, while infrared therapy may have some benefits, its use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, taking into account the individual's specific medical condition and the quality of the evidence available.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Infrared Therapy
Infrared therapy has been studied for its potential benefits in various medical conditions, including wound healing, musculoskeletal conditions, and chronic pain. The evidence suggests that infrared therapy can be effective in:
- Promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation and pain 2, 3
- Reducing pain levels in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia 4
- Decreasing chronic low back pain 5
- Enhancing nerve cell stimulation and regeneration 6
Mechanisms of Infrared Therapy
The mechanisms of infrared therapy are thought to involve:
- Photobiomodulation, which modulates biological activity and promotes tissue repair 2, 6
- Increased blood flow and oxygenation to the affected area 6
- Reduction of inflammation and pain 2, 4
Wavelengths and Dosage
Different wavelengths of infrared radiation have been studied, including: