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Infrared Light therapy
from www.nirtherapy.com
Infrared Light therapy has also been given the names LED therapy, infrared therapy, light therapy, phototherapy, and more recently photodynamic therapy (PDT) or Intense Pulsed Light therapy (IPL). A study done by the Mayo Clinic in 1989 suggests that the results of light therapy are a direct effect of light itself, generated at specific wavelengths, and are not necessarily a function of the characteristics of coherency and polarization associated with lasers. In a study entitled Low-Energy Laser Therapy: Controversies and New Research Findings, Jeffrey R. Basford, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, suggests that the coherent aspect of laser may not be the source of its therapeutic effect. He states, "Firstly, the stimulating effects (from therapeutic light) are reported following irradiation with non-laser sources and secondly, tissue scattering, as well as fiber optic delivery systems used in many experiments rapidly degrade coherency...”
LEDs have seen a major increase in popularity and use since 1995. The first LED therapy units available for purchase in the equine industry (CEFCO) used 8mW peak power per diode, today the NIR™ system uses 100mW peak power (per diode) infrared LEDs rated at 3,000mcd (millicandle power). This greatly influences the treatment times. The NIR™ system provides power at an affordable cost.
In 1998 a Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery of a free radical gas known as “Nitric Oxide (NO).” Since its discovery, countless studies have been conducted showing NO to be one of the body’s most powerful vasodilators. This bio-chemical is believed to be released by infrared light therapy, and the mechanism of action that allows it to be so successful.
NIR™' infrared therapy pads make treatment easy and efficient. NIR™ pad(s) should be placed as close as possible (skin contact, LED side to the skin) to the affected area as to allow the infrared light photo energy to provide the maximum benefit. Because the power density decreases (inversely proportional) with increasing distance between the LEDs and treatment area when using the NIR™ system, always keep the LEDs as near as possible to the area being treated.
While registered and proven to increase circulation and relieve pain, recent clinical and field studies suggest that infrared LED light therapy treatment may ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of many conditions caused by poor circulation such as pain and numbness, chronic wounds, and other musculoskeletal injuries