Massage devices that incorporate infrared heat technology can relieve pain and inflammation from routine ailments such as muscle spasms, sprains and strains as well as disorders such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and nerve damage, according to Merck & Co.'s patients and caregivers online medical library. These benefits result from the heat's ability to penetrate three or more inches deep into the body from the skin's surface, says California-based physician and acupuncturist Isaac Eliaz, in an online article extolling the benefits of infrared heat therapy.
Pain Therapy
Infrared heat applied from a massage device can increase blood flow and the flexibility of the body's connective tissue to temporarily decrease joint stiffness, pain and muscle spasms, according to Merck's online library. Physicians also use topical infrared heat therapy to treat inflammation, including that associated with arthritis, muscle spasms, sprains and strains. Infrared heat therapy also can reduce edema, the buildup of fluid in skin tissues. A study of 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 20 healthy control subjects conducted at a German hospital, reported in the April 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation," found that all methods of heat therapy, including use of infrared light, cause a significant increase in blood flow and blood vessel dilation.
Preventative Therapy
In addition to treating pain and inflammation, Dr. Eliaz says that infrared heat therapy in the form of saunas and lamps can nourish tissues, increase immune activity and stimulate collagen growth. "I have been using infrared heat lamps for almost 20 years and infrared saunas for the last 10 years and have found these therapies to play an important role in the healing of my patients," Eliaz writes on his website.
Precautions
When using an infrared heat massager, you must take care to avoid burns, the Merck patients and caregivers manual cautions. Infrared heat shouldn't be used as a therapy on individuals with a severe heart, liver or kidney disorder, peripheral vascular disease or reduced skin sensation. Dawn Mernagh-Ward and Jennifer Cartwright Eliaz, authors of "Health and Beauty Therapy," say other contraindications to infrared heat therapy include fever, low or high blood pressure and diabetes. Eliaz warns against prolonged use of infrared heat therapy: "Using IR saunas on a long term basis requires supervision and advice from health providers that are experienced in this field."
References
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/306099-infrared-massager-benefits/#ixzz2A97uOWLv
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