Light therapy is one of the fields of physiotherapy that uses either natural or artificial light sources for treatment.
The article contains:
- What is phototherapy?
- Origins
- Phototherapy units
- Types of treatments
- Indications and contraindications
- Precautions
Phototherapy – what is it?
This method of therapy involves irradiation with lamps that generate different radiation depending on the type. The emitted rays differ primarily in energy and wavelength which carries different therapeutic effects. Phototherapy helps to improve blood circulation and cell nutrition. In addition, it boosts the metabolism and reduces muscle tension.
Phototherapy – origins
Phototherapy has its origins in the ancient times. The beneficial effects of sunlight on the human body and that a lack of sunlight could be the cause of many illnesses were already noted in ancient times. Before the introduction of today’s therapeutic lamps, natural light was used for therapy, e.g. in the treatment of tuberculosis. The development of technology has made it possible to divide the light spectrum and to create it artificially.
What do modern therapeutic lamps look like?
Phototherapy units
Depending on the radiation used, phototherapy treatment devices include:
Phototherapy – types of lamps:
- Sollux lamp – infrared IR radiation
- Bioptron lamp – polarised light
Phototherapy – types of treatment
Depending on the type of radiation, we can distinguish the following division:
- IR – infrared radiation
- UV – ultraviolet radiation
- Polarised light
Phototherapy – indications and contraindications
Due to the different effects of individual phototherapy treatments, indications and contraindications vary depending on the type of therapy used. However, there are a number of general principles regarding limitations and recommendations for phototherapy use.
Phototherapy is used to treat ailments such as:
- migraines,
- stomach and intestinal diseases,
- wounds and scars,
- chronic inflammation of the joints and soft tissues of the limbs,
- inflammation of the sinuses, external ear,
- neuralgias,
- early stage of rheumatoid processes,
- overloading of joints, muscles, tendons,
- skin problems.
In contrast, the following are considered as contraindications:
- cancers
- post-radiotherapy status
- venous thrombosis
- circulatory insufficiency,
- arythmia,
- hyper- and hypothyroidism,
- tuberculosis,
- acute inflammatory skin conditions
- hypersensitivity to light
- virus infection,
- pregnancy
- atherosclerosis
Be careful!!!
Special care must be taken when performing phototherapy treatment, as inadequate light dosage can lead to complications. It is imperative that physiotherapists ensure that both their own and the patient’s eyes are protected. Inadequate protection can lead to inflammation of the cornea, conjunctiva or damage to the retina. In addition, there is a risk of burns if the treatment is performed with a light beam of too high power.
