Actinotherapy (Quiz #4) – Flashcards
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Definition of Actinotherapy
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The use of rays of light for the cure or improvement of a disease of pathological disorder
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Examples of Actinotherapy
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Infrared, ultraviolet, laser
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Electromagnetic Spectrum
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The process by which energy is propagated through space. The spectrum is different forms of radiation which have different wavelengths/frequencies
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Forms of electromagnetic radiation
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Light, radiowaves, micro waves, infrared radiation, ultravioley rays, X-rays and gamma rays *all travel at the speed of light
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Wavelengths
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The horizontal distance from a point on one wave to the same point on the next wave. Is directly proportional to the amount of energy carried which correlates to their depth of penetration. (eg. the shorter/more frequent the wave, the higher amount of energy)
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Physiological effects of electromagnetic radiation is dependent on what?
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Frequency, Exposure, Duration, Tissue Characteristics, Power Density
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How are Wavelengths measured?
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They are Measured in Angstrom Units (AU)
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What is Infrared Radiation?
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Infrared waves include thermal radiation (heat). It is a superficial dry heat
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How does infrared affect humans?
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The skin acts as a "non-reflecting" surface for the infrared spectrum. Humans are "Black Bodies"
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Infrared radiation on the EM Spectrum
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It is nonluminous/nonvisible = far red on the spectrum
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Far red vs. near red
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Far red on the Spectrum is at the end of the visible spectrum. (get more info on the progression from near infrared and far infrared and "on up???)
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Results of infrared radiation is dependant on?
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1. Quality of radiation (wavelength) 2. Quantity of radiation absorbed 3. Individual reaction
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How to control Infrared radiation?
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(strength) Vary the wattage (Intensity) Distance of the lamp to the surface (What) What area is exposed (Where) Length of exposure
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Guideline to set-up lamp for I.R. Treatment
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30" away from the body 45-90 degree angle to the part 30 minutes
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Precautions
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Jewellery, any metal implants Protection of the eyes and general comfort Check skin for any impairments Observe relative sensitivity
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Effects of I.R treatment
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Metabolism Respiratory Circulation Neuromuscular Integumentary
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Effect on Metabolism of I.R.
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increases metabolic waste products (therefore waste output) Reflex on related underlying organs and superficial tissue
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Effect on Respiratory of I.R.
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Increases pulmonary respiratory rate
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Effect on Circulation of I.R.
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Increases heart rate/pule rate Increases cutaneous capillary dilation (hyperemia) Increases local blood flow
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Effect on Neuromuscular of I.R.
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Induces muscle relaxation Sedation of nerve endings relieves irritation of peripheral nerves
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Effect on Integumentary of I.R.
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Increases secretion of sweat Opens up skin pores Increases general function
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Uses of I.R Treatment
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Sub-acute and cronic inflammation Acute forms of: Arthritis, Rheumatoid conditions, inflammation of Nerves, Acute/sub-acute/chronic sinusitis, circulation disturbances of the extremities (Reynaud's syndrome, infection of the skin)
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Contraindications to I.R. Treatment
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T-H-A-W-E-D Tuberculosis, Heart Disease, Arteriosclerosis, Walled in puss, extreme fever, Diabetic gangrene
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Benefits of Dry heat (I.R.)
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more constant, less cumbersome, no pressure felt
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Disadvantages of Dry heat (I.R.)
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Can heat only 1 side at a time (except infrared sauna), less penetrating then moist heat
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Ultraviolet Radiation
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eg. Sun Is absorbed very strongly in the surface layer of the skin by electron transition The higher frequencies are ionizing radiation which produces harmful physiological effects (eg. sun burn to skin cancer)
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Use of UV treatment
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dermatological problems eg. psoriasis, acne, chronic wound treatment
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Goal of UV
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to induce an erythemal response. This occurs 2-4 hours post treatment and peaks at 12 hours. Also can have a bactericidal effect
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erythemal
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an abnormal redness of the skin (eg. sunburn)
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bactericidal
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Capable of destroying bacteria
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Effects of UV
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thickening of the epidermis and increased pigmentation (not desired, but a protective response) contributes to the production of Vitamin D
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Law of Cosines
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The angle and height of a UV light source will determine the dosage (greater/higher=more) "as the area becomes more oblique (angle), the dosage increases"
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UV Dosimetry
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5 grades of erythemal: 1.Sub 2.Minimal 3.First degree 4.Second Degree 5.Third Degree
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UV testing time - 4 windows
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Time become cumulative (total time) 1st: 120 seconds (240 seconds) 2nd: 60 seconds (120 seconds) 3rd: 30 seconds (60 seconds) 4th: 30 seconds (30 seconds) Examine area for effects 8 hours later
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Precautions(+Contraindications) of UV
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Burns and acute redness of skin premature aging skin cancer Use polarized goggles Exposure times should be carefully increased over time
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Contraindications of UV
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H-A-R-D-T-I-M-E-S Heart Disease Arteriosclerosis REnal Malfunction Diabetes Tuberculosis Itching condition Malnutrition Eczema Sensitivity to sun (and Hyperthyroidism, Fever, Recent x-rays, general discomfort)
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What is Laser Therapy?
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Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
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3 Basic components of a Laser
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1. Coherence 2. Monochromatic 3. Collimated Beam
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Coherence (Laser)
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Means, it can be focused with great precision. The waves are "in phase" with another - nearly parallel: can travel long distances (incoherent light is the opposite, from a light bulb)
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Monochromatic (Laser)
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It is of a single colour (more pure then a regular light)
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Collimated Beam (Laser)
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There is minimal divergence (goes with coherence)
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Classification of Lasers
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High intensity: used for surgical applications Low intensity/cold lasers: minimal to no thermal response. Causes an analgesic affect (stimulates wound/fracture healing)
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Effects Cold Lasers
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Tissue healing and pain reduction
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Cold Lasers promoting tissue healing
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Accelerated collagen synthesis Facilitates collagen synthesis Increases vascularization of healing tissue Decreases microorganisms Increased wound closure and contracture Accelerated healing in most chronic open wounds Chronic soft tissue injuries (lateral epicondylitis)
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Contraindications to Cold Laser
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Pregnancy Cancer In or Around the eyes
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What is Therapeutic Ultrasound
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Mechanical wave motion to transmit energy through soft tissue (similar to wave created by stone throwing)
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Indications of U.S.
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Adhesions, Inflammatory Bursitis, Calcified Tendonitis, Traumatic Synovitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Effusion/edema, Wound healing, Hematomas, Early Dupuytren's (stuck fascia), general muscle pain, Neuroma, Post-herpetic neuralgia, Tenovaginitis/tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendon sheaths, Plantar Warts
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Non-Thermal Effects of U.S.
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increased healing for time decreased healing pain increased rate of contraction of scar tissue increased capillarization in ischemic tissue (increased tissue healing)
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Thermal Effects of U.S.
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Increased collagen extensibility increased enzyme activity, permeability of cell membranes, lymphatic flow Reduced muscle spasm Vasodilation (histamine) Increased/decreased nerve conductivity (altered pain)
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Advantages to U.S. therapy
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Sensation free (comfortable) Acute or chronic conditions can be treated Accelerates tissue repair Can achieve a combination of effects
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Disadvantages to U.S. therapy
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Not over open wounds Difficult over irregular body parts possibility of bone burns potential to damage tissue Can't cover large areas
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Contraindications of U.S. (Not over...)
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Brain/spinal cord/reproductive (esp. pregnant) and abdominal organs Tumors Arterial Disease Pacemaker Unfused epiphyseal plates
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Contraindications of U.S. (Not with...)
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Tuberculosis of lungs or bones Hemophilia Anaethesthized areas
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Precautions of U.S.
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Low doses only to: gonads, implants. no thermal doses on cemented joint implants or plastic joints. generally low dose with metal in field.
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What is TENS?
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Electrodes applied to the skin to deliver intermittent stimulation to the surface nerves and blocks transmission of pain signals. Methods of acupuncture and conventional.
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TENS machine on a high pulse
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triggers the 'pain gate' to close - which blocks the pathway of a nerve sending pain signals to the brain (this is the normal method)
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TENS machine on a low pulse
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stimulates the body to make its own pain easing chemicals: Endorphins (kind of act like morphine to block the pain signals
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Effects of TENS
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Inhibition of A-alpha and A-beta fibre (block K+ channels) Gate control theory Production of endogenous opiates
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Contraindications of TENS
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Pacemaker History of: Cerebrovascular accident(CVA)/Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack(TIA)/Pre-stroke, or Epilepsy Not over eyes, carotid sinus, chest walls Not internally Precaution to pregnancy
