Infrared Light therapy
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.
Many Naprapathic Dr’s in the North Shore use Infrared Light Therapy. Dr. Bisceglie finds the Infrared Light Therapy relaxes the muscles and calms the nervous system. This makes the body manipulations easier.