Infrared Therapy: Everything You Need to Know!

Curious about the benefits of infrared therapy? This natural treatment offers relief from various complaints and improves your well-being. Read on and discover whether infrared therapy is something for you.

Please note! The text below does not serve as medical advice. This text has been compiled based on our own knowledge and various online sources. If in doubt, always consult a medical specialist

Table of contents


Infrared light therapy

What is infrared therapy?

Infrared therapy is a treatment method that uses infrared light to penetrate heat deep into the skin and muscles. This type of therapy is best known for its relaxing and restorative effects .

The therapeutic heat of infrared light stimulates blood circulation, helps relax muscles and can relieve pain. More and more people are using infrared light therapy for their health, ranging from chronic pain relief to improving the skin.

Is red light therapy the same as infrared?

Although red light therapy and infrared therapy are often mentioned in the same breath, they are different treatments.

  • Red Light Therapy : This therapy uses specific wavelengths of red light to deeply penetrate the skin and has therapeutic benefits for the skin, such as stimulating collagen production and promoting healing.
  • Infrared Light Therapy : This light therapy uses near-infrared light that penetrates deeper into the body and affects tissues, muscles and joints. It helps reduce pain and improve blood circulation.

Infrared heat therapy

Infrared Light Therapy: How Does It Work?

Infrared lamps emit electromagnetic waves that, when they touch the body, are converted into heat. This heat penetrates deep into the skin, which ensures an even and comfortable warming. That is why an infrared lamp is also called a heat lamp.

The heat increases the body temperature, which stimulates the blood circulation, accelerates the metabolism and slightly increases the heart rate. This helps to remove waste products faster and contributes to a better recovery of tissues and muscles. Infrared light therapy is therefore not only relaxing, but also promotes recovery and general well-being.

Types of infrared radiation

Infrared lamps can be classified into three different types of radiation:

  • IR-A radiation - Short wave (700 - 1400 nm)
  • IR-B radiation - Medium wave (1400 -3000 nm)
  • IR-C radiation - Long wave (above 300 nm)
Infrared radiation

IR-A

IR-A, also known as short-wave infrared radiation, penetrates the deepest into the skin and is often used for therapeutic purposes. This radiation helps to relieve muscle and joint pain due to its powerful effect that is close to the visible light spectrum.

IR-B and IR-C

IR-B is medium wave infrared radiation and IR-C is long wave radiation. IR-B penetrates less deeply than IR-A, but promotes blood circulation and supports the detoxification process.

IR-C, with the shallowest action , is ideal for superficial heat treatments such as skin cleansing and relaxation, by opening the skin pores and stimulating blood circulation.

Who is the treatment suitable for: Applications

Infrared therapy is an effective and versatile treatment for a variety of health conditions and wellness needs. The use of infrared heat lamps helps relieve muscle tension, promotes better blood circulation and supports deep relaxation.

These properties make infrared therapy particularly suitable for pain relief in conditions such as arthritis, back problems and sports injuries.

Infrared therapy applications

    For supple muscles

    The heat from infrared radiation penetrates deep into the skin and muscles, making it effective in relieving pain and tension in joints and tissues . This makes infrared therapy ideal for people with fibromyalgia and rheumatism, as it relaxes muscles and reduces stiffness. Unlike traditional heating methods, infrared radiation directly heats the body without heating the surrounding air, ensuring a targeted and efficient effect.

    For joint complaints

    Infrared heat therapy can provide relief from chronic joint pain, such as that caused by osteoarthritis . The deep heat improves blood flow in the joints, which helps to reduce stiffness and pain. The gentle, direct heat also makes the therapy suitable for daily use without putting stress on the joints.

    For the face

    Infrared therapy is becoming increasingly popular in skincare routines. Regular exposure to infrared radiation can improve blood circulation and stimulate cell renewal, which helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging . Infrared light can also have a positive effect on skin conditions such as acne and scars.

    Against back and neck pain

    Infrared therapy offers relief for people with chronic back and neck pain . A special infrared back strap can help to reduce pain and muscle tension in the back, neck and shoulders . This strap provides targeted heat and improves blood circulation, which is ideal for home use and offers an effective approach to daily tension and pain complaints.

    In short, infrared therapy offers a natural and efficient solution for both physical and cosmetic complaints and supports a general sense of well-being.

    Infrared therapy for back pain

    Infrared light: How often and how long per day?

    For safe and optimal use of infrared therapy it is important to maintain the correct duration and frequency. Start with short sessions of 5-10 minutes and gradually build up to about 10-15 minutes each time, depending on your goal and the type of lamp.

    Listen to your body

    There is no hard and fast 'one-size-fits-all' rule for duration and frequency. The most important thing is to listen to your body: stop immediately if you feel discomfort and always consult a health care professional if in doubt, especially if you have health problems.

    How often?

    Start with a few times a week and avoid multiple sessions per day on the same area. After getting used to it, you can build up to 3-4 times (or even 4-6 times) per week for optimal effect.

    Distance

    Keep a distance of approximately 50-100 cm from the lamp. Too close can cause skin irritation, while too far away reduces the effect. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not point the lamp directly at sensitive areas such as the eyes.

    In short:

    • Time : 10-15 minutes per session per body part
    • Frequency : 3-4 times per week
    • Distance : 50-100 cm from the body
    Infrared therapy effect

    Practical tips for using an infrared lamp

    To get the most out of it and stay safe, follow these guidelines:

    • Create a calm environment without distractions.
    • Provide good ventilation to regulate heat.
    • Use a timer and hydrate well after sessions.
    • Maintain the lamp according to the instructions for long-term operation.

    Are there any side effects or disadvantages?

    In general, infrared heat lamps are considered safe when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. The radiation they emit is similar to the heat we feel from the sun, but without the harmful ultraviolet radiation.

    Where to buy?

    Want to experience infrared therapy at home? Infrared lamps are now widely available, but at Liroma you will find the best quality and expertise. With a wide range of lamps for skin care, muscle recovery and well-being, you will always find the right model at Liroma.

    Liroma lamps are easy to use: thanks to the adjustable arm and mobile base, you can direct the light exactly where you need it. With the remote control, you can enjoy total control and comfort. Experience light therapy at its best, from the comfort of your own home with Liroma.

    Back to blog