Infrared therapy warms the skin and the muscles beneath it with the light of a special lamp. It feels like the sun on a warm day: dry, pleasant warmth. The warmth relaxes tight muscles, improves circulation, reduces stiffness and helps the tissues recover. That is why Kaloyan uses the infrared heat lamp before or at the end of a massage or kinesitherapy (exercise and manual therapy).
What to expect
You lie or sit comfortably with the area uncovered. Kaloyan positions the lamp at a safe distance from your skin and makes sure you don’t get too warm. Don’t look directly at the lamp. If the lamp is near your face, Kaloyan will give you protective goggles.
Your skin turns slightly red from the warmth. This passes quickly. The treatment doesn’t hurt, and many people relax during it. Infrared therapy is usually part of a longer session, together with massage or kinesitherapy, and not a treatment on its own.
What it helps with
- A stiff neck and tight shoulders
- Chronic lower back pain from tense muscles
- Stiff joints from wear (osteoarthritis), when there is no inflammation
- Muscle tightness before or at the end of a massage or exercises
- Recovery after an injury, once the acute phase has passed
Who it’s for
- Your muscles are tight and warmth helps you to relax.
- You are stiff in the morning and need time to get moving.
- You want to prepare your muscles for a massage or kinesitherapy, or finish the session with pleasant warmth.
When it isn’t suitable
- In the first 2–3 days after an injury, when there is swelling or bruising.
- With acute inflammation: the joint is hot, swollen and red.
- With a fever or a skin condition in the area.
- With reduced skin sensation, for example in diabetes. Then you can’t feel when it gets too hot.
- During pregnancy, if the area is the abdomen, and with cancer in the area.
