Who Should Not Participate in an Infrared Session?
We’ll admit it, we too have attempted to self-diagnose or self-treat ourselves after a few hours spent on WebMD. Don’t get us wrong, browsing the web can be helpful for finding at home cures, but it can also be quite… ahem… scary! When guests come into your facility and inquire about participating in an infrared session, it’s important to go over contraindications with them because safety is a priority and not all services are one size fits all. Far infrared heat has shown quite the range of possible therapeutic benefits in research conducted around the world and we know it can work wonders for a variety of conditions and ailments. That being said, let us get underway by stating that we do not recommend attempting to self-treat any disease, with a FIT Bodywrap without supervision of a physician! Additionally, the FIT Bodywrap system is not meant to be a cure or treatment for any disease. You know the drill. Ok, so now that we have that out the way, let’s talk about who might not be able to participate in an infrared session.
Medical Concerns and Conditions
If you’ve read the FIT Bodywrap white papers or you’ve been checking out our blog, you’ll know that infrared has demonstrated success in resolving or safely managing a broad range of disorders as well promoting the processes that lead to wellness. However, it’s best that those suffering from a disease, disorder, or illness, consult with a physician before exposing themselves to infrared. Why? Because everyone is different and although two people may be experiencing the same medical condition it doesn’t mean their medical history, symptoms or treatment plan are the same. All clients should fill out a release form acknowledging their understanding of what an infrared wrap entails and what the contraindications are.
Prescription Drugs
Some medication will state that the user should not be exposed to heat or light during use. Others may have adverse reactions if the user becomes overheated. If using any prescription drugs, it’s recommended to check with a physician or pharmacist for any possible change in the drug’s effect due to any interaction with infrared heat.
Acute Injuries
Recent or acute joint injuries can be tough to treat. Some say not to heat a recent injury until the heat and swollen symptoms subside. Others recommend moving the injured area to increase blood flow and diminish the pain. Infrared can provide healing through tissue oxygenation and blood flow, but it may be best to give the injury a couple of days before immediately jumping into an infrared session. Those that have a joint or joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind. Therefore, they might want to avoid infrared sessions until they are fully healed.
That time of the month, Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
Killer cramps often call for your trusty heating pad (and some chocolate) because warmth can help. Although it is not necessarily harmful, the heating of the lower back during a period may temporarily increase the menstrual flow. Once a woman is aware that this may occur, she can choose to allow herself to possibly experience this short-term effect without worry or she can wait to use an IR Thermal System at that point in her cycle. If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, discontinue your infrared body wrap use. We do not recommend that pregnant women participate in infrared sessions, sorry mamas-to-be! When it comes to infrared and breastfeeding, there is little data and this leads to mixed opinions. Since toxins are being released during a session some believe that breastfeeding mothers should avoid infrared sessions until they are no longer breastfeeding. Others believe that infrared exposure is safe and that women should wait 24 hours after a session to breastfeed. FIT Bodywrap recommends consulting with a physician to decide which option is best for you and your baby.
Metal Pins, Rods and Artificial Joints
Metal and artificial joints or implants can heat up at a different rate than the body which is why the use of infrared heat is not recommended for those who have them. Clients who have metal or any other surgical implants in their bodies should consult their doctor prior to using heating devices. Certainly, the use of a deep heating infrared wrap must be discontinued if any pain is experienced near such implants.
Breast Implants
There is no research indicating that infrared heat or the temperatures generated by the FIT Bodywrap system would cause changes in implants, although some saline implants may be warmed by the heat. Some infrared systems enable the chest area to be turned off during session if this is a concern. It is still advised that clients check with their surgeon to be certain about safety.
Is infrared heat safe? Yes.
We understand that a list of contraindications for infrared body wraps can be daunting, but like any service it’s crucial that business owners and consumers are informed. An infrared session should not cause the user any pain unless such use is contraindicated and if any pain or extreme discomfort is experienced the infrared session should be discontinued at that time.
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