Does infrared light therapy improve the biomechanical properties of the paraspinal muscles, preparing the patient for kinesitherapy?

Aim: Objective, quantitative assessment of the impact of light therapy procedure with the use of infrared radiation on the biomechanical properties of the paraspinal muscles in the course of chronic pain syndrome affecting the lumbar spine . Materials and Methods: The study involved 64 subjects (29 men and 35 women). The biomechanical properties of paraspinal muscles were assessed by myotonometry both before, during, and after exposure to infrared radiation. The lamp Sollux LUMINA V5.0 Polska, generating infrared radiation (IR) having the wavelength in the range of 830 nm, was used in the research. In each of the examined patients, a single irradiation procedure was performed, the duration of the procedure was 15 minutes. Results: At the beginning of the procedure, an increase in muscle tone and stiffness as well as a decrease in muscle flexibility were noted, as compared to baseline values before exposure to infrared radiation. With the passage time during which irradiation was performed, decrease in tone and stiffness, as well as increase in muscle flexibility were observed. After the procedure, elasticity increased above the values observed before the procedure, while tone and stiffness did not decrease below those initial values. Conclusions: Infrared radiation has neither significantly reduced tone and stiffness nor has it significantly increased the flexibility of paraspinal muscles.