Infrared Therapy & Far Infrared Heat in Chiropractic & Osteopathic Treatments
Infrared therapy, particularly far infrared heat therapy (FIR), has become a valuable addition to chiropractic and osteopathic treatments. Research highlights FIR’s ability to reduce inflammation, enhance circulation, and accelerate healing by deeply penetrating tissues with heat. Chiropractors and osteopaths integrate FIR therapy into their treatments to improve pain relief, support joint mobility, and optimize the effectiveness of manual therapy. Below, we explore its role in various aspects of musculoskeletal health.
1. Far Infrared Heat for Back Pain & Spinal Adjustments
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic and osteopathic care. A 2015 study in the American Journal of Medical & Medical Sciences found that patients receiving FIR therapy alongside osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) experienced significant pain reduction and improved mobility compared to those undergoing traditional exercises alone. FIR works by deeply heating muscle tissues, reducing stiffness, and making spinal adjustments more effective.
📖 Ali, M.F., et al. (2015). Osteopathic Manual Therapy Versus Traditional Exercises in the Treatment of Mechanical Low Back Pain. Read the full study
2. Using Infrared Heat Therapy to Reduce Inflammation & Muscle Tension
Infrared heat therapy helps chiropractors and osteopaths by reducing inflammation and muscle tightness before and after adjustments. A 2017 study published in The Scientific Basis of Integrative Health explored how deep-heating FIR therapy relaxes muscles and enhances the flexibility of soft tissues, making chiropractic and osteopathic treatments more effective.
📖 Wisneski, L. (2017). The Relaxation System & Therapeutic Modalities. Read the full study
3. Far Infrared Therapy & Neurovegetative Reactions in Spinal Adjustments
Spinal manipulations influence the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions like digestion and heart rate. A 2016 literature review found that FIR therapy enhances manual spinal adjustments by increasing skin temperature, improving blood flow, and reducing neurogenic tension, particularly in patients with neurovegetative disorders.
📖 Zwaaftink, K.G. (2016). Neurovegetative Reactions of Spinal Manipulations in Manual Therapy, Chiropractic, and Osteopathic Medicine. Read the full study
4. Infrared Therapy for Joint & Soft Tissue Disorders in Chiropractic & Osteopathy
Many musculoskeletal disorders involve chronic pain and inflammation. A 2010 study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that patients receiving infrared therapy alongside chiropractic adjustments experienced faster pain relief compared to those receiving manual therapy alone. FIR was especially beneficial in treating:
✔️ Chronic musculoskeletal pain
✔️ Myofascial trigger points
✔️ Inflammation-related stiffness
📖 Roy, R.A., et al. (2010). Inflammatory Response Following a Short-Term Course of Chiropractic Treatment. Read the full study
5. Far Infrared Heat Therapy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
Far infrared therapy enhances osteopathic and chiropractic treatments for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) by reducing muscle stiffness, increasing blood circulation, and improving tissue elasticity. A 2009 systematic review in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics concluded that patients who received FIR therapy with osteopathic manipulations experienced better relief than those who received manual therapy alone.
📖 Schneider, M., et al. (2009). Chiropractic Management of Myofascial Trigger Points and Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Read the full study
6. Far Infrared Heat as a Non-Invasive Therapy for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain
Fibromyalgia is often managed using chiropractic and osteopathic treatments, and research suggests FIR therapy can significantly reduce pain intensity and improve mobility. A 2009 study in Rheumatology International reviewed various complementary medicine treatments and found that FIR therapy was highly effective in managing fibromyalgia symptoms by promoting deep relaxation and increasing circulation.
📖 Baranowsky, J., et al. (2009). Qualitative Systemic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments in Fibromyalgia. Read the full study
7. Thermography as a Diagnostic Tool in Chiropractic & Osteopathy
Far infrared thermography (FIRT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that tracks inflammation, circulation, and muscle tension before and after treatments. A 2022 systematic review published in Cuestiones de Fisioterapia confirmed that FIRT can be used to measure how well chiropractic and osteopathic treatments are working by detecting temperature changes in affected areas.
📖 López-Fernández, R.M., et al. (2022). The Use of Infrared Thermography in Relation to Osteopathy and Manual Therapy: A Systematic Review. Read the full study
8. FIR Therapy for Chronic Neck & Shoulder Pain in Chiropractic Care
Many chiropractors and osteopaths treat chronic neck pain, whiplash injuries, and shoulder tension. A 2003 study in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics found that infrared laser therapy, including far infrared heat, enhances spinal manipulation by relaxing muscles and making manual adjustments easier.
📖 Weintraub, M.I. (2003). Complementary and Alternative Methods of Treatment of Neck Pain. Read the abstract
9. The Science Behind Far Infrared Therapy in Chiropractic & Osteopathy
A 2017 book, The Praeger Handbook of Chiropractic Health Care, explains that FIR therapy deeply penetrates tissues, providing heat at a cellular level without overheating the skin. This mechanism is particularly beneficial in chiropractic and osteopathic treatments because it allows muscles to relax, joints to become more flexible, and inflammation to subside before manual therapy.
📖 Rowell, R.M., & Vining, R. (2017). The Praeger Handbook of Chiropractic Health Care. Read the full book
Conclusion: Why Chiropractors & Osteopaths Are Using Far Infrared Heat Therapy
Research consistently supports the benefits of far infrared heat therapy (FIR) as an adjunct to chiropractic and osteopathic treatments. By increasing circulation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing tissue flexibility, FIR therapy maximizes the effectiveness of manual adjustments and provides a drug-free, non-invasive pain relief solution.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✔️ FIR therapy reduces pain & inflammation, making adjustments easier.
✔️ Enhances muscle relaxation & joint flexibility before treatments.
✔️ Supports recovery from chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia & MPS.
✔️ Thermography allows practitioners to track treatment progress accurately.
By incorporating FIR therapy, chiropractors and osteopaths can enhance patient outcomes and improve overall treatment efficiency. 🚀