Microcirculation Therapy And Infrared Mat

Last Updated on 3 years by Francis

What is Microcirculation Therapy With Infrared Mats?

Microcirculation therapy is a new form of heat therapy which is designed to provide relief from joint pain, stiffness and muscle issues. It is proving particularly popular with people who are struggling with arthritis, strains or sprains, muscle tension and cramps or spasms. Many athletes use micro circulation therapy to help themselves to relax after training sessions and to improve recovery times.

Why Does Microcirculation Matter?

Microcirculation therapy works by improving circulation to the area to which the heat is applied. The heat could come from a range of sources, with infrared mats being one popular option because the mats allow for the localized application of a controlled amount of heat.

Microcirculation therapy provides a temporary increase to the circulation, which occurs because the blood vessels in the skin and muscles dilate when they are exposed to heat.

Poor circulation to the extremities is a common problem in people with diabetes[1], and poor micro circulation is something which is common in people with hypertension, atherosclerosis, kidney disease and many other conditions. A large percentage of the population has micro circulation issues, and difficulties with the circulation cause a lot of chronic pain. Even some cases of pancreatitis are related to micro circulatory problems [2].

Indeed, one of the reasons that people report feeling better after exercise is that even light exercise such as yoga can help to improve the circulation in the short term. Of course, regular exercise would be the best way to improve your circulation, but not everyone is mobile enough or has the resources to get enough exercise to stay fit and healthy. For those who are bedridden, confined to a wheelchair or suffering from serious joint issues, something like infrared therapy could be the best option for improving their circulation.

Circulatory issues are a serious health problem, and it is essential that anyone who is concerned about numbness, coldness or mottled skin seeks immediate medical advice. Signs of poor blood flow can be related to heart issues or sepsis and should be taken very seriously[3].

Methods of Boosting Microcirculation

Conventional methods of improving micro circulation are drug-based, and these can have unwanted side-effects. Drugs that work as vasodilators may be beneficial for enhancing micro circulation; however, their effects are not targeted. Some trials have investigated the idea of using diuretics or blood-pressure altering drugs as a method of improving circulation, but these have so far not proven to have a consistent beneficial effect[4]. For this reason, experts have been looking at other, non-invasive and non-drug based ways of improving circulation.

There are many medical devices available that can help to improve blood circulation, and they all tend to work on the same principles of directing heat towards a target area, enlarging the capillaries, and also warming the blood which can then help to improve the circulation in other areas of the body at the same time. What differs between treatment methods is how the heat is applied.

Small infrared lamps are a popular choice, however aiming the heat from these can be awkward, and they tend to heat just a limited area, which can be useful for very targeted pain relief but can also be painful and necessitate the patient sitting in awkward positions, or can make it difficult to treat the affected area accurately.

Infrared therapy garments such as gloves and socks are favorite among people who are suffering from peripheral neuropathy or other similar conditions, who may benefit from better circulation to boost their wound healing. People who are suffering from Raynauds may also benefit from treatments that boost their micro circulation[5].

The Use of Mats For Broader Therapies

Using infrared mats is another option that can be beneficial for improving micro circulation in hard to reach areas or for more of the body overall.

Using mats means that the patient can lie down and relax and benefit from heat in a similar way to how they would if they were in a steam room or a sauna.

Mats can also be used for targeted heat therapy, by having the person wrap the mat around an injured limb to apply infrared energy directly to that limb.

Mats could be used as a body wrap to offer micro circulation therapy to deeper areas of the core. Care must be taken to ensure that heat therapy is properly managed and that the person does not overheat, or have too much heat applied directly to the skin. When used well, however, it can be very beneficial. Heat mats are a convenient, affordable, and easy to use solution to the issue of poor circulation.

Studies show that improving micro circulation can be effective for a lot of issues, not just Raynaud’s or wound healing. Indeed, it can even help to correct metabolic disorder in those with hemorrhagic shock[6].

The Growth of Microcirculation Therapy

Microcirculation therapy has been discussed in the medical community for decades, and interest in the therapy has been high throughout that time. There are numerous studies which demonstrate the effectiveness of the therapy, and its benefits are clear. Our circulatory system, quite literally, keeps us alive. It is our arterioles and capillaries which provide oxygen to our tissues[7]. Poor circulation means poor oxygen delivery, and this means that our tissues and organs cannot function as well as they should.

There are many things which can affect the flow of blood. Dehydration, clogged arteries, low blood pressure, and vasoconstriction can all cause issues with our circulation.

Some of those things are easy to treat; others require more intervention. It can be hard to diagnose the cause of poor circulation, too.

Older studies into micro circulation therapy looked at using nitric oxide as a way of promoting vascular cell relaxation. Some studies even investigated the role of carbon monoxide (although this substance can be toxic because it restricts the uptake of oxygen in the bloodstream). Infrared therapies are, in comparison to these therapies, a simpler, less invasive and far more accessible way of benefiting from improved micro circulation.

Relax and Unwind With Home Microcirculation Therapy

If you are an athlete or someone who is suffering from chronic pain for which the source has been diagnosed and is being properly managed, then you may want to consider trying micro circulation therapy. Spending a few minutes a day treating a sore area with an infrared mat should be enough to help promote wound healing or relax the affected muscles, and also help to relieve pain. Set a timer, and try not to fall asleep while you are enjoying the therapy.

Microcirculation therapy is just one of many options for improving your circulation. Exercise, saunas, steam rooms and even a warm bath can all achieve similar results. It is a good idea to use as many options as possible. Gentle exercise has many benefits, not just for getting the blood flowing in the short term, but for long term cardiovascular health, as well as improving proprioception and muscle tone.

Before you try infrared mat therapy, be sure to consult your doctor. While this kind of therapy is safe and well tolerated for most people, it can be contraindicated for those with certain health conditions such as hemophilia. It is also not recommended for those who are pregnant or who are trying to get pregnant to use infrared therapy.

For those that can benefit from the use of infrared mats, however, the potential improvements to the quality of life and to chronic pain symptoms can be huge.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25882659

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10481117

[3] https://annalsofintensivecare.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/2110-5820-1-27

[4] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/hc3101.091158

[5] https://www.veturotherapy.com/blood-micro circulation/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14770036

[7] https://academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/article/42/3/600/282806

[8] https://www.jci.org/articles/view/1324