Infrared Thermography: A Non-Invasive Tool for Health Assessment

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that measures the infrared radiation emitted by the human body. This radiation, which is invisible to the naked eye, can be detected by specialized cameras, such as the Spectron IR infrared camera.

How Does Infrared Thermography Work?

  • Heat Detection: The Spectron IR camera detects the heat emitted by the body’s surface.
  • Image Creation: This heat data is then converted into an image, where warmer areas appear in different colors than cooler areas.
  • Interpretation: Healthcare professionals analyze these images to identify potential abnormalities or imbalances in the body’s temperature distribution.

Applications of Infrared Thermography

1. Chronic Pain:

  • Inflammation Detection: IRT can help identify areas of inflammation, which can be a contributing factor to chronic pain.
  • Trigger Point Identification: By detecting areas of increased heat, IRT can help locate trigger points, which are often associated with pain.
  • Treatment Guidance: The information provided by IRT can help guide treatment decisions, such as physical therapy or acupuncture.

2. Cancer Screening:

  • Early Detection: While IRT is not a definitive diagnostic tool for cancer, it may help detect early signs of the disease by identifying areas of abnormal heat patterns.
  • Screening Tool: IRT can be used as a screening tool in conjunction with other diagnostic tests.

3. Inflammatory Conditions:

  • Inflammation Assessment: IRT can help assess the extent and location of inflammation in various conditions, such as arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
  • Monitoring Treatment Response: By tracking changes in heat patterns over time, IRT can help monitor the effectiveness of treatments for inflammatory conditions.

4. Other Applications:

  • Vascular Disorders: IRT can be used to assess blood flow and identify potential vascular abnormalities.
  • Dental Health: IRT can help detect dental infections and inflammation.
  • Sports Medicine: IRT can be used to assess muscle and joint injuries.

Benefits of Infrared Thermography

  • Non-Invasive: IRT is a completely non-invasive procedure, requiring no physical contact or exposure to radiation.
  • Painless: There is no discomfort associated with IRT.
  • Rapid Results: IRT provides immediate results, allowing for prompt assessment and treatment.
  • Cost-Effective: Compared to some other diagnostic tests, IRT can be a relatively cost-effective option.

Conclusion

Infrared thermography, using cameras such as the Spectron IR, offers a valuable tool for assessing various health conditions. By providing insights into temperature distribution and identifying potential abnormalities, IRT can contribute to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Step 1:

Book your Thermography appointment in our office using our online booking tools, selecting Certified Thermography Technicians Jessica Moffitt, BS, MCHES, and Jennifer Tutak, RN.

Remember to follow your pre-scan instructions, which can be found HERE.

Step 2:

10-15 business days after your imaging, you'll recieve a color copy of your images, your reports, and a wellness guidance tailored to your images.

Step 3:

You may use this information and follow the wellness options included, or may take your images and report to an alternative part of your healthcare team to consult. Consultations with Health & Wellness Specialist Jessica Moffitt, BS, MCHES, or Dustin Moffitt, ND, are available, not included in your scan pricing.

Step 4:

Follow the interpretation follow up guidelines on frequency of scans. If you choose to follow any of the wellness recommendations, or recommendations from your healthcare team, you may do a rescan for $100. Please note that a rescan is JUST a set of pictures showing the change in the thermal patterns, indicating general progress, and does NOT include an intepretation or risk assessment. If an intepretation or risk assessment is requested, the full price applies.

Region Price
Breast Only, or a 1 region scan such as sinuses, neck, etc $315.00
Full Body Scan, excluding Breast $400
Full Body Scan including Breast $500