journal article·2022-04-24Open access

Infrared Thermography as a Non-Invasive Tool in Musculoskeletal Disease Rehabilitation—The Control Variables in Applicability—A Systematic Review

Anna Lubkowska, Waldemar Pluta

Applied Sciences· Volume 12· Issue 9

Abstract

In recent years, the usefulness of infrared thermography (IRT) as a valuable supplementary imaging method in medical diagnostics, as well as for assessing the effects of the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, has been increasingly confirmed. At the same time, great importance is attached to the standards of thermographic research, the fulfillment of which determines the correct methodology and interpretation of the results. This article discusses the medical applications of infrared thermography in musculoskeletal system diseases, with particular emphasis on its usefulness in assessing the therapeutic effects of physical treatments used in rehabilitation. The literature from the last decade that is available in the Medline and Web of Science databases has been reviewed. Among the physiotherapeutic methods used, the following were selected that directly affect the musculoskeletal system: cryotherapy, laser therapy, electrotherapy, diathermy, and massage. The article summarizes all the guidelines and recommendations for IR imaging in medicine and rehabilitation.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Infrared Thermography in Medicine · Laser Applications in Dentistry and Medicine · Thermoregulation and physiological responses

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Functional Diagnostics and Physical Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 54, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland

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