Far-infrared therapy is one of the adjunct methods often mentioned in dialysis access care. By promoting local blood circulation, it may help maintain the quality of blood flow in the access [Ref. 1]. It is not a treatment but one of the supportive options for daily care, and works better when combined with regular follow-up visits.
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What is far infrared?
Far infrared (FIR) is infrared light with a wavelength between 3 and 1,000 micrometers [Ref. 2]. It is an electromagnetic wave invisible to the human eye that can penetrate the skin to reach deeper tissue. Common everyday applications include far-infrared saunas and heating pads used as physical therapy devices.
General health effects of far infrared
- Promotes blood circulation: thermal and non-thermal effects penetrate deep tissue and may help local circulation and vasodilation [Ref. 2].
- Eases muscle tension: some of the literature suggests a soothing effect on tightness in joints and muscles.
- Skin and tissue repair: improved local circulation may help cell repair and reduce inflammation [Ref. 3].
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How far infrared may help dialysis access
Several clinical studies and meta-analyses suggest that far-infrared therapy may help promote circulation around the access [Ref. 1] and reduce neointimal hyperplasia and inflammation [Ref. 3], which in turn has a positive effect on keeping the vessel open and on the maturation of new fistulas [Ref. 4, Ref. 5].
Please note that this is an adjunct form of care, not a formal medical treatment, and it cannot replace a physician’s diagnosis and treatment (such as angioplasty, PTA). The condition of the access must still be judged by the clinical assessment of a vascular surgeon or nephrologist.
How to use far infrared as supportive care
When using a far-infrared device, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and pay attention to the exposure time and temperature (patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in particular should guard against burns). If the access already shows signs of trouble, such as stenosis, a change in the bruit, or a weakened thrill, you should return to your physician first for assessment and should not rely on far infrared alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can far infrared replace follow-up visits and checks?
- A: No. Far infrared is only a supportive form of care. The condition of the access still needs regular physician assessment and ultrasound follow-up, and it cannot replace follow-up visits.
- Q: How often should far infrared be used?
- A: Clinical studies mostly used it three times a week (usually during dialysis sessions, with each exposure lasting about 40 minutes) [Ref. 1]. For home use, please consult your care team or follow the instructions of a medical device approved by Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare.
- Q: How long after surgery can far infrared be started?
- A: It is advisable to start only after the physician has assessed the wound and the access, and not to use it while the wound has not fully healed or when there is a risk of infection [Ref. 4].
Everyday care for a smoother access
Far infrared can be one supportive option in everyday vessel care, but the key to access health remains regular follow-up and early detection of abnormalities. If you have any questions about access care, you are welcome to contact the STW Dr. Ta-Wei Su Hemodialysis Access Professional Care Team.
References and sources:
[Ref. 1] Lin CC, et al. Far-infrared therapy: a novel treatment to improve fistula patency and blood flow in hemodialysis patients. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007;18(3):985-992.
[Ref. 2] Vatansever F, Hamblin MR. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics Lasers Med. 2012;4:255-266.
[Ref. 3] Lin CC, et al. Far-infrared therapy stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Kidney Int. 2008;74(10):1281-1290.
[Ref. 4] Chen CF, et al. Far-Infrared Therapy Improves Arteriovenous Fistula Patency and Decreases Plasma Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Patients with Advanced Diabetic Kidney Disease. J Clin Med. 2022;11(14):4168.
[Ref. 5] Wu CF, et al. Effects of far infrared therapy in hemodialysis arterio-venous fistula maturation: A meta-analysis. PLOS ONE. 2024;19(8):e0307586.
