Thermography
Jeffrey Tucker
DC
“...skin temperature can be influenced by factors such as the time of day, weather, clothing worn, ambient temperature, emotional states, and recent activity.”
Many years ago, infrared thermal imaging (IRTI) was a specialty, and only thermology experts provided accurate interpretation of the images. Given the evolution of modern technology with hand-held devices and intuitive analysis software (WellVu), thermography images are now easy to take, review, and integrate to immediately generate findings and implement into the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions.
In a matter of weeks and a few dozen exams, I felt like a thermography specialist because I was able to quickly and reliably identify and recognize asymmetries and thermal patterns that correlate with circulatory changes. Some of these findings were enough to act on, while others led to further diagnostics; this combined approach has proven to be quite valuable and impactful for my practice.
Thermographic images capture heat radiation emitted by the body’s surface, which can provide valuable information about the distribution of temperature across the body. Different regions of the body may have slightly different average skin temperatures. For example, the core body temperature, which is measured internally, is typically around 37°C (98.6°F). The skin temperature of the extremities (i.e., hands and feet) is usually cooler, averaging between 28°C to 32°C (82.4°F to 89.6°F).
Keep in mind that individual variations are common, and skin temperature can fluctuate because of environmental conditions, physical activity, and overall health. Additionally, skin temperature can be influenced by factors such as the time of day, weather, clothing worn, ambient temperature, emotional states, and recent activity.
Following are some of my insights about what can be learned from human thermographic images:
Temperature Patterns and Circulation
Thermographic images display variations in temperature across different areas of the body and can provide insights into blood circulation patterns. Hotter areas may indicate increased blood flow or inflammation, while cooler areas might suggest reduced blood flow or vasoconstriction.
Inflammation and Infection
Controlled inflammation is the body’s natural response to an injury. IRTI can be used to follow the progression of the natural course of inflammation and how my therapy is helping. Areas of increased temperature could indicate acute or chronic inflammation, allowing me to think of infection or other immune responses in joints and soft tissues. Higher temperatures may be a sign of the body’s efforts to fight off pathogens or heal damaged tissue.
Nerve Dysfunction
Abnormal temperature patterns might be associated with nerve dysfunction, such as nerve compression or damage. Monitoring upper and lower extremity temperatures with thermal images helps me evaluate the best treatment option for neuropathy and other nerve-related issues.
Muscle Function
Thermography can highlight areas of muscle activity. Hot spots might indicate muscle tension or strain, while cold spots could suggest reduced muscle function.
Injury and Healing
Thermography can show areas of localized heating, which might be linked to injury or tissue repair. The body often increases blood flow to injured areas to temporarily aid in healing.
Body Temperature Regulation
Thermography can help assess how well the body regulates its temperature in response to environmental conditions.
Infrared thermography is helping me become more aware of what is going on internally. Variations in temperature can have many potential causes, so I am comfortable using the images to locate “hot spots” and “cooler spots” that can offer insights into my multimodal approach to treatment choices. I am using IRTI in conjunction with other clinical assessments and tests to create a greater patient experience, and my patients know I am not on autopilot.
If you look to me for advice on what is trending and which technology to implement into your practice, I am using thermography for all of the following reasons:
• Evaluating symmetrical and asymmetrical hot and cold spots
• Monitoring inappropriate inflammation
• Monitoring areas without symptoms
• Deciding on how treatment is controlling or not controlling inflammation
Assessing areas of low-level chronic inflammation
Thermography also provides opportunity for better patient engagement and integrating therapeutic lifestyle choices into a broader clinical context, such as eating processed foods, overeating, breathing exercises, water and hydration, and even personal care products.
Chiropractic has become so much more to me than neuron disruption. We were among the first holistic health practitioners to embrace what is now trending as “biohacking.” Chiropractic embodies lifestyle choices and innate responses; we are interested in vessel health, lymph flow, breath work, frequency (sound therapy), tone, light therapy, and temperature. Determining overall cognitive health, mental health, and physical health before it becomes a symptom or changes behavior requires a holistic approach.
I’ve strived to help people before they get ill or to be at the top of their game for as long as possible. I think thermography is ready for the masses and will help practitioners diagnose temperature changes related to both acute and unresolving pain.
Dr. Jeffrey Tucker is the current past president of the ACA Rehab Council. The Rehab Council will have its annual conference March 16-17, 2024 in Orlando. Dr. Tucker is in active practice in Los Angeles, CA. His website is www.DrJeffreyTucker.com
