Thermal Scan Frequently Asked Questions
Explain Thermal Scan of The Body?
Thermal Scan is a non-invasive test of physiology, showing thermal abnormalities present in the body. It is a valuable procedure for alerting your doctor to changes that can indicate early warning signs in the development of various conditions such as breast disease and chronic inflammation.
What is a Thermal Health Scan?
A thermal scan is an excellent tool for the detection and monitoring of various health conditions associated with neurological and musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Thermography provides a visual representation of areas of inflammation in the body.
A thermal scan can help to determine to identify the source of referred pain and thus assisting the physician in deciding on what the best course of treatment will be.
While X-rays, MRI scans and ultrasound tests can provide information regarding structures found within the body, Thermography provides the only technology at this capable of detecting physiological changes and metabolic processes. See more on Full Body Scan
Which conditions that can be detected?
The following are some conditions which can be detected and monitored by use of Thermography:
- Vein Conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
- Breast Disease and Breast Cancer
- Visceral Dysfunction
- Chronic Lower Back pain
- Lymph blockages and dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia
- Skin Cancer
- Arthritis and arthritic pain
- Headache or Sinus Pain
- Neck and Back Problems
- Whiplash
- Referred Pain
- Chronic Nerve Injuries
- Sports Injuries
What does the Thermal Images show us?
Thermography is unique in that it shows physiological changes and metabolic processes in the body. The scan will show thermal imbalances and areas of inflammation caused by circulatory problems in the body.
Thermography can also be used to monitor post surgery recovery and the effectiveness of various courses treatment such as acupuncture. Thermography differs from other tests such as x-rays, MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds in that it looks at the physiology of the body where the other scans look at the structure of the body.
What Thermal Images DON'T show us?
Infrared thermal imaging will not detect all inflammation and will not show structural problems in the body, it is NOT used to diagnose disease but can be used as an adjunct to assist your doctor in prescribing the correct treatment protocol.settings.
Preparing for the Appointment
We will email a form for you to complete and return prior to your appointment.
Patient preparation:
- Avoid having physical therapy, acupuncture or massage for 24 hrs prior to your DITI scan.
- On the day do not go to the gym before your appointment.
- Do not use lotions or liniments on the day of the scan.
- Do not use hair removal products on the day of the scan.
- Do not wear compression garments.
- Stay out of strong sunlight day of the test.
- No changes necessary to diet, preferably don’t eat for 2 hours before the scan.
- No changes necessary to medicines
- If you are doing a full-body scan to help determine the source of pain we advise not taking an OTC anti-inflammatory before your appointment.
- Do not smoke for 2 hours before the scan.
What to Expect During The Scan?
The client undresses and puts on a gown. There will be no physical contact during the scan and no exposure to radiation.
Thermography uses a type of infrared technology that detects and records temperature changes on the surface of the skin, therefore, the client will be required to remove clothing that covers the area to be scanned as we cannot scan through the fabric of any kind. (If you are doing a scan that includes the pelvis or lower back please take note of the following – to obtain accurate imaging it will be necessary to remove your underwear. If this makes you uncomfortable we advise ladies to wear a thong or g-string – this will compromise the imaging to some extent but remains an option).
The camera will be placed 2 to 3 meters away from you and you will be asked to turn or change position for the various images to be taken.
Is it Painful?
No, it is pain-free, there is no contact or compression with thermography. There is no contact with the patient’s body.
Is there any Radiation during a Thermal Scan?
No, Thermography uses Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging that picks up the heat patterns coming from the body.
Is a Thermograph the same as a Mammogram?
No. Mammograms and ultrasounds test look at the body’s structure and the anatomy.
Thermography is a non-invasive test of physiology, showing thermal abnormalities present in the body. It is a valuable procedure for alerting your doctor to changes that can indicate early warning signs of conditions that can then be addressed before they become more serious.
Who is qualified to do a Thermal Scan?
The images are taken by a trained Thermographer.
Only a Licensed Healthcare Practitioner with the license to diagnose and treat can review your report. In THS case we used licensed doctors to review your information
Do Medical Aids pay for Thermographs?
At this point South African Medical Aids do not accept or process any claims for Thermography.
Discovery will give you loyalty points for doing a breast scan.
Easy, affordable payment terms can be arranged through MediWallet – for more information: www.mediwallet.co.za or 0861 007 709
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