FAQ

What is Thermography?

Thermography, or Infrared Thermal Imaging, is a unique technology that takes a picture of inflammatory patterns on the skin. It is different than other imaging tools because it helps us to see function (physiology). MRI and X-ray detect anatomical or structural changes. Thermography was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (US) as an additional health assessment tool in 1982.

Clinically, thermography assessments rely on the sympathetic nerve control of skin blood flow and the ability of the sympathetic nervous system to respond, and react, to pain, pathology, injury or dysfunction anywhere in the body. In other words, the skin responds to physiological changes and a thermography device records those changes. 

Thermography Medical Clinic uses the most advanced infrared cameras (with the highest resolution in the industry) with patented software to generate the most accurate thermal maps of the skin.

What can Thermography be used for?

Thermography provides a unique picture of the current status of inflammation throughout the body. Persistent levels of inflammation have been linked to the development of numerous chronic diseases. 

By allowing us to visualize our current level of inflammation, thermography provides not only a clear guide to our current state of health and to the formulation of a treatment plan but also serves as a motivational tool for taking charge of our health and wellness plan. As a safe and non-invasive technology, thermography imaging is easy to replicate which allows us to conveniently and regularly assess progress of treatment plans.

What will the thermography report tell me?

A healthy body is expected to be thermally symmetrical. The thermography report: (1) identifies any signs of significant asymmetry in temperature and any unusual thermal patterns which can indicate occurrences such as: natural healing signs of inflammation, blood perfusion, lymphatic congestion, injury, hormonal imbalance, and much more; (2) provides an assessment of the level of concern (low, moderate or high); and (3) recommends additional external tests for further investigation or correlation, if necessary, or thermography follow-ups to establish a stable thermal baseline or to monitor changes. The report also includes the set of thermal images on which the assessment is based.

Is it a proven technology?

Thermography provides an accurate image of the status of inflammation, which has now been demonstrated to be inextricably linked to the development of many chronic diseases. There is also growing evidence of a substantial increase in the effectiveness of screening procedures when multiple tests, including thermography, are included in health assessments – precisely because each test provides unique information about the state of health. 

The role of thermography in medical practice will continue to expand as the exact role and importance of inflammation in disease development is more widely adopted into, and discussed within, the standard curriculum in medical schools.

Is it safe?
While a variety of studies have called into question the safety of cumulative exposures to radiation, this is not the case with Thermography. Thermography emits nothing, it only takes an image. Nothing touches you and it is quick and painless. This all makes Thermography great for frequent screening with no chance of danger.
Who reads the images?

The images are sent via a secured server to Dr. Sharon Edwards at Thermography Medical Clinic where they will interpret the image to generate your thermography report. A very formal interpretation is made and sent to us where we will review the results and make suggestions or referrals if necessary. You are given a copy of the report and frequently we send copies of the reports to physicians for their records.

What happens if I get an abnormal result? What do I do?
Thermography is not diagnostic but gives significant risk factors. This is great news because of the significant risk factors from the thermogram natural interventions such as herbs, supplements and lifestyle changes can influence the outcome. At the least, the condition can be closely monitored safely until conventional interventions need to be applied. It is important to recognize that taking action is the key to a good outcome. We will make recommendations or referrals as necessary. We do not diagnose or treat cancer.
Who can benefit from infrared imaging?
Anyone who is interested in proactively taking charge of their health and not focused exclusively on specific disease will benefit from Thermal Imaging. A thermal assessment combined with guidance from a trusted healthcare provider is an opportunity to achieve desired results of optimal health and longevity.
How deep can thermography see into my body?
The infrared camera images the skin surface (1/4 inch), which is a wealth of information reflecting internal metabolism and physiological changes. Thermography does not need to penetrate and invade the body to obtain unique and critical information regarding status of health.
What imaging results are considered to be?
There is an assumption that “early detection” is related to Thermography. Thermography is very sensitive but not specific. What that means, thermography gives you the opportunity to see changes in the body, that would not be visible to any other examination can be very apparent and indicate an opportunity to make changes for the purpose of optimizing and preserving health. We believe thermography see changes in the body that, if left unaddressed can lead to different life changing diseases.
I am a cancer survivor. Can infrared imaging help me monitor my breast?
Thermography can help you monitor the health of your breasts with a baseline documenting patterns at the time of the initial study and any subsequent significant changes.
If I have something suspicious looking, will the doctor at least say something?
Thermography does not see deep inside the body, as it is non-invasive. If our Interpreting Physicians see something that they would consider “thermographically significant” they will give you a strong and intentional encouragement to seek further clinical correlation and evaluation. Remember that “Thermographically Significant” does NOT necessarily mean concern for a specific disease, but an indication of an abnormal thermal pattern(s) that meet a certain clinically acceptable level of significance.
Can thermography help prevent breast disease?
Knowledge and professional guidance including; diet, exercise, supplementation, dry brushing, hormone balancing as well as lifestyle choices and changes are the useful ways to support breast and general health.
What are your interpreting physicians looking for?
A healthy body is expected to be thermally symmetrical. The Interpreting Physicians are looking for signs of significant asymmetry which can indicate valuable indications such as; natural healing signs of inflammation, blood profusion, lymphatic congestion, injury, hormonal imbalance and much more. After evaluating these areas they will assess their level of concern (low, moderate or high) as it relates to the thermal patterns. They will also recommend a follow up appointment for further evaluation, if necessary, or to establish a stable baseline.
What would you do if you were diagnosed with breast cancer?
This is a very personal question. Each case is individual and unique. I can tell you that I have educated myself so that I can prepare myself as much as possible in the unlikely event of a diagnosis. Without preparation I have witnessed how decisions can be extremely difficult and sometimes with regret for feeling rushed.

What is a baseline?
A baseline is two identical studies, taken at two different times to determine if patterns are stable or if there are any changes. Therefore, the follow-up appointment is the most valuable. If the patterns are stable and not significant, there will be a recommend annual follow-up or earlier if any concerns should arise in the meantime. If there is not stability, there may be recommendation for further clinical evaluation and another follow up in 3 – 6 months.

Does insurance pay for infrared imaging?
Not typically, but in this way, the value of thermography is not defined by an insurance company, but by what an individual is willing to pay for unique, valuable information regarding their health.