Shortwave Diathermy

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Shortwave Diathermy

• ESAT 3640
• Therapeutic Modalities

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Diathermy

• Application of high-frequency electromagnetic
  energy that is used to generate heat in body
  tissues
• Heat produced by resistance of the tissue to the
  passage of the energy

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2 Types

• 2 types
• Shortwave
• Microwave

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Physiological Responses to Diathermy Thermal
Effects

• Primary benefits are those of heat in general
• Increase of 1C reduce mild inflammation and
  increase metabolism
• Increase of 2 to 3C decreased pain muscle
  spasm
• Increases above 3 to 4 C increased tissue
  extensibility

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Physiological Responses to Diathermy Nonthermal
Effects

• Pulsed diathermy may cause repolarization of
  damaged cells
• Corrects cell dysfunction
• Magnetic fields and Na pumps

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Shortwave Diathermy

• Frequency 27.12 MHz
• Wavelength 11 m
• Frequency 13.56 MHz
• Wavelength 22m

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Shortwave Diathermy Generators

• Output intensity
• Tuning control
• Power output meter
• Specific absorption rate (SAR)

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Shortwave Diathermy Electrodes

• Capacitor Electrodes
• Air Space Plates
• Pad Electrodes

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Shortwave Diathermy Electrodes

• Induction Electrodes
• Cable Electrodes
• Drum Electrodes

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Heat Distribution
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Treatment Time

• 15 minutes produced vigorous heating of triceps
  surae
• 20-30 minutes is most likely adequate
• More than 30 minutes can result in circulatory
  rebound phenomenon

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Microwave Diathermy

• Frequency 2456 MHz or 915 MHz
• Shorter wavelength than shortwave diathermy
• Strong electrical field, small magnetic field

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Clinical Applications For Diathermy

• Muscle strains
• Contusions
• Ligament sprains
• Tendinitis
• Tenosynovitis
• Bursitis
• Joint contractures
• Myofascial trigger points

• Osteoarthritis
• Local relaxation
• Deceased joint stiffness
• Increased extensibility of collagen fibers
• Increased circulation
• Decrease subacute chronic pain

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Diathermy Treatment Considerations

• Microwave and miscarriage
• Stray emissions from microwave
• Avoid when increased temperature may produce
  negative or undesired effects
• Power meter does not indicate energy entering
  tissue
• Caution when used over fluid-filled areas or
  organs

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Diathermy Treatment Considerations

• Toweling to absorb moisture
• Synthetic materials tends to create vapor barrier
  allowing accumulation of water
• Dont use over pelvic area of females when
  menstruating, testes of males, pregnancy
• Caution over boney prominences

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Diathermy Treatment Considerations

• Patient should not come in contact with cables
  connected to generator
• Keep other medical devices away
• Metal chairs/tables not used, metal implants
• No watches or jewelry
• Unshielded cardiac pacemakers

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Diathermy Treatment Considerations

• Keep other medical devices away
• Metal chairs/tables not used, metal implants
• No watches or jewelry
• Unshielded cardiac pacemakers

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Guidelines for the Safe Use of Diathermy

• Question patient
• Position patient
• Inspect part to be treated
• Drape w/ toweling as indicated
• Place electrode drum on treatment area
• Turn on unit
• Set pulse duration
• Set pulse frequency

• Adjust intensity
• Set treatment time
• Press start button
• Periodically check athlete
• Timer off end of treatment turn all dials to
  0
• Assess treatment efficacy
• Record treatment parameters