Shortwave Diathermy

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Shortwave Diathermy

• What is it?

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• Deep heating modality
• High frequency alternating current
• 13.56, 27.12, 40.61 MHz
• Cant depolarize motor/sensory nerves

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• Greater effect on tissues with high water content
• Adipose tissue, blood, muscle
• Depths of 2 5 cm
• Less effective on individuals with large amount
  of fat

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• Continuous
• Greatest increase in temp.
• Chronic conditions
• Thermal effects
• Pulsed
• Non-thermal effects
• aka Pulsed Radio Frequency Energy

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Types of Units

• Condenser
• Insulated plates on either side of treatment area
• Flow of EM energy produces frictional
  heating(ions colliding)
• More effective in subcutaneous tissue and
  superficial muscle layer

• Induction
• Electrode is contained in drum and emits EM
  energy
• Tissue affected by magnetic field
• Superficial and middle muscle layers

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Dosage Guide

• Acute Inflammation
• No heat sensation
• 15 30 minutes
• Subacute
• Minimal heat sensation
• 15 30 minutes

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Dosage Guide

• Repair Phase
• Pleasant heat sensation
• 15 30 minutes
• Chronic
• Maximal tolerated
• 15 30 minutes

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Indications

• Joint capsule contractures
• Muscular contractures
• Muscle guarding or spasms
• Inflammatory conditions

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Contraindications

• No metallic objects
• Electromedical devices
• Areas of high fluid content
• Areas of paresthesia
• Pregnancy
• Growth plates in children