DIATHERMY

DIATHERMY ETYMOLOGY

• The Word Diathermy is derived from the Greek words Dia and Therma.“Dia”- ‘through’ + “Therma”-‘heat’

• (i.e.) Treatment “Through Heat”.

DIATHERMY DEFINITION

The term diathermy means "electrically induced heat“, the use of high-frequency electromagnetic currents as a form of physical or occupational therapy and in surgical procedures.

Diathermy is a therapeutic treatment most commonly prescribed for joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

DIATHERMY PRINCIPLE

In Diathermy, a high-frequency electric current is delivered via shortwave, microwave, or ultrasound to generate deep heat in body tissues.

The diathermy machine does not apply heat directly to the body. Instead, the current from the machine allows the body to generate heat from within the targeted tissue.

What Does Diathermy Do?

Diathermy uses an electric current to produce heat deep inside a targeted tissue. It can reach areas as deep as two inches from the skin’s surface.

As the heat increases, it promotes blood flow. It also can help improve flexibility in stiff joints and connective tissue.

WHY DIATHERMY?

• Use of External Heat sources like Hot Towel, Heat Lamps and Heating pads often produce inconvenience and discomfort to patients.

• Burning of skin and no heat to deeper tissues.

IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

With decreased pain and inflammation, patients with arthritis can increase their range of motion. This may allow them to move more easily and participate in rehabilitation more comfortably.

IN SURGICAL PROCEDURES

A diathermy electrode can be applied to a blood vessel. The heat generated in the vessel will cause the blood to coagulate and the vessel to be cauterized (sealed).

Diathermy is also effective in removing abnormal growths, such as tumors, in procedures where traditional techniques are impractical.

TYPES OF DIATHERMY

There are four main types of diathermy:

i. Shortwave,ii. Microwave, iii. Ultrasound,

iv. Surgical.

SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY

It uses high-frequency electromagnetic energy to generate heat. It may be applied in pulsed or continuous energy waves.

It is used to treat pain from kidney stones, and pelvic infections. It is effective for conditions that cause pain and muscle spasms.

MICROWAVE DIATHERMY

It uses microwaves to generate heat in the body. It can be used to evenly warm deep tissues without heating the skin.

It is best suited for areas that are closer to the skin, such as shoulders.

ULTRASOUND DIATHERMY

It uses sound waves to treat deep tissues. Heat is generated by the vibration of the tissue. This promotes blood flow into the area.

It is used for many types of musculoskeletal sprains, strains, and fractures.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF DIATHERMY?

• The electromagnetic energy used in diathermy can cause extreme heat in metal devices such as bone pins, dental fillings, and metal sutures. This could cause burns in adjacent tissues.

• During diathermy treatment, the patient becomes a part of the electrical field. Touching a bare metal object, such as a cabinet, during diathermy can cause a shock or burn.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIATHERMY?

Diathermy can be effective in providing some relief and treatment of symptoms related to:

• Arthritis• Back pain• Fibromyalgia• Muscle spasms• Myositis• Neuralgia• Sprains and strains• Tenosynovitis• Tendonitis• Bone injuries• Bursitis

What are the Risks of Diathermy?

• Peripheral vascular disease• Tissue with restricted blood supply (ischemia)• Numbed or infected areas• Unhealed bones• Cancer• Bleeding disorders• Severe heart, liver, or kidney conditions• Low skin sensation• Pregnancy• Perspiration• Wound dressings• Areas of moist skin

ADVANTAGES

• The treatment can be controlled easily.• Use of appropriate electrodes permit the heat

to be localized only in the region to be treated.

• Amount of heat that is to be delivered can be adjusted accurately.