what is short wave diathermy?
TRANSCRIPT
WHAT IS
SHORT WAVE
DIATHERMY?
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Short wave diathermy is
typically used as an
alternative to ultrasound
when a wider area of
heat application is
required.
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Short-Wave Diathermy?
Diathermy is a therapeutic
modality that is most
commonly used for joint
conditions such as
rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis. The term
diathermy refers to the
creation of heat using
electrical pulses.
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In diathermy, a high-frequency electric current is
delivered via shortwave, microwave, or
ultrasound which is able to generate deep heat in
body tissues. The heat can be used to improve
circulationand/or to relieve pain.
In addition, shortwave diathermy can be
used in medicine for treating damaged
tissuesandrelaxing muscles.
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The electric pulse of Short-Wave Diathermy creates heat
deep insidea targeted tissue, reachingareasas deep astwo
inchesfromthe skin’ssurface.
While the diathermy
machine doesn’tapply
heat directly to the
body, the current
created by the
machine allows the
body to generate heat
within the targeted
area itself.
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It is when the heat of the area increases, that blood
flow is improved along with improvements to
flexibility in stiff joints and connective tissuemaking it
agood choiceto usefor patientswith arthritis.
The main benefits for
decreased pain and
inflammation is it allows
patients to gently
increase their range of
motion allowing themto
move with more ease
and participate in
rehabilitation with more
comfort.
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Diathermy isn’t just used in rehabilitation. Diathermy
can be used in surgical procedures where when the
electrode can be applied to a blood vessel. The heat
generatedby diathermy in the vesselwill causethe blood
to coagulate allowing the vesselto be cauterize(seal).
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Diathermy can also be used to remove abnormal
growths, such as tumors, especially in procedures
where traditional techniquesare impractical.
For example, surgical
diathermy can be used
to address issues in
the prostate, bladder,
cervix, brain, ovaries,
bowels, eyes, and
tonsils.
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HOW DOES
SHORT-WAVE
DIATHERMY WORK?
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Short wave diathermy is a distinguished form of diathermy
(different than ultrasound and microwave) which involves
sending high-frequency waves throughout the patient’s
body and into the affected tissues. The energy waves are
sent from condenser plates located on either side of the
tissuebeing treated.
Typical short wave
diathermy machines
operate at a frequencyof
27.33 MHz and havewave
lengths of 11 meters.
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Similar to other methods for applying
energy to the body, short wave diathermy
can be applied in two distinct modes:
continuousor pulsed.
When continuous mode is
used, the tissue being
targeted becomes heated
as the waves constantly
conveyenergy to them.
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Pulsed mode is used
when less heat is desired
for the affected tissue.
When short wave
diathermy is applied in
pulse mode, the
mechanical effects of the
treatment are applied
independent of the
thermally affecting
(heating) the tissue.
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One of the most promising applications of pulsed
mode is it is able to facilitate increased flexibility
and joint mobilization for restoration of joint
rangeof motion.
Short-wave diathermy
includes non-thermal
benefits as wellincluding:
• Acceleration of cell
growth
• Enabling damaged cells
to return to normal
function
• Increase wound healing
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Short-wave Diathermy is also effective when used with
other rehabilitative modalities. In a study published in
the American Journal of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation found that short- wave diathermy used
with hot packs and isokinetic exercises were more
effective in reducing pain and increasing function in
participants with knee osteoarthritis.
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Another study, Evaluation of the effects of
shortwave diathermy in patients with chronic
low back pain, found that short-wave diathermy
significantly decreased pain, improved
circulation and increased flexibility in patients
with low-backpain.
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Short-wave Diathermy iscontraindicated for use
over metal implants that have circular wire
components or elements that form loops or
circles, because it may result in excessive
heating of the metal causing discomfort or
possible injury.
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What Conditions Can Short-Wave
Diathermy Treat?Short-wave Diathermy can be effective in providing some
relief and treatment of symptoms related to:
• arthritis
• backpain
• fibromyalgia
• musclespasms
• myositis
• neuralgia
• sprains and strains
• tenosynovitis
• tendonitis
• bone injuries
• bursitis17
While diathermy isn’t as popular as ultrasound in rehabilitation,
shortwave diathermy has some benefits that should increase its
considerationandusein physicaltherapy and rehabilitation.
Usedalone asa pain management modality or used in conjunction
with other modalities in order to increase function, diathermy is
an extremely effective tool in returning patients to pain-free
function.
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From managing pain to facilitating
wound healing, diathermy is able to
address diverse problems that come up
in rehabilitation and should be a tool to
consideradding to treatment regimens.
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Thank You
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