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Shortwave Diathermy Guide

Shortwave diathermy uses electromagnetic radio waves to heat tissues deeply and in large volumes. It causes both thermal and nonthermal effects. There are two main types - induction field diathermy which selectively heats muscle using a coil-generated magnetic field, and capacitive field diathermy which heats skin and underlying tissues via electrical resistance. Shortwave diathermy is used for conditions like edema reduction, wound healing, and increasing blood flow due to its effects on inflammation, tissue elasticity, and blood and fluid dynamics. Contraindications include metal implants, cancer, and areas of high sensitivity.

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Bambang Purwantoro
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104 views15 pages

Shortwave Diathermy Guide

Shortwave diathermy uses electromagnetic radio waves to heat tissues deeply and in large volumes. It causes both thermal and nonthermal effects. There are two main types - induction field diathermy which selectively heats muscle using a coil-generated magnetic field, and capacitive field diathermy which heats skin and underlying tissues via electrical resistance. Shortwave diathermy is used for conditions like edema reduction, wound healing, and increasing blood flow due to its effects on inflammation, tissue elasticity, and blood and fluid dynamics. Contraindications include metal implants, cancer, and areas of high sensitivity.

Uploaded by

Bambang Purwantoro
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Shortwave Diathermy

Chapter 9
Description
 High-frequency electrical currents
– Radio waves
 Pass through the tissues
 Cause molecular vibration
 Results in deep heating
 Capable of heating large volumes of tissues
 Causes both thermal and nonthermal
effects
Uses
Thermal Effects Nonthermal Effects
 Deep heat  Edema reduction
 Increased blood flow  Lymphedema
 Increased cell reduction
metabolism  Superficial wound
 Increased tissue healing
extensibility  Treatment of venous
 Muscular relaxation stasis ulcers
 Possible changes in
enzyme reactions
Types of Shortwave
Diathermy
Induction Field
Capacitive Field
Induction Field Diathermy

 Places the patient in the electromagnetic field


 Selectively heats muscle
 Also referred to as:
– Condenser field diathermy
– Magnetic field diathermy
Induction Field Diathermy (Cont.)
 A coil is housed within a
drum
 Current flowing within the
coil produces a rotating
magnetic field
 Magnetic field produces
eddy currents in the tissues
 Eddy currents cause friction
that produce heat
 Although rare, cables are
sometimes used in place of
drums
Capacitive Field Diathermy

 Uses the patient’s tissues as a part of the circuit


 The tissues’ electrical resistance produces heat
 Selectively heats skin
– Muscle is heated via conduction from the adipose
 Also referred to as “condenser field diathermy”
Capacitive Field Diathermy (Cont.)

 Heat is produced by the


dipole effect +
-

 Charge particles within +


+
-

membrane align with the


- +
+
-
+

field -

 The movement produces


heat
Modes of Application
Continuous
 Increases tissue temperature
 Increased risk of burns

Pulsed
 May or may not increase temperature
 Pulses allow for increased treatment
intensity and duration
 Not the same as “nonthermal”
Ultrasound & SWD Comparison

Ultrasound Shortwave Diathermy


Energy type Acoustical Electromagnetic
Tissue heated Collage-rich C: Skin, adipose tissue
I: Muscle, vessels
Tissue volume Small (20 cm2) Large (200 cm2)
Temp increase 1 MHz: > 6.3°F C: > 7°F
3 MHz: > 14.9°F I: > 18°F
Heat retention 3 min > 9 min
C = Capacitive method
I = Induction method
Biophysical Effects
Inflammation
 Assists in removal of cellular debris and
toxins
 Nonthermal:
– Alters diffusion rate across the cell membrane
 Thermal
– Increases intramuscular metabolism
Biophysical Effects
Blood and Fluid Dynamics
 Vasodilation increases:
– Blood flow
– Capillary filtration
– Capillary pressure
– Oxygen perfusion
 Increased fibroblastic activity and capillary
growth
 Effects occur deeper than other forms of heat
Biophysical Effects
Tissue Elasticity
 SWD can vigorously heat deep tissues
 Alters collagen properties, allowing it to
elongate
 Requires stretching during and/or
immediately following the treatment
 Multiple treatments are required
Biophysical Effects
Wound Healing
 Nonthermal SWD increases rate of
phagocytosis
 Number of mature collage bundles
increase
 ATP activity increases (assisting wound
regeneration)
 Necrosed muscle fibers decrease
Contraindications
 Metal implants or metal  Sensory loss
jewelry (be aware of body  Cancer
piercings)  Areas of particular sensitivity:
 Cardiac pacemakers – Epiphyseal plates in children
 Ischemic areas – The genitals
 Peripheral vascular disease – Sites of infection
 Perspiration and moist – The abdomen with an
dressings: The water collects implanted intrauterine device
and concentrates the heat. (IUD)
 Tendency to hemorrhage, – The eyes and face
including menstruation. – Application through the skull
 Pregnancy
 Fever

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