Diathermy

Diathermy converts high- frequency electromagnetic energy (radio waves) into therapeutic heat within the body tissues

• Shortwave Diathermy
• Microwave Diathermy (not used in US)

• Tissue Temp rise
• Altered cell membrane function
• Increased nerve conduction velocity
• Increased Pain threshold
• Increased muscle elasticity
• Increased blood flow
• Increased tissue metabolic rate
• Muscle relaxation
• Enhanced recovery from injury

• Occurs at Cellular Level
• Repolarize damaged cells correcting dysfunction
• Reactivates the sodium pump allowing the cell to regain normal ionic balance

27.12, 13.56, 40.68

• Induction field (magnetic)
• Capactive field

• Air space plate (spaced enevly from tissue)
• Pad electrodes ( not commonly used)

• the patient is placed between two electrodes or plates and becomes part of the circuit
• Tissue tat offers the greatest resistance to current flow tend to develop the most heat
• Tissue high in fat contect resist current
• Can overheat
• 2.5-5 cm but uneven becuase of changes in resistance or tissue

• Inductance technique uses induction electrodes and creates a stronger MAGNETIC field than electrical field
• Pt not part of the circuit
• Not tissue specific
• Greatest heat generated in muscular layer
• Safer

• Cable/Coil (comles set up not used often)
• Drum (most common)

• Induction - magnetic
• need toweling between cable or coil and Pt
• Wrap coil round part to be treated
• Created EDDY currents in tissues which creates oscillations of ions and increases tissue temp

• Cable coiled within drum
• Magnetic field is up to 5 cm away from the drum -may need a towel between skin and drum, amount of heat depends on the distance between drum and skin

• The off time is generally a lot longer thant he on time (allows heat to dissipate)
• Can be used from theram effects - use higher intensities and longer treatment times to achieve thermal effects

The primary advantage of using shortwave diathermy as opposed to radiant or conductive heating methods is the possibility of reaching deeper tissues

• With some methods the treatment area is not visible
• The sourse of heat is constant and doesn't cool down during treatment increasing the risk for burns
• Equipment is cost and time consuming to set up

• Post acute musculoskeletal injuries
• Decreased cirulation
• Decreased metabolism
• Decreased Collagen Extensibility
• Joint Stiffness
• Pain
• Joint contractures
• Tissue Healing
• Muscle tension
• Muscle Guarding

• Intensity - heat should be gentle many not feel heat with pulsed
• Duration 15-30 mins effects last 30mins
• Frequency - daily or twice a day for sub acute condition and less frequently for chronic condictions

look in notes