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SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY

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Sreeraj S R


Dia means through

Thermo means temperature /heat.

Frequency of 27.12 MHz

Wavelength greater than 11meter
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 non thermal effects
Sreeraj S R

Production

Sreeraj S R

Production

Sreeraj S R

Production

Sreeraj S R

Production

Sreeraj S R

Production

Sreeraj S R

Effects on Tissues
Ionic motion
Dipole rotation
Molecular distortion

Sreeraj S R

Physiological effect
Effects on
1. Metabolism
2. Circulation
3. Nervous tissue
4. Muscle tissue

Sreeraj S R

Therapeutic Effect
Effects on
1. Inflammation
2. Bacterial Infection
3. Relief of pain
4. Traumatic conditions
5. Reduce healing time

Sreeraj S R

Types of Shortwave Diathermy

Induction Field
Capacitive Field

Sreeraj S R

Induction Field Diathermy

Places the patient in the
electromagnetic field
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
Selectively heats muscle
Also referred to as:
Magnetic field diathermy

Sreeraj S R

Capacitive Field Diathermy

Uses the patients 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

Sreeraj S R

TYPES OF ELECTRODES

Flexible pads:
consist of metal
electrode
encased in rubber
and produce an
electrostatic field.

Sreeraj S R

TYPES OF ELECTRODES
Space plates: consist
of a rigid metal
electrode encased in
a Perspex cover 
electrostatic field.

Sreeraj S R

TYPES OF ELECTRODES
Coil or cable
electrode consists of
a wire with plugs at
either end creates
electromagnetic
field.

Sreeraj S R

TYPES OF ELECTRODES
The monode :
flat, rigid coil
encased in plastic
cover
 electromagnetic
field.

Sreeraj S R

TYPES OF ELECTRODES
The diplode : or
drum
electrode,
consists of a flat coil
electrode encased in
a Perspex cover with
two wings
 electromagnetic
field
Sreeraj S R

FACTORS INFLUENCE FIELD DISTRIBUTION IN S.W.D

Spacing :
allows the lines of force in the electrostatic field to diverge
before entering the tissues. This prevents concentration of
heat in the superficial tissues and ensures more heating
through the part.
Spacing provided by:
1. wrapping flexible pads in towel.
2. flat felt spacing pads
between pad electrode and
skin
3. air when using space plates.
Sreeraj S R

FACTORS INFLUENCE FIELD DISTRIBUTION IN S.W.D

Normal spacing 
even field distribution.
Increased spacing  deep field
concentration.
Decreased spacing
superficial concentration.
Sreeraj S R

FACTORS INFLUENCE FIELD DISTRIBUTION IN S.W.D

Electrode size:
if the electrodes are too small
than the diameter of treated
part line of force will be
concentrated superficially.

If the electrodes are markedly
larger the line of force will
be lost in the air.

Ideally, the electrodes should
be slightly larger than the area
treated.
Sreeraj S R

FACTORS INFLUENCE FIELD DISTRIBUTION IN S.W.D

To concentrate heat
on one aspect of the
part the electrode
should be unequal in
size (smaller one
placed over the area
where concentration
of heat is required).
Sreeraj S R

FACTORS INFLUENCE FIELD DISTRIBUTION IN S.W.D

You can produce concentration of heat by

using equal size electrodes but with unequal
spacing (25 mm over concentrated area and
more than 30 mm on other electrode).

Sreeraj S R

FACTORS INFLUENCE FIELD DISTRIBUTION IN S.W.D

Metal: metal causes the lines of force to

concentrate on the metal

Sreeraj S R

THERAPEUTIC VARIATION IN THE FIELD DISTRIBUTION

Coplanar application to treat

structures on one aspect of the
body. If the spacing is less than 25
mm more concentration in the
superficial tissue. If spacing
increases more depth achieved.

The
distance
between
adjacent ends must be
greater than the sum of skin
electrode distance (A+B)
otherwise the line of force
will pass directly between
electrodes
rather
than
tissues.
Sreeraj S R

THERAPEUTIC VARIATION IN THE FIELD DISTRIBUTION

Contra planar
applications
Two flexible pads, two
space
plates
or
flexible pad with a
space plate are used.
It is essential to put a
cotton towel between
the two limbs to
absorb
any
perspiration.
Sreeraj S R

THERAPEUTIC VARIATION IN THE FIELD DISTRIBUTION

Cross-fire application:
For the treatment of
sinuses, space plates
positioned
diagonally,
after half of treatment
time the positions are
alternate. This ensures
that all aspects of the
sinus membrane are
heated.
Care must be taken to
avoid direct placement
over the eye, uterine
disorders
such
as
dysmenorrhoea.

Sreeraj S R

THERAPEUTIC VARIATION IN THE FIELD DISTRIBUTION

Application using a
coil electrode:
1. The coil wound
evenly firmly

2. Pancake application

Sreeraj S R

THERAPEUTIC VARIATION IN THE FIELD DISTRIBUTION

Application using
diplode:
Adjust wings of
diplode parallel
to the skin of the
treated area,
electromagnetic
field will
produce.
Sreeraj S R

Dangers
1. Burns

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Concentration of electric field

Excess current
Impaired blood flow
Hypersensitive skin
Leads touching skin

Scalds
Electric shock
Overdose
Precipitation of gangrene
Faintness
Giddiness
Sreeraj S R

Contraindications
Metal implants or metal jewelry
(be aware of body piercings)
Cardiac pacemakers
Ischemic areas
Peripheral vascular disease
Perspiration and moist dressings:
The water collects and
concentrates the heat.
Tendency to hemorrhage,
including menstruation.
Pregnancy
Fever

Sensory loss
Cancer
Deep X ray
Tumours
Unreliable patients
Areas of particular sensitivity:

Epiphyseal plates in children

The genitals
Sites of infection
The abdomen with an implanted
intrauterine device (IUD)
The eyes and face
Application through the skull

Sreeraj S R