DIATHERMY

DIATHERMY
• Use o f Electromagneti c waves f ro m the radio
frequency or microwave frequency ranges
• 27.12 Hz = Most commonly used aka Shortwave Diathermy
(SWD)
• Microwave diathermy = 2,450 Hz
• Can be delivered conti nuously or through regular pulses
• Devices that deliver radio frequency waves t o the
patient at a very low intensity are known as pulsed
electromagnetic fields (PEMF) or pulsed radio frequency
energy.
DIATHERMY
 DIATHERMY
• can affect deeper tissues of the b o d y than
superficial modalities, such as hot packs
• minimal reflection of waves at tissue interfaces
and on bone
 SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY
• 2 Types:
• Electric Field
(capacitive method)
• Magnetic Field
(inductive method)
SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY CAPACITIVE
• Uses an applicator
system that requires
the patient tissues
t o be part of the
capacitor
• Can be applied
contraplanar
or coplanar
SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY CAPACITIVE
 SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY INDUCTIVE
• Requires an inductive
applicator that creates
an oscillating
magnetic field that
induces ” e d d y ”
currents in b o d y
tissues
• Two types of inductive
coil applicator:
• Drums or Sleeves
 SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY INDUCTIVE
1. Drum applicators –
contain a coil-shaped
cable contained
within a rigid plastic
insulator housing
2. Sleeves - designed t o
fit around a b o d y
part, such as the
elbow and forearm,
providing a
circumferential
treatment effect.
 MICRO WAVE DIATHERMY
• Requires a device called a magnetron
• generates alternating current at a high power level,
which is transmitted t o an antenna housed inside an
emitter (drum or applicator) that directs the
electro- magnetic field t o the b o d y part t o be
treated.
 EFFECTS OF DIATHERMY THERMAL
• Goal of most diathermy treatments is t o increase
the temperature of b o d y tissues
• One key difference is the greater depth of
heating that occurs wit h diathermy compared t o
superficial thermal modalities
• Inductive SWD and PSWD will more effectively
elevate the temperature of deep tissues than
capacitive SWD.
 EFFECTS OF DIATHERMY THERMAL
• Reduction of pain
• Increase tissue elasticity and facilitate
connective tissue flexibility and joint
ROM
• promote healing of soft tissues and bone
•
CONTRAINDICATIONS
PRECAUTIONS
ACTUAL DIATHERMY APPLICATION
DIATHERMY APPLICATION 2