Shortwave Diathermy

Sabeel Kabeer
DPT 2nd Batch
Introduction
Dia= Through
Thermy= Heat
Diathermy = Electrically induced heat
High-frequency electromagnetic currents
Shortwave Diathermy Unit

A =Power switch
B = Timer
C = Power meter
 Monitors current from power supply, not current entering patient
D = Output intensity (% max power to patient)
E = Tuning control
 Circuits
1) Machine circuit :
Composed of a high frequency generator, amplifier,
oscillator coil.

2) Patient circuit:
Composed of a resonator coil, variable capacitor,
electrodes and the treated tissue.
Types of Applications
The condenser/capacitor field method (commonly
used)
Cable method
1) Capacitance
(the electric field is more than the magnetic field) :
Can be achieved by using two space plates together,
or one space plate and a flexible ,or diplodes

2) Inductance:
(the magnetic field is more than the electric field) :
Can be achieved by using the coil or the drums.
Condensor/capacitor field method
Electrode= on each side of the body
Electrode= seprated from skin by insulating material
Electrodes = act as plates of capacitor
Body tissues= act as dielectric together with insulating
material
Cont....
When the current is applied:
Alternating charges are setupon the electrodes
Causing a rapidly alternating electric field between
them.
The electric field influences the materials which lie
within it and produces heat.
Electrode arrangement:
Contra planar technique
Coplanar technique
Cross fire technique
Monopolar technique
 Contra planar technique
It is the most satisfactory technique, especially for the
treatment of deeply-placed structures
The electrodes are then placed over the opposite aspects
of the trunk or limb, so that the electric field is directed
through the deep tissues.
Coplanar technique
In this technique, electrodes are placed side
by side on the same aspect of the part,
provided there is an adequate distance
between them.
The distance between the two electrodes
should be more than the total width of
spacing
The heat is more superficial and suits certain
areas such as the spine, where one electrode
is placed over the dorsal region, while the
other placed over the lumbar one
Cross fire technique
Half of the treatment period is given with the
electrodes in one position and then they are
moved to be at right angle to that obtained
during the first part of the treatment.
For example , for the knee joint, during the first
half of the session, the electrodes are placed on
the medial and lateral aspects of the knee.
On the opposite, during these cond half of the
session, the electrodes are transferred to the
anterior and posterior aspects of the knee
 Monopolar technique
The active electrode is placed over the site of the
lesion, while the indifferent one is applied to some
distant part of the body.
This method is used for very superficial lesions
(sinusitis).
 Cable method
The cable is coiled in relation to the patient’s skin but
separated from it by a layer of insulating material.
As high frequency currents oscillate in the cable
An electric field is set up between it sends and a
magnetic field around its center.
These fields affect the tissues that lie within them
Dosage
20 to 30 minutes
As a general rule:
Treatment of acute or recent injury=intensity low but
carried out more frequently
Provide mild warmth= 5 to 10 minutes
Physiological effects
Effects on:
Metabolism of the body
Increase blood flow
Nervous tissues
Muscular tissues
Sweat glands
Cont...
Effect on metabolism of the body:
Chemical change=change in temprature
Metabolism increase=anabolism+catabolism
Oxygen supply increase
Removal of waste product increase
Nutritional supply increase to the tissues
Healing enhance
Cont....
Effects due to increased blood flow:
Heat = direct effect on blood vessels
Vasodilitation=increase blood flow
Stimulation of superficial nerve endings
Cont....
Effects of heat on the nervous tissues:
Heat= alter conduction
Sedation
Pain perception reduced
Cont....
Effect of heat on muscular tissues:
Increase blood flow=fresh nutrients,oxygen,remove
waste
Efficacy of muscle to contract enhance
Muscle relaxation
Cont....
Effect of heat on sweat glands:
Heated blood circulated in whole body
Stimulate heat regulatory centre
Production of sweat increase
Elimination of waste products
Indications
Effect on inflammation:
Given with care in the sub-acute condition
Effective in chronic inflammation
Valueable for deeply placed structured:
E.g: like hip joint
Pain relief:
Mild heating= pain relief
Remove infalmmation
Remove waste products
In acute condition= aggrevate the pain
Effect on muscle tissues:
Muscle relaxation
Relieve muscle spasm

Traumatic condition:
Increase blood flow =removal of waste
Increase fresh blood,nutrients.
Enhance healing process
Contraindications
Open wounds:
Should be avoided.
Especially in recent hemorrhage
Vasodilitation

Metal in the tissue:

Diathermy current concentrated in metals
Excessive heating may cause burn
Cont....
Distrubed skin sensation:
Skin should be checked
May cause burn

Thrombo-phlebitis ( venous thrombosis):

Aggravated the inflammation
Dislodge the clot
Cont....
Arterial disease:
Less blood supply= less dispersion of heat
May lead to burn

Tumors:
Excessive temprature=accelerate tumour growth
Spreading of tumour also occur
Cont....
Mentally retarded patients

Children

Unconscious patients

Epileptic patients

Uncooperative patients