DIATHERMY
NAMITA KAUSHIK
MPT (NEUROLOGY)
MEANING – THROUGH HEATING
APPLICATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY TO
PRODUCE HEAT IN THE TISSUES
SHORT WAVE: MICROWAVE:
10-100MHz FREQUENCY 300MHz – 300GHz
AND 3-30m AND 1mm – 1m
WAVELENGTH WAVELENGTH
Both shortwave and microwave tion are
nonionizing
s. diathermy (SWD) devices have been
allocated three frequency bands centered on
73.56, 27.72, 40.68 MHz, with ranges of
+6.78, 160, and 20 respectivelv.
The 27.12 MHz band is most used for SWD
devices because it has the widest width and is
therefore the easiest and least to generate.
Microwave diathermy (MWD) for medical
apolication have been allocated the quency of
2450 MHz.
Both SWD and MWD can be delivered in a continuous or pulsed
mode and, when delivered at a sufficient average intensity can
generate heat in the body.
. It can heat deeper tissues -'ran superficial thermal agents such as
hot packs, and : can heat larger areas than ultrasound.
. SWD is not reflected by bones and therefore does not concentrate
on the periosteum or pose a risk of periosteal burning, as does
ultrasound: however, MWD is reflected at tissue interfaces, including
those between air and skin, between skin and subcutaneous fat, and
between soft tissue and superficial bones, and therefore does
produce more heat in the areas close to these interface
the reflection of microwaves can also lead to the formation of
standing waves, resulting in hot spots in other areas
there are three different types of diathermy
applicators:
inductive coils,
capacitive plates, and
a magnetron
Inductive coils or capacitive plates can be used
to apply SWD, while a magnetron is used to
apply MWD.
PRODUCTION
Alternating current passes
through the coil
Perpendicular to AC magnetic
field is produced
This induces eddy currents in
tissue
These electric currents causes
charged particles in tissue to
oscillate.
Frictions between particles
due to oscillation produces
heat.
Heating with an inductive coil is known as
heating by the magnetic field method because
the electric current that generates the heat is
induced in the tissues by a magnetic field.
Thermal effects
Rise in tissue temperature-> vasodilatation-> increased
blood flow
Increased filtration and diffusion through different
membranes,
Increased tissue metabolic rate,
Changes in some enzyme reactions,
Alterations in physical properties of fibrous tissues,
Decreased joint stiffness and induces muscle relaxation
A heightened pain threshold and enhanced recovery from
injury
NON-THERMAL EFFECTS:
PSWD is used for non-thermal effects in the
treatment of soft tissue injuries and wounds.
At cellular level specifically related to cell
membrane potential.
Repolarize damaged cells.
Reactivates sodium pump which leads to
regain normal ionic balance