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Shortwave Diathermy

Shortwave Diathermy. Chapter 9. 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 nonthermal effects. Thermal Effects Deep heat

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Shortwave Diathermy

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  1. Shortwave Diathermy Chapter 9

  2. 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 nonthermal effects

  3. Thermal Effects Deep heat Increased blood flow Increased cell metabolism Increased tissue extensibility Muscular relaxation Possible changes in enzyme reactions Nonthermal Effects Edema reduction Lymphedema reduction Superficial wound healing Treatment of venous stasis ulcers Uses

  4. Types of Shortwave Diathermy Induction Field Capacitive Field

  5. Induction Field Diathermy • Places the patient in the electromagnetic field • Selectively heats muscle • Also referred to as: • Condenser field diathermy • Magnetic field diathermy

  6. Induction Field Diathermy (Cont.) • A coil is housed within a drum • 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 • Although rare, cables are sometimes used in place of drums

  7. Capacitive Field Diathermy • Uses the patient’s 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”

  8. Capacitive Field Diathermy (Cont.) • Heat is produced by the dipole effect • Charge particles within membrane align with the field • The movement produces heat + - + - + - + + - + -

  9. Modes of Application Continuous • Increases tissue temperature • Increased risk of burns Pulsed • May or may not increase temperature • Pulses allow for increased treatment intensity and duration • Not the same as “nonthermal”

  10. Ultrasound & SWD Comparison UltrasoundShortwave Diathermy Energy type Acoustical Electromagnetic Tissue heated Collage-rich C: Skin, adipose tissue I: Muscle, vessels Tissue volume Small (20 cm2) Large (200 cm2) Temp increase 1 MHz: > 6.3°F C: > 7°F 3 MHz: > 14.9°F I: > 18°F Heat retention 3 min > 9 min C = Capacitive method I = Induction method

  11. Biophysical Effects Inflammation • Assists in removal of cellular debris and toxins • Nonthermal: • Alters diffusion rate across the cell membrane • Thermal • Increases intramuscular metabolism

  12. Biophysical Effects Blood and Fluid Dynamics • Vasodilation increases: • Blood flow • Capillary filtration • Capillary pressure • Oxygen perfusion • Increased fibroblastic activity and capillary growth • Effects occur deeper than other forms of heat

  13. Biophysical Effects Tissue Elasticity • SWD can vigorously heat deep tissues • Alters collagen properties, allowing it to elongate • Requires stretching during and/or immediately following the treatment • Multiple treatments are required

  14. Biophysical Effects Wound Healing • Nonthermal SWD increases rate of phagocytosis • Number of mature collage bundles increase • ATP activity increases (assisting wound regeneration) • Necrosed muscle fibers decrease

  15. 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 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 Contraindications

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