WHAT IS

SHORT WAVE

DIATHERMY?

1

Short wave diathermy is

typically used as an

alternative to ultrasound

when a wider area of

heat application is

required.

2

Short-Wave Diathermy?

Diathermy is a therapeutic

modality that is most

commonly used for joint

conditions such as

rheumatoid arthritis and

osteoarthritis. The term

diathermy refers to the

creation of heat using

electrical pulses.

3

In diathermy, a high-frequency electric current is

delivered via shortwave, microwave, or

ultrasound which is able to generate deep heat in

body tissues. The heat can be used to improve

circulationand/or to relieve pain.

In addition, shortwave diathermy can be

used in medicine for treating damaged

tissuesandrelaxing muscles.

4

The electric pulse of Short-Wave Diathermy creates heat

deep insidea targeted tissue, reachingareasas deep astwo

inchesfromthe skin’ssurface.

While the diathermy

machine doesn’tapply

heat directly to the

body, the current

created by the

machine allows the

body to generate heat

within the targeted

area itself.

5

It is when the heat of the area increases, that blood

flow is improved along with improvements to

flexibility in stiff joints and connective tissuemaking it

agood choiceto usefor patientswith arthritis.

The main benefits for

decreased pain and

inflammation is it allows

patients to gently

increase their range of

motion allowing themto

move with more ease

and participate in

rehabilitation with more

comfort.

6

Diathermy isn’t just used in rehabilitation. Diathermy

can be used in surgical procedures where when the

electrode can be applied to a blood vessel. The heat

generatedby diathermy in the vesselwill causethe blood

to coagulate allowing the vesselto be cauterize(seal).

7

Diathermy can also be used to remove abnormal

growths, such as tumors, especially in procedures

where traditional techniquesare impractical.

For example, surgical

diathermy can be used

to address issues in

the prostate, bladder,

cervix, brain, ovaries,

bowels, eyes, and

tonsils.

8

HOW DOES

SHORT-WAVE

DIATHERMY WORK?

9

Short wave diathermy is a distinguished form of diathermy

(different than ultrasound and microwave) which involves

sending high-frequency waves throughout the patient’s

body and into the affected tissues. The energy waves are

sent from condenser plates located on either side of the

tissuebeing treated.

Typical short wave

diathermy machines

operate at a frequencyof

27.33 MHz and havewave

lengths of 11 meters.

10

Similar to other methods for applying

energy to the body, short wave diathermy

can be applied in two distinct modes:

continuousor pulsed.

When continuous mode is

used, the tissue being

targeted becomes heated

as the waves constantly

conveyenergy to them.

11

Pulsed mode is used

when less heat is desired

for the affected tissue.

When short wave

diathermy is applied in

pulse mode, the

mechanical effects of the

treatment are applied

independent of the

thermally affecting

(heating) the tissue.

12

One of the most promising applications of pulsed

mode is it is able to facilitate increased flexibility

and joint mobilization for restoration of joint

rangeof motion.

Short-wave diathermy

includes non-thermal

benefits as wellincluding:

• Acceleration of cell

growth

• Enabling damaged cells

to return to normal

function

• Increase wound healing

13

Short-wave Diathermy is also effective when used with

other rehabilitative modalities. In a study published in

the American Journal of Physical Medicine and

Rehabilitation found that short- wave diathermy used

with hot packs and isokinetic exercises were more

effective in reducing pain and increasing function in

participants with knee osteoarthritis.

14

Another study, Evaluation of the effects of

shortwave diathermy in patients with chronic

low back pain, found that short-wave diathermy

significantly decreased pain, improved

circulation and increased flexibility in patients

with low-backpain.

15

Short-wave Diathermy iscontraindicated for use

over metal implants that have circular wire

components or elements that form loops or

circles, because it may result in excessive

heating of the metal causing discomfort or

possible injury.

16

What Conditions Can Short-Wave

Diathermy Treat?Short-wave Diathermy can be effective in providing some

relief and treatment of symptoms related to:

• arthritis

• backpain

• fibromyalgia

• musclespasms

• myositis

• neuralgia

• sprains and strains

• tenosynovitis

• tendonitis

• bone injuries

• bursitis17

While diathermy isn’t as popular as ultrasound in rehabilitation,

shortwave diathermy has some benefits that should increase its

considerationandusein physicaltherapy and rehabilitation.

Usedalone asa pain management modality or used in conjunction

with other modalities in order to increase function, diathermy is

an extremely effective tool in returning patients to pain-free

function.

18

From managing pain to facilitating

wound healing, diathermy is able to

address diverse problems that come up

in rehabilitation and should be a tool to

consideradding to treatment regimens.

19

Thank You

20