Short Wave Diathermy
Short Wave diathermy current is a high frequency alternating current. The heat energy obtained from the wave is used for giving relief to the patient. Its frequency is 27,120,000 cycles per second and the wavelength is 11 metre.(5)
Types of Applications
- The condenser field method (commonly used)
- Cable method
Where useful?
- Inflammation of shoulder joint
- Inflammation of Elbow Joint (Tennis Elbow)
- Degeneration of joints of neck (Cervical Spondylosis)
- Degeneration of joints like knee and hip (Osteoarthritis)
- Ligament Sprains in knee joint
- Low Back Ache
- Plantar fasciitis (Heel Pain)
- Sinusitis
Where it should not be used?
General
- High Fever
- Fluctuating Blood Pressure
- Very sensitive Skin
- Persons with Untreated Fits
- Persons using Cardiac Pace Maker
- Severe kidney and heart problems
- Pregnant Women
- Mentally Retarded Individuals
- Tuberculosis of Bone
- Malignant cancer
Local
If the treatment area has:
- Open wounds
- Skin disease
- Unhealed scars
- Recent burns
Advantages
- Relaxation of the muscles
- Effective in bacterial infections
- Relief of pain
Treatment Time
- Initial Stage - 5-10 minutes
- Moderate Stage - 10-20 minutes
- Severe State - 20-30 minutes
Disadvantages
- Burns
- Scalds (Boils)
- Overdose
- Shock
- Electric Sparking
- Faintness
References:
- Therapeutic Heat - (https://fadavispt.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1932§ionid=141707499)
- Sample Records For Cryotherapy - (https://www.science.gov/topicpages/c/cryotherapy.html)
- Light Therapy - (https://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2223§ionid=173788506)
- Contrast Bath Therapy - (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrast_bath_therapy)
- Shortwave And Microwave Diathermy - (https://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=465§ionid=40195359)
- Ultrasonics - (https://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/physics/physics/ultrasonics)
- Therapeutic Massage Techniques - (https://www.physioblasts.org/f/public/1366280192_429_FT0_technique_of_massage.pdf)
- The Properties Of Water And Their Applications for Training - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4327375/)
Published on Feb 19, 2016
Last Updated on Nov 11, 2019
