Diathermy

Question 1

Diathermy

Answer 1

1. generates heat in body by high frequency electromagnetic energy
2. nonthermal effects at cellular level that promote healing.
3. affects tissue 3cm-5cm

Question 2

2 types of diathermy

Answer 2

1. Shortwave

2. Microwave

Question 3

Thermal effects

Answer 3

1. Increased blood flow with dilation of blood vessels. oxygen and nutrients
2. increased extensibilty of soft tissue
3. decreased joint stiffness
4. increased metabolic rate
5. decreased muscle spasm
6. decreased pain.

Question 4

Increase in temperature

Answer 4

1C degree- reduce mild inflammation
2C- decrease pain and muscle spasm
3-4C- increase tissue extensibilty

Question 5

Nonthermal effects

Answer 5

occur at cellular level. electrical current causes a repolarization of damaged cells. magnetic field will reactivate the sodium pump in cell membrane.
fibroblast activation

Question 6

types of shortwave diathermy

Answer 6

capacitance

induction

Question 7

Capacitance

Answer 7

Electrical>magnetic field
Heats fat quicker than muscle
1. Air spaced- treated area is between the pads. The closer the pads are to the skin, the more heat is felt
2. Pad placed- two pads are placed on several layers of towels over the patient. depth of penetration depends on distance between pads. however, the strength of the field will decrease.

Question 8

Induction

Answer 8

Magnetic>electrical field
heats muscle faster than fat
1. Cable- wraps around extremity
2. Drum- coil that is contained in a plastic housing

Question 9

Pulsed shortwave

Answer 9

Time off period allows heat to dissipate.

attempts to minimize thermal effects while maximizing nonthermal effects

Question 10

Advantages of diathermy

Answer 10

1. Large surface areas can be treated
2. Depth of penetration greater than that of infrared modalities
3. Does not require continuous one-on-one time
4. Both thermal and non thermal effects
5. Medicare pays for it

Question 11

Precautions of diathermy

Answer 11

1. Bony prominence in treatment area
2. Treatment area that has a highly irregular surface (cosine law)
3. Perspiration in field

Question 12

Contraindications of diathermy

Answer 12

1. acute injuries and inflammation
2. areas with ischemia
3. decreased sensation
4. fluid filled organs/ eyes/contact lenses
5. joint effusion (swelling)
6. malignancies
7. infection
8. reproductive organs
9. epiphyseal plates in young patients
10. Pace makers
11. metal in 4feet. including metal implants

Question 13

Microwave diathermy

Answer 13

Electrical»»magnetic

heats adipose much faster so not a very good modality