Diathermy Flashcards
Diathermy
the application of high-frequency eletrical energy that is used to generate heat in body tissues as a result of the resistance of the tissue to the passage of energy
Pulsed shortwave diathermy ((PSWD)
Created by simply interrupting the output of continuous shortwave diathermy at consistent intervals, it is used primarily for nonthermal effects
Heating formula
Heating=current density2 x resistance
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Federal agency charged with assigning frequencies for all radio transmitters, including diathermy
Electrical Field
The lines of force exerted on charged ions in the tissues by the electrodes , which cause charged particles to move from one pole to the other.
Magnetic Field
Created when current is passed through a coiled cable affecting surrounding tissues by inducing localized secondary currents, called eddy currents within the tissues.
Capacitance technique
creates a strong eletric field
Induction technique
Creates a strong magnetic field
Capacitor electrodes
Air space plates or pad electrodes that create a stronger electrical field than a magnetic field
Air space plate
A capacitor type electrode in which the plates are separated from the skin by the space in a glass case. USed with shortwave diathermy.
Pad Electrodes
Capacitor type electrodes used with shortwave diathermy to create an electrical field
Inductor Electrodes
Cable electrodes or drum elctrodes that create a stronger magnetic field than electrical field
Eddy currents
Small circular electrical fielsa induced when a magnetic field is created that results in intramolecular oscillation (vibration) of tissue contents, causing heating generation
Intermolecular oscillation (vibration)
Movement between moledules that produces friction and this heat
Drum Electrodes
Induction electrodes that produce a strong magnetic field. Primarily used with pulsed shortwave diathermy.
