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Diathermy Flashcards

1
Q

Electromagnetic Modality =

A

Uses radiofrequency waves to produce deep heating in tissues.

Can be continuous or pulsed, depending on therapeutic goals.

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2
Q

Deep Tissue Heating =

A

Penetrates deeper than superficial heating modalities (e.g., hot packs).

Minimal reflection at tissue interfaces (unlike ultrasound), reducing the risk of hot spots or uneven heating.

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3
Q

No Coupling Medium Required =

A

Unlike ultrasound, diathermy does not require gel, water, or other coupling agents for energy transfer.

Can be applied over clothing or dry skin, making it more convenient in some cases.

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4
Q

Clinical Applications:

A

Used for muscle relaxation, pain reduction, and increased blood flow.

Beneficial for large treatment areas (e.g., lower back, thighs, shoulders).

Can be applied using capacitive or inductive methods, depending on the target tissue.

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5
Q

Types of Diathermy

A
  1. Shortwave Diathermy (SWD)
  2. Microwave Diathermy (MWD)
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6
Q

Shortwave Diathermy (SWD)

A

Most common diathermy device used today.

Delivers 27.12 MHz frequency waves from the shortwave radio wave section of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Used for deep tissue heating to promote pain relief, increased blood flow, and tissue healing.

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7
Q

The FDA specifies that SWD used for non-heating purposes should be referred to as:

A

“nonthermal shortwave therapy” (SWT).

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8
Q

Microwave Diathermy (MWD)

A

Uses electromagnetic waves from the microwave range of the spectrum.

Less commonly used than SWD due to shallow penetration and increased risk of overheating superficial tissues.

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9
Q

Modes of Diathermy Delivery

A

Continuous Diathermy

Pulsed Diathermy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields - PEMF)

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10
Q

Continuous Diathermy =

A

Delivers a constant flow of radiofrequency energy to the tissues.

Produces deep heating, increasing circulation, metabolism, and tissue extensibility.

Used for chronic pain, muscle relaxation, and tissue healing.

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11
Q

Pulsed Diathermy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields - PEMF) =

A

Delivers bursts (pulses) of radiofrequency energy at very low intensity.

Does not generate heat → classified as nonthermal shortwave therapy (SWT).

Used to stimulate cellular activity, reduce inflammation, and promote healing without thermal effects.

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12
Q

Continuous Diathermy
intensity -

A

high

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13
Q

Continuous Diathermy
thermal effects -

A

produces heat

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14
Q

Continuous Diathermy
common uses -

A

pain relief
increased circulation
tissue extensibility

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15
Q

Pulsed Diathermy
intensity -

A

low

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16
Q

Pulsed Diathermy
thermal effects -

A

nonthermal

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17
Q

Pulsed Diathermy
common uses -

A

reduces inflammation

promotes cellular healing

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18
Q

Continuous SWD:

A

Delivers uninterrupted radiofrequency waves, leading to deep tissue heating.

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19
Q

Pulsed SWD:

A

Delivers brief, regular interruptions of electromagnetic waves, which results in nonthermal effects (no significant tissue heating).

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20
Q

There are two main methods of applying shortwave diathermy:

A

Electric Field (Capacitive) Method

Magnetic Field (Inductive) Method

21
Q

Electric Field (Capacitive) Method =

A

Involves placing the body part between capacitive electrodes.

The body part acts as a dielectric (an insulator) as oscillating electric current flows through the tissues between the electrodes.

Heating occurs due to resistance to current flow in the tissues.

Fat tissue has higher resistance compared to muscle, so fat heats more than muscle when using this method.

22
Q

Magnetic Field (Inductive) Method =

A

Involves using a coil to create a magnetic field around the tissue, which induces eddy currents within the tissue.

This method tends to heat deeper tissues such as muscle and bone, as the heating is not as dependent on tissue resistance like with the capacitive method.

23
Q

Capacitive vs Inductive methods:

primary heating mechanism -

tissue heating -

A

primary heating mechanism:
Cap = resistance to current flow
Ind = eddy currents induced by magnetic field

tissue heating:
Cap = more heating in fat, less in muscle
Ind = more uniform heating, deeper tissue heating

24
Q

Capacitive Shortwave Diathermy (SWD)
Mechanism of Action =

A

Capacitive electrodes are placed on either side of the treatment area.

These electrodes generate oscillating electric currents that flow through the body tissues between the electrodes.

As the current flows, resistance in the tissues to the current creates heat. This is due to the resistive heating effect, where the body tissues act as conductors and resist the flow of the electric current.

25
Capacitive Shortwave Diathermy (SWD) Tissue Heating =
Fat tissue has higher resistance to electric current compared to muscle tissue. As a result, more heat is generated in the fat tissue and less heat is produced in the muscle. This leads to greater heating of superficial fat layers and less deep muscle heating.
26
Capacitive Shortwave Diathermy (SWD) Clinical Implications
Superficial tissues (like fat) can get heated more quickly, while deeper tissues (like muscle) may experience less intense heating. This may be beneficial when targeting areas with higher adipose tissue but may require different settings or methods if deep muscle heating is desired.
27
Capacitive Shortwave Diathermy (SWD) Key Points
Higher resistance = higher heating in fat. Lower resistance = less heating in muscle.
28
Inductive SWD Mechanism of Action
Inductive SWD uses a magnetic field generated by a coil or drum applicator. This magnetic field induces eddy currents in the tissues, which leads to heat production. The eddy currents flow in all tissues the field reaches, but the depth of penetration and tissue response varies.
29
Inductive SWD Tissue Heating
Inductive SWD tends to heat muscle tissue more effectively than capacitive SWD, due to the way eddy currents are induced and the ability of muscle to conduct these currents. This method causes less heating of the skin and subcutaneous fat, making it more suitable for deep tissue heating such as for muscles, tendons, and other deeper structures.
30
Inductive SWD is typically preferred for treating:
deeper muscles, especially when muscle relaxation or increased blood flow is needed
31
Capacitive SWD may be more appropriate for:
superficial areas like skin or fat, or where muscle heating is not the primary goal
32
Dosages for diathermy treatments
dose I dose II dose III dose IV
33
dose I =
response = nonthermal tissue temp rise = none average watts (PSWD) = n/a clinical use = acute injuries (sprains, strains), edema reduction, cell repair
34
dose II =
response = mild heat sensation tissue temp rise = 1.8F (1C) average watts (PSWD) = 12 W clinical use = subacute injuries and inflammation
35
dose III =
response = moderate heat sensation tissue temp rise = 3.6F (2C) average watts (PSWD) = 24 W clinical use = pain, muscle spasm, chronic inflammation
36
dose IV =
response = vigorous heating tissue temp rise = 7.2F (4C) average watts (PSWD) = 48 W clinical use = increased blood flow, heating of collagen tissues for stretching of soft tissues
37
Typical duration:
15-30 min
38
Indications:
Deep Tissue Heating Chronic Pain Improved Circulation and Tissue Healing Larger Treatment Areas Reduced Burn Risk
39
Deep Tissue Heating =
Muscle: For larger muscles like hamstrings, quadriceps, and lower back muscles. Joints: Effective for heating larger joints, such as the knee, shoulder, and hip.
40
Chronic Pain =
Musculoskeletal conditions: Particularly for conditions involving chronic pain in deep tissues (e.g., muscle spasms, joint stiffness).
41
Improved Circulation and Tissue Healing =
Helps increase local blood flow, promoting wound healing and reduction in muscle tightness. Can be used for arthritis, joint stiffness, and other inflammatory conditions.
42
Larger Treatment Areas =
Diathermy is effective in heating large treatment areas (compared to ultrasound, which is typically limited to smaller areas)
43
Reduced Burn Risk =
Compared to conductive modalities like hot packs, diathermy has a lower risk of causing skin burns due to its more even heat distribution
44
Contraindications for Diathermy
Pregnancy Pacemakers and Implanted Devices Acute Inflammation or Edema Malignancy (Cancer) Metal Implants Over Eyes, Genitals, or Epiphyses in Children
45
Diathermy:
Provides a greater depth of heating and can cover larger treatment areas compared to ultrasound.
46
Ultrasound:
More focused and used for smaller areas or superficial tissues, such as for tendonitis or localized pain.
47
Hot Packs:
Less effective for deeper heating and can pose a higher burn risk due to uneven heat distribution.
48
Diathermy is indicated whenever heating of ____ is desired. 
deep tissues (up to 3 to 5 cm)

Rehab Tech (8 decks)

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