Diathermy Flashcards
What does diathermy mean
Through Heat
What is diathermy
High frequency modality emitting electromagnetic energy
What are the type of diathermy (3)
- Shortwave
- Microwave
- Longwave
What are the types of shortwave diathermy (2)
- Continuous
2. Pulsed
Is longwave diathermy still used today
No
What is the most common frequency and wavelength of longwave diathermy
1 MHz, 300m
What is the most common frequency and wavelength of shortwave diathermy
27.12 MHz, 11m
What is the most common wave length of microwave diathermy
2450 MHz, 0.12m
Who regulates shortwave diathermy
FCC
What spectrum is shortwave diathermy in
Shortwave radio spectrum
What does shortwave diathermy mainly form
Magnetic fields in tissue
What does microwave diathermy mainly form
Electric fields in tissue
Why is microwave diathermy rarely used anymore (6)
- Metal in vicinity
- Skin burning
- Overheating of superficial tissue
- Increased reflection at tissue interfaces
- Loss of energy to surrounding environment
- Hot spots
Does shortwave diathermy use high or low frequency EMW to heat tissue
High frequency
What is shortwave diathermy in very basic terms
A radio transmitter
What are the available frequencies and wavelengths for shortwave diathermy (3)
- 27.12 MHz, 11 m
- 13.56 MHz, 22 m
- 40.68 MHz, 7.5 m
Of the 3 available frequencies and wavelengths which one is rarely used
40.68 MHz, 7.5 m
The patient acts as what during shortwave diathermy
Radio receiver
True or False:
During shortwave diathermy the patient is “tuned in” as part of the circuit allowing for transfer of energy to the patient
True
When is current flow the greatest and example
In tissues with the least resistance like fat
When is the current absorption greatest and examples
In tissues with low impedance like muscle or blood
What was continuous shortwave diathermy used to treat in the 1930s
Infection
Is continuous shortwave diathermy used to treat infection today
It is used with caution due to rapid and vigorous heating of tissue
What is pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) used for
Creating thermal and non-thermal effects
What does a wider pulse width mean
There is more energy generated to the tissue
What is pulse width measured in and the range
usec from 20-400
What happens when the pulse rate is greater
The amount of energy produce and transmitted into the tissue is greater
What is pulse rate measured in
Hz
What are the temperature sensations for PSWD (4)
- Non thermal
- Mild warmth
- Moderate warmth
- Vigorous heating
What are indications for non thermal PSWD (4)
Acute trauma, noticeable inflammation, edema reduction, and cell repolarization and repair
What are the indications for mild warmth PSWD (1)
Subactue inflammation
What are the indications for moderate warmth PSWD (3)
Pain reduction, muscle spasm, and chronic inflammation
What are the indications for vigorous heating PSWD (1)
Stretching collagen rich tissues
What are the pulse width and rate for non thermal PSWD
PW: 65 usec
PR: 100-200 pps