diathermy Flashcards
what are the 2 types of diathermy treatments?
shortwave and microwave
how fast does electromagnetic energy travel?
speed of light= 300,000,000 m/s
what is a radio transmitter and the most common type of unit used?
shortwave diathermy
what is the most common shortwave transmission?
27.12 MHz, 11 meter gamma
which unit does not penetrate as deeply and has a higher frequency?
microwave diathermy- 2450 MHz
what are the thermal effects of shortwave diathermy?
dipole rotation
ionic oscillation
kinetic energy rotation producing thermal energy
which type of electrode produces an electric field?
capacitor electrodes- capacitive technique
which type of electrode produces a magnetic field?
induction electrodes- inductive technique
which technique is used with patients with low subcutaneous fat or thin patients?
capacitive technique
with capacitive technique where is the greatest absorption?
in tissues with low electrolyte and water content- adipose
therefore you treat areas with low adipose or the treatment will be less effective
what type of electrodes are used with capacitive technique?
plates
pads
what technique is used for patients with more subQ fat or adipose?
inductive/inductance technique
with inductive technique where is the greatest absorption?
high electrolyte, high dipole tissue
penetrates deeper to muscle, tendon or joint
what type of electrodes are used with inductive technique?
drum
cables
garment
what are the 4 laws discussed with diathermy
- Arndt-Schultz law- dose vs response
- Grotthuss- Draper law- absorption vs therapeutic effect
- inverse square law- dose vs. divergence
- Cosine law- reduced angle if energy is increased
what does CSWD stand for?
continuous shortwave diathermy- less common
what does PSWD stand for?
pulsed short wave diathermy- MC heat vs no heat
what are the indications for diathermy?
osteoarthritis
neck/back pain
ankle pain
dermal wounds
what are the contraindications?
loss of sensation electronic implants surgically implanted metal metal in contact with skin cancerous areas pregnant patients- abd, LB and pelvis ischemic areas testes eyes open growth plates in children
a pregnant operator should remain how far from the device?
3 ft and not use daily
others near the device should remain how far away?
10 ft
what are 2 other risk factors?
copper IUDs
mentally confused patients
describe the steps of application
test warm/cold sensation first
remove jewelry
2-3 cm layer of towels
advise patient to remain still
