diathermy

Question 1

what are the 2 types of diathermy treatments?

Answer 1

shortwave and microwave

Question 2

how fast does electromagnetic energy travel?

Answer 2

speed of light= 300,000,000 m/s

Question 3

what is a radio transmitter and the most common type of unit used?

Answer 3

shortwave diathermy

Question 4

what is the most common shortwave transmission?

Answer 4

27.12 MHz, 11 meter gamma

Question 5

which unit does not penetrate as deeply and has a higher frequency?

Answer 5

microwave diathermy- 2450 MHz

Question 6

what are the thermal effects of shortwave diathermy?

Answer 6

dipole rotation
ionic oscillation
kinetic energy rotation producing thermal energy

Question 7

which type of electrode produces an electric field?

Answer 7

capacitor electrodes- capacitive technique

Question 8

which type of electrode produces a magnetic field?

Answer 8

induction electrodes- inductive technique

Question 9

which technique is used with patients with low subcutaneous fat or thin patients?

Answer 9

capacitive technique

Question 10

with capacitive technique where is the greatest absorption?

Answer 10

in tissues with low electrolyte and water content- adipose

therefore you treat areas with low adipose or the treatment will be less effective

Question 11

what type of electrodes are used with capacitive technique?

Answer 11

plates

pads

Question 12

what technique is used for patients with more subQ fat or adipose?

Answer 12

inductive/inductance technique

Question 13

with inductive technique where is the greatest absorption?

Answer 13

high electrolyte, high dipole tissue

penetrates deeper to muscle, tendon or joint

Question 14

what type of electrodes are used with inductive technique?

Answer 14

drum
cables
garment

Question 15

what are the 4 laws discussed with diathermy

Answer 15

1. Arndt-Schultz law- dose vs response
2. Grotthuss- Draper law- absorption vs therapeutic effect
3. inverse square law- dose vs. divergence
4. Cosine law- reduced angle if energy is increased

Question 16

what does CSWD stand for?

Answer 16

continuous shortwave diathermy- less common

Question 17

what does PSWD stand for?

Answer 17

pulsed short wave diathermy- MC heat vs no heat

Question 18

what are the indications for diathermy?

Answer 18

osteoarthritis
neck/back pain
ankle pain
dermal wounds

Question 19

what are the contraindications?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

a pregnant operator should remain how far from the device?

Answer 20

3 ft and not use daily

Question 21

others near the device should remain how far away?

Answer 21

10 ft

Question 22

what are 2 other risk factors?

Answer 22

copper IUDs

mentally confused patients

Question 23

describe the steps of application

Answer 23

test warm/cold sensation first
remove jewelry
2-3 cm layer of towels
advise patient to remain still