Electromagnetic Modalities Flashcards
use electromagnetic waves such
as radio waves, microwaves, and light waves to transport
electrical and magnetic energy through space to effect in body
structures
ELECTROMAGNETIC MODALITIES
The distance expressed in meters or centimeters
WAVELENGTH
The rate of passage of crests on the wave from expressed in
cycles per second or hertz (Hz)
FREQUENCY
Consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields at right
angles to one another and at right angle to the propagation
direction
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
a particle produces by molecular motion
PHOTONS
The two most important properties of electromagnetic waves in relation to therapeutic modalities are their
energy and their
inertia
as waves hit the substance, they bounce back
Reflection
the waves bend as they pass thru the substance
Refraction
the wave is transmitted thru the substance
Absorption
Partially transmitted waves are absorbed by the tissues and turned into heat
Absorption
The intensity of the electromagnetic wave is inversely proprtional to the distance squared
Inverse square law
When the source is at an angle, some of it is
reflected to the side rather than moving into the
tissue
Cosine or right-angle law
Full effects
90 degrees
50% effect
30 degrees
“Energy that is absorbed by superficial layers is no
longer available to deeper-lying tissues”
Law of Grotthus-Draper
There is an optimal amount of energy absorption per
unit of time that is beneficial
Arndt-Schultz principle
High-frequency electromagnetic radiation is ionizing and can
break molecular bonds to form ions.
Ionizing radiation
Lower-frequency electromagnetic radiation is nonionizing
and cannot break molecular bonds or produce ions
Non-ionizing radiation
DO NOT increase tissue temperature
Nonthermal mechanisms
Thermal mechanisms
can increase tissue
temperature
produces superficial heating
and not requiring direct contact with the body
Infrared Light
produces erythema and tanning of the skin and epidermal
hyperplasia and is essential for Vit D synthesis
Ultraviolet Light
It is used primarily for the treatment of
psoriasis and other skin disorders
Ultraviolet Light
can be used to heat deep tissues and, when applied at a low-average intensity using a
pulsed signal, may decrease pain and edema and facilitate tissue healing by nonthermal mechanisms
Shortwave and microwave energy
used to promote tissue
healing and to control pain and
inflammation by nonthermal mechanisms
Visible Light
Capacitive plates should be
2 to 10 cm away from the skin surface
Use a towel to absorb any moisture that may occur
Continuous (Thermal) SWD
Sensation of Continuous (Thermal) SWD
slight tingling or warmth
Non thermal so it is not uncommon for the patient to
not feel any particular sensation
Pulsed (nonthermal) SWD
application of light for a variety of devices for a variety of
therapeutic purposes
LIGHT THERAPY
used to treat orthopedic injuries helping to
reduce pain and inflammation, and skin conditions like
psoriasis or acne by promoting healing and tissue repair
LIGHT THERAPY
no parameter adjustments need to be made
Type I,II, and III
use 80-90% of the recommended maximum power
Type IV
70-80% of the recommended maximum power
Type V
use 60-70% of the recommended maximum power
Type VI
for focal application with maximum
penetration depth and the strongest thermal effect
10 mm spacer
optimal for most applications, it
features an optimal ratio between the penetration
depth and the thermal effect
30 mm spacer:
suitable for the superficial
applications; has a lower penetration depth and a
lower thermal effect; suitable for the treatment of
acute and superficial conditions
60 mm spacer
used to decrease pain
Analgesic
used to support the healing and
regeneration of the affected area
Biostimulation
Distance of lamp to skin
0.45 to 0.6 m
Preheat non-luminous lamp
5 minutes
MWD frequency
2456-915 MHz
electrical fields
MWD
SWD frequency
10-50 MHz
