Lecture 4: Diathermy and Laser EMR Flashcards
EMR is composed of what
electric and magnetic fields that vary overtime and are oriented perpendicular to one another
how are humans exposed to EMR daily
natural UV radiation
manufactured in lightbulbs, computers, appliances, etc
what frequency is good for EMR
high frequency bad, low frequency good
how can physical agents deliver energy in the form of EMR (I.e what types of PAs)
light = electromagnetic energy close to visible range
infared radiation = superficial healing
microwave and shortwave = diathermy
EMR is categorized by what
frequency and wavelength (inversely proportional)
what does it mean that lower frequency EMR is nonionizing
i.e. short wave, microwaves, IR, visible light, UV
nonionizing = cant break molecular bonds and thus is medically safe
what does it mean that higher frequency EMR is ionizing
i.e. xrays and gamma rays
can break molecular bonds to form ions and inhibit cell division so not used clinically except for very small doses for imaging or large doses to kill cancerous cells
when is intensity of EMR greatest
high energy output
radiation is a source close to pt
beam is perpendicular to skins surface
physiological effects on subject for EMR depends on
frequency
wavelength
intensity of radiation
what is diathermy
conversion mode of heat transfer
EM energy causes RT of polar molecules that cause friction and thus produce heat
continuous vs pulsed diathermy parameters
continuous = 10-25 watts; can be SWD or MWD
pulsed = low intensity; nonthermal; SWT
types of applicators for diathermy
inductive coil = heat in deeper tissues with high electric conductivity
capacitive plates = more heat in skin/superficial tissues
magnetron = not common
thermal effects of diathermy
SWD/ continuous
vasodilatuion
increased rate of n conductuion
reduced pain
increased soft tissue extensibility
accelerated enzyme activity
non thermal diathermy effects
SWT
pulsed = nonthermal b/c transient heat of tissues will diffuse between pulses
modulates pain/edema/inflammation
increased microvascular perfusion
increaed blood flow/circulation
advantages of diathermy
deep heat
large areas
no direct contact
clinically indicated to reduce pain and improve muscle performance with knee OA
common in SNF
disadvantage of diathermy
not widely used
EM field cant be contained and can interfere with other equipment
large/expensive
nonthermal SWT clinical uses for diathermy
reduces edema/pain
accelerate tissue healing
application of diathermy
position drum- no contact
wrap in towl
can cover drum in plastic
remove metal
no use with pt with implanted stimulator