SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY (SWD) THERAPY


WHAT IS SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY 

Short wave diathermy (SWD) is one of the deep heating modality because the term "diathermy" means to heat through, with high frequency of 27.12 MHz and wavelength of 12 m.

It is  the application of deep heat to the body tissues by using electromagnetic waves that produce heat, but are non-ionizing. 

COMPONENTS OF SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY

There are two main circuits and both are coupled applied to get proper effect. 

a. Machine circuit/Oscillator circuit: It produces high frequency current and amplifies its intensity. 

b. Patient circuit/resonator circuit: It transfers the electrical energy to the patient, when coupled to the machine circuit by inductors and this energy is transferred in the form of electromagnetic field. 

Sub-components of the main components:

a. Main circuit circuit:

  • Main supply
  • Transformer
  • Triode valve
  • Grid leak circuit
  • Oscillator
b. Patient circuit:

  • Resonator coil
  • Resonator condenser
  • Electrode
  • Ammeter
  • Tissues.

METHODS OF APPLICATION OF SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY THERAPY

There are two main methods of application of SWD therapy, which include:

(1) Capacitor field method

(2) Inductothermy or Cable method.

METHODS OF CONTROLLING DOSAGE OF SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY THERAPY

The dosage of SWD therapy is measured in Watts, the dose is controlled by the following factors:

(1) Duration of treatment

(2) Milli-amperage indicated by meter

(3) Distance between pads

these dose parameters may also be changed depending on the intensity of pain and duration of onset and also nature of pain.

(1) In Acute condition

  • Intensity -- comfortable warmth
  • Duration -- 10 minutes
  • Frequency -- twice a day
(2) In Chronic condition

  • Intensity -- comfortable warmth
  • Duration -- 20 minutes
  • Frequency -- daily.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY THERAPY

(1) Muscle spasm

(2) Inflammation

(3) Infection

(4) Delayed healing

(4) Fibrosis.

INDICATIONS OF SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY THERAPY

(1) Sprains and strains

(2) Disorders of musculoskeletal system

(3) Capsule lesions

(4) Chronic rheumatoid arthritis

(5) Muscle and tendon tears

(6) Degenerative joint disease

(7) Joint stiffness 

(8) Haematoma

(9) Synovitis

(10) Chronic inflammatory/infective conditions

(11) Tenosynovitis

(12) Bursitis

(13) Sinusitis

(14) Carbuncles

(15) Abscesses

(16) Frozen shoulder

(17) Infected surgical incisions

(18) Cervical spondylosis

(19) Lumbar spondylosis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY THERAPY

(1) Haemorrhagic areas

(2) Over ischaemic tissues

(3) Over malignant tissues

(4) Over metallic implants 

(5) Tuberculous joints 

(6) Impaired thermal sensation

(7) Unreliable patients

(8) Excessive oedema

(9) Hypersensitivity to heat

(10) Acute pacemakers

(11) Over pregnant uterus

(12) Venous thrombosis

(13) Over wet dressings and adhesive tape

(14) Recent radiotherapy.

DANGERS AND PRECAUTIONS OF SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY THERAPY

(1) Burns: is the main potential danger in application of short wave diathermy. therefore to prevent this, the following precausions must be taken in order to avoid occurrence of burns:

  • Care must be taken if short wave is to be given over the bone prominences.
  • Test of thermal skin sensation must always performed
  • Check all contraindications by examining the patient's case history of the area to be treated
  • Never apply short wave over clothing, as it will inhibit heat loss from the skin, resulting in excessive heating
  • The two areas on skin surfaces to be treated must not be in contact within the area because this will affect by the application, they must be separated by a layer of absorbent material such as towel or cotton wool, to absorb any perspiration produced 
  • Always apply the electrodes in such a way as to make sure that an even pattern of heating will occur
  • Care must be taken to allow 2 or 3 minutes on each intensity setting so that maximum heat production for that setting is obtained before increasing to the next intensity setting
  • Never resonate the machine on any setting other than the minimum intensity setting
(2) Shock: the danger of electrical shock is present in the application of shock wave diathermy. in this, both the patient and the therapist are potentially at risk.

so to avoid this, the following precautions must be taken to prevent the occurrence of this:
  • Do not increase the intensity unless the leads and electrodes are correctly connected to the machine
  • Ensure that the machine is correctly earthed 
  • If the patient is wearing a hearing aid, it should be switched off, as high frequency of short wave diathermy can produces interference
  • Do not touch or allow patient to touch the machine at earthed or to touch another machine which switched on or even touching water pipe.

Comments

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