1. DIATHERMY
MISS HIRA JABEEN

2. What is DIATHERMY Diathermy, from the Greek meaning "through heating”
The use of non-ionizing electromagnetic energy from the radio-frequency spectrum as therapeutic agent

3. Types of Diathermy Long wave - Longest wavelength 300 – 30 m
- Most penetrating
- No longer utilized due to high potential of causing burns and interference with radio transmissions
Shortwave
Microwave

4. SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY

5. Deep heating modality
Frequency
MHz
Wavelength
- 11 m
Description :
High-frequency electrical currents
Radio waves pass through the tissues cause molecular vibration results in deep heating capable of heating large volumes of tissues
Causes both thermal and non thermal effects

6. Continuous vs Pulsed SWD

7. Production

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12. Types of Shortwave Diathermy
Induction Field
Capacitive Field

13. Induction Field Diathermy
Places the patient in the electromagnetic field
Current flowing within the coil produces a rotating magnetic field
Magnetic field produces eddy currents in the tissues
Eddy currents cause friction that produce heat
Selectively heats muscle
Also referred to as: – Magnetic field diathermy

15. Capacitive Field Diathermy
Uses the patient’s tissues as a part of the circuit
The tissues’ electrical resistance produces heat
Selectively heats skin – Muscle is heated via conduction from the adipose
Also referred to as “condenser field diathermy”

17. TYPES OF ELECTRODES Flexible pads:
consist of metal electrode encased in rubber and produce an electrostatic field.

18. TYPES OF ELECTRODES Space plates:
consist of a rigid metal electrode encased in a Perspex cover electrostatic field.

19. TYPES OF ELECTRODES Coil or cable electrode:
consists of a wire with plugs at either end creates electromagnetic field.

20. TYPES OF ELECTRODES The monode :
flat, rigid coil encased in plastic cover electromagnetic field.

21. TYPES OF ELECTRODES The diplode : or drum electrode
consists of a flat coil electrode encased in a Perspex cover with two wings
electromagnetic field

22. Effects on Tissues
Ionic motion
Dipole rotation
Molecular distortion

23. Physiological effects
Does not stimulate sensory and motor nerves
Shorter the duration lesser the effect on nerves
Shortest duration impulses used 0.01ms
High freq current has freq of more than 500kHz, provides one million impulses/sec
No discomfort , no muscle contraction
Evenly alternating so no danger of chemical burn
But intensity can be increased to gain thermal effects

24. Physiological effects
Physiological effects by heat:
Inc metabolic activity
Inc blood supply
Effects of heating on nerves
Indirect effects of heating
Muscle relaxation
General rise in temp
Fall in BP
Inc activity of sweat glands

25. THE END