1. Shortwave Diathermy By
Ms.B. Nelson

2. Objectives To explain the physiologic effects of shortwave diathermy
Identify the effects of shortwave diathermy
Discuss the various clinical applications and indications for using continuous shortwave and pulsed shortwave

3. What is diathermy ?
The application of high- frequency electromagnetic energy that is primarily used to generate heat in body tissues

4. Diathermy cont’d
Diathermy as a therapeutic agent may be classified as 2 distinct modalities , namely shortwave and microwave diathermy

5. Shortwave diathermy (SWD)
SWD may be CONTINUOUS or PULSED

6. Effects of SWD
There are two main effects of SWD :
Thermal
Non thermal

7. Thermal effects
Increase in tissue temperature in the deeper tissues. The increase in tissue temperature results in :
Increase vasodilation
Increase conduction velocity and elevation of pain threshold level
Increase soft tissue extensibility
Increase enzymatic activity

8. Thermal effects cont’d
SWD can heat deeper tissues than superficial thermal modalities
SWD heats a larger area than ultrasound

9. Non Thermal effects
Non thermal effects are produced when SWD is PULSED
Pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) is created by interrupting the output of continuous shortwave diathermy

10. Effects of PSWD Increase local circulation
Increase oxygenation and nutrition to the tissues

11. PSWD cont’d
PSWD has also been used in the treatment of soft tissue injuries and wounds

12. Clinical indications- Continuous shortwave (Thermal level)
Control of pain
Increase the rate of tissue healing
Decrease joint stiffness (can be applied in conjunction with stretching)
Indicated to achieve clinical benefits of heat in areas such the HIP joint and the spine

13. Clinical indications- PSWD(non thermal level)
Control of pain and oedema
Soft tissue healing
Symptoms of osteoarthritis

14. Types of shortwave applicators
There are 2 types of shortwave applicators:
Inductive coils
capacitive plates

15. Inductive applicators
The inductive applicators are made coils through which AC current flows
The AC current creates a magnetic field
The magnetic field induces eddy currents
The eddy currents cause charged particles in the tissues to oscillate
The friction caused by the charged particles results in heating of the tissues

16. Types of inductive applicators
There are 2 types of inductive applicators:
Cables
Drum

17. Capacitive plates
Applicators are made of metal encased in a plastic or carbon electrodes placed between felt pads
AC current flows between the 2 plates and through the patient
As the current flows charged particles in the tissues oscillate
The friction of the particles results in temperature increase

18. Contraindications Implanted neural stimulators Pregnancy Infection
Joint effusion
Metal implants
NB please read section on contraindication and precautions

19. Application technique
Read application technique on page 395

20. Documentation Area of the body Frequency range Power setting
Pulse rate
time