DE LASALLE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES INSTITUTE
PAM220: PHYSICAL AGENTS AND MODALITIES
COLLEGE OF REHABILITATION SCIENCES – DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
DIATHERMY DEFINITION:
EFFEC
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-
-
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Use of Electromagnetic waves from the
radio frequency or microwave frequency
ranges
27.12 Hz = Most commonly used aka
Shortwave Diathermy (SWD)
Microwave diathermy = 2,450 Hz
Can be delivered continuously or
through regular pulses
Devices that deliver radio frequency
waves to the patient at a very low
intensity are known as pulsed
electromagnetic fields (PEMF) or pulsed
radio frequency
can affect deeper tissues of the body
than superficial modalities, such as hot
packs
minimal reflection of waves at tissue
interfaces and on bone
SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY INDUCTIVE:
Requires an inductive applicator that creates an
oscillating magnetic field that induces ”eddy”
currents in body tissues
Two types of inductive coil applicator:
Drums or Sleeves
SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY:
• 2 Types:
-
-
Electric Field (capacitive method)
Magnetic Field (inductive method)
Uses an applicator system that requires
the patient tissues to be part of the
capacitor
Can be applied contraplanar or coplanar
X.G.C BSPT2023 Page | 1
DE LASALLE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES INSTITUTE
PAM220: PHYSICAL AGENTS AND MODALITIES
COLLEGE OF REHABILITATION SCIENCES – DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
1. Drum applicators – contain a coil-shaped
cable contained within a rigid plastic
insulator housing
2. Sleeves - designed to fit around a body
part, such as the elbow and forearm,
providing a circumferential treatment
effect.
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Inductive SWD and PSWD will more
effectively elevate the temperature of
deep tissues than capacitive SWD.
Reduction of pain
Increase tissue elasticity and facilitate
connective tissue flexibility and joint
ROM
promote healing of soft tissues and bone
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Requires a device called a magnetron
-
PRECAUTIONS:
generates alternating current at a high
power level, which is transmitted to an
antenna housed inside an emitter (drum
or applicator) that directs the
electromagnetic field to the body part to
be treated.
EFFECTS OF DIATHERMY THERMAL:
-
-
Goal of most diathermy treatments is to
increase the temperature of body
tissues
One key difference is the greater depth
of heating that occurs with diathermy
compared to superficial thermal
modalities
X.G.C BSPT2023 Page | 2
DE LASALLE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES INSTITUTE
PAM220: PHYSICAL AGENTS AND MODALITIES
COLLEGE OF REHABILITATION SCIENCES – DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
END
X.G.C BSPT2023 Page | 3