Chapter 10
Diathermy
Outline
Physical properties of diathermy
Types of diathermy applicators
Effects of diathermy
Clinical applications
Contraindications, precautions, and
adverse effects
Application technique
Documentation
hysical Properties of Diatherm
Diathermy means “through heating”
Diathermy parameters
– Three shortwave frequency bands
• 13.56, 27.12, and 40.68 MHz
– Microwave
• 2450 MHz
Continuous or pulsed
₋ Duty cycle = On time/[On time + off time]
Physical Properties
Temperature determined by:
─Field intensity
− Tissue type
− Duty cycle
− Distance from patient
Types of Applicators
Inductive coils—SWD
Capacitive plates—SWD
Magnetron—MWD
Types of Applicators
Types of Applicators
ductive Coil Garment
Capacitive Plates
Heat Distribution
Clinical Applications
Thermal
− Pain control
− Accelerated tissue healing
− Decreased joint stiffness
− Increased joint ROM
Nonthermal
− Control of pain and edema
− Soft tissue, nerve, and bone healing
− Improvement of osteoarthritis symptoms
General Contraindications
All diathermy (thermal and/or nonthermal)
− Implanted or transcutaneous stimulators,
including pacemakers
− Pregnancy
Contraindications
Thermal diathermy • Nonthermal diathermy
Metal
− Malignancy
− Eyes
− Testes
− Growing epiphyses
−
− Deep tissue/internal
organs
− Substitute for
conventional therapy
for edema and pain
− Pacemakers, electroni
devices, or metal
implants
Precautions
All
− Near electronic or
magnetic equipment
− Obesity
− Copper bearing IUD
• Nonthermal
− Pregnancy (of clinician)
− Skeletal immaturity
Adverse Effects
Burns
– Particularly fat layers
– Keep skin dry- wrap skin with towels to preve
scalding from perspiration
Application Technique
Evaluate the patient
Determine appropriateness and safety
Select a device
Prepare the patient
–
–
–
–
Explain the procedure
Remove metal and clothing in the treatment area
Clean, dry, and inspect skin; then wrap the area
Position patient and device
Tune device
Select treatment parameters
Turn on machine
Assess at 5 minutes for adverse effects
Document
Documentation
Area treated
Frequency range
Average power or power setting
Pulse rate
Treatment duration
Type of applicator
Patient position and distance from applicat
Response to intervention
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