Microwave Diathermy (MWD), Physiological effects, Indications and contraindications.

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Introduction-

Microwave Diathermy (MWD) is defined as a waves having frequency between 300MHz to 3000MHz, which lies on the electromagnetic spectrum between radio frequency and infrared radiations. This range of frequency is higher than Shortwave Diathermy. Microwave diathermy is widely used for the treatment of of superficial tumors with conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy and it is successfully used in physical medicine and sports traumatology.

Its radiation is radiated as a bean from an antenna and is absorbed by water rich tissues 7000 times effectively as compared to Shortwave frequency. The tissues which are rich in water content absorbs more microwaves such as muscles.

Hypothermia is generated by Microwave Diathermy into tissues which is stimulates repair process, allows more efficient relief of pain and management of muscles and tendon injuries, helps in increasing tendon extensibility, helps in removal of toxic waste material and reducing muscles and joint stiffness. It also improves local tissues fluid drainage, metabolic rate.

Table:- MWD with different frequencies, depth of penetration and wavelength.

Principle;-

Microwave Diathermy (MWD) works on the principle of thermionic emission ,As soon as the MWD leaves the director they directly enter into the tissues and may be transmitted, reflected, absorbed or refracted in order to the optical law of radiation.

Physical Characteristics

Microwave are form of electromagnetic radiation which lie between the shortwave and infrared waves on the electromagnetic spectrum. The frequency of microwave ranges 300MHz to 3000MHz.

Physiological Effects:-

• The first effects which is felt by the patient is heating of the tissues and that increases the flow of blood to that specific area where MWD is applied. It also beneficial in increasing the metabolic rate, muscle relaxation and increases the activity of sweat gland. It produce heat in deep structures of the tissues as similar to SWD and ultrasound.
• Increases the subcutaneous tissue temperature.
• Vasodilation.
• Increases the motor nerve conduction.
• Improve muscles contractibility.
• Increase metabolism.
• Increase capillary permeability .
• Altering sensory nerve response.
• Generate heat shock proteins.

Clinical uses:-

• Microwave Diathermy used in the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders.
• It increases the range of motion of the joints which are stiffed.
• Relief in pain and swelling.
• Reduction of Hematoma.
• Resolution of inflammation.
• Improve Tendinopathy.
• Indication:-
• Relief in pain.
• Infected surgical condition.
• Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• Capsular lesions.
• Muscular strains.
• Ligamentous sprains.
• Shortening or tightness of the connective tissues.
• Synovitis.
• Bursitis
• Tendinopathies.
• Musculoskeletal disorder.

Contraindications:-

• Pregnancy.
• Malignancy.
• Genital area.
• Cardiac pacemakers.
• Metallic implants.
• Blood pressures abnormalities.
• Tuberculosis.
• During menstruation cycle.
• Acute dermatological conditon.
• Patient allergic to heat.
• Acute inflammation.
• Impaired circulation.
• Sensory deficit.

Also Read :- Microwave Diathermy (MWD), Physiological effects, Indications and Contraindications.