Long wave Diathermy (LWD), Physiological effects, Indications and Contraindication

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Introduction:-

Long wave Diathermy is a therapeutic device which is used by the physical therapist to produce deep heating effect in the tissues of the body, because the heat promote healing effects and also beneficial for the treatment of many musculoskeletal injuries including Bursitis, Ligament injuries, Tendinitis and Low back pain. The word Diathermy was first termed by a German physician Karl Franz Nagelschmidt.

Long wave Diathermy has the frequency ranging between 0.3MHZ to 1MHz. It produces oscillation of electromagnetic waves produce heat in tissues by inducing fast movement of ions. The movement of ions represent the flow of current. Generally, Deep structure of tissues are heated by LWD that has penetration depth upto 4mili meter which is helpful in treating the muscle spasm and pain.

Long wave Diathermy can treat the larger areas as compared to Ultrasound therapy and smaller areas than Shortwave Diathermy. It can also be used in the patient having metal implants and Cardiac pacemakers because its frequency are not much to heat any metal and also does not cause any irritation.

It is a transfer of electric current into the tissue to generate heat and gives thermal effects by increasing the dilation of the blood vessels which increases the flow of blood in the body and helps in increasing metabolic rate , temperature of the muscles , reduces pain, decreases muscle spasms, joint stiffness and promote relaxation.

A physiotherapist uses this Long wave Diathermy as a advantage of improving inflammatory condition of the patients and increasing range of motion of the movable joints including soft tissues extensibility.

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

Physiological Effects of Long Wave Diathermy:-

• Reduction of muscle spasm- Thermal effects which is induced by Long wave diathermy helps in the relaxation of muscle and alleviate.
• Improved Tissues Extensibility- The heat which is produce by Longwave Diathermy increases the flexibility of soft tissues which makes easier to mobilize and stretch.
• Reduces Muscle spasm- The thermal effect promote the muscle to relax.
• Increased Blood Flow- The thermal effect which is generated by Longwave Diathermy increases the dilation of blood vessels which promote circulation of blood and healing of tissues.
• Relief in Pain- By reducing the sensitivity of the nerves and it helps in relief in pain.
• Increases Rate of metabolism- When there is increase in the temperature by thermal effect of diathermy it rapidly boost the metabolic rate and helps in tissue recovery.

Indications of Longwave Diathermy:-

• Relief in Pain.
• Reduction of muscle spasm.
• Reduce lower back pain.
• Bursitis.
• Ligament Injuries.
• Myalgia.
• Arthrosis.
• Ankle Distortion.
• Increase blood circulation.
• Reduction of Edema.
• Increase tissue elasticity.

Contraindication of Long wave Diathermy:-

• Pregnancy.
• Patient with Pacemakers.
• Malignancy.
• Acute Inflammation.
• Circulatory Disorder.
• Fever.
• Diabetes.
• Dermatological Conditions.
• Hemorrhage.

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