Shortwave Diathermy (SWD), Physiological Effects, Indications and Contraindications.

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Shortwave Diathermy (SWD), The term diathermy is derived from two Greek words Dia and Thermy, which means through heating. It is an electromagnetic therapeutic modality most widely used specially by physiotherapists for deep heating effects in the tissues of the body. The first diathermy designed in 1920s, It was designed to produce electromagnetic waves at frequencies ranging from 500KHz to 10MHz. It mainly heat tissues which are rich in water such as water or tissues which are not rich in water such as subcutaneous fat.

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Shortwave Diathermy has both thermal and non-thermal effects. The non- thermal effects is produced by the use of therapeutic short wave diathermy by vibrations induction of tissue molecules when exposed to radio waves just by converting the characteristics of the applicators of the device.

The therapist can able to target the particular type of tissues or muscles which needs to be treated. Shortwave diathermy (SWD) can be applied in pulsed or continuous energy waves. It mainly used in the treatment of inflammation, muscle spasm and pain. The transmission of shortwave depend upon the distance of applicator of the treatment surface. The optimum distance would transmit adequate energy into the tissues. If the distance is increased by twice the original so it can reduce 75% of amount of energy, Keeping this into consideration the therapist must remember that the applicator is perpendicular to the treatment surface in all cases.

The depth of the penetration inversely proportional to the absorption of the energy, the more absorption of energy in the superficial tissues, the less penetration of energy in deeper tissues, relatively the lower absorption of energy in the superficial tissues , the more penetration of energy in deeper tissues.

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

Physiological Effects of Shortwave Diathermy:-

• The shortwave wave diathermy is mostly used because of its uniform marked elevation of temperature in the deep situated tissues, Uniform distribution of the electrical field between the two electrode has the ability of producing heat equally in the tissues. The heat which is produced in this diathermy increased the flow of blood by dilation of the blood vessels and make the connective tissues more flexible and it also beneficial in the reduction of edema or fluid retention.
• SWD produces thermal effects.
• Increases the blood circulation.
• Increases the metabolic rate.
• Increases motor nerve conduction.

Indications:-

• It mainly used in the treatment of the pain in the larger areas of the body such as low back or upper back pain.
• It also beneficial for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
• Chronic pelvic inflammatory diseases.
• Chronic musculoskeletal disease to reduce pain.
• Arthritic conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.
• Secondary muscle spasm associated with pain and stiffness.
• Myositis.
• Sprains and strains.
• Bursitis.
• Tendonitis.
• Non union fractures.

Contraindications:-

• Pregnancy.
• Malignancy.
• Over the artificial joints.
• Over the area of sensory deflicit.
• Poor blood perfusion such as arterial insufficiency .
• Hemophilia.
• Over the site of active bleeding.
• Patient with Cardiac pacemakers.
• Any metal implants.

Precautions:-

• Patient wearing wet clothes.
• Over the areas of growing epiphysis.
• Accumulation of sweat.
• Over the lower back or abdomen region during menstruating patients.

Also Read :-Interferential Therapy (IFT), Physiological effects, Indications