Microwave Diathermy vs Short Wave Diathermy

Microwave Diathermy vs Short Wave Diathermy

• Heat production is more in muscles with microwave diathermy compared to short wave diathermy due to dependence on watery content of tissues.
• Microwave diathermy has a shallower penetration depth of 3 mm to 3 cm, whereas short wave diathermy can penetrate up to 6 cm.

Indications of Microwave Diathermy

• Traumatic and inflammatory conditions
• Degenerative arthropathies
• Enthesopathies
• Arthritis of joints
• Soft tissues and superficial joints
• Strains or sprains
• Muscle or tendon tears
• Stiffness of superficial joints
• Capsular lesions
• Rheumatic conditions
• Tenosynovitis or bursitis
• Infected surgical incisions

Contraindications of Microwave Diathermy

• Malignant tissue or tuberculosis
• Metal implants or pacemaker
• Over growing epiphysis
• Area of impaired sensation
• Eyes
• Male gonads
• Hemorrhage or thrombosis or phlebitis
• Pregnancy
• Over wet dressing or adhesive tapes

Dangers of Microwave Diathermy

• Burns
• Cataract
• Circulatory defects

Dosage of Microwave Diathermy

• Intensity should produce mild warmth (midthermal) or reduced to no warmth (subthermal or athermal)
• Duration of treatment: 5-10 minutes

Components of Short Wave Diathermy

• Oscillator
• Power amplifier
• Applicator

Modes of Application of Short Wave Diathermy

• Continuous Mode (CSWD)
• Pulsed Mode (PSWD)

Factors Influencing Selection or Placement of Electrodes

• Type of electrodes
• Size of electrodes
• Spacing of electrodes
• Positioning of electrodes

Types of Electrodes

• Pad electrodes
• Plate electrodes
• Disk electrodes

Effects of Short Wave Diathermy on Traumatic Conditions

• Reducing healing time
• Pain relief
• Reduction of muscle spasm
• Increased localized blood flow (wound healing)

Indications of Short Wave Diathermy

• Joint contractures
• Synovitis
• Chronic inflammatory or infective conditions
• Bursitis
• Tenosynovitis

Dangers of Short Wave Diathermy

• Burns
• Scalds
• Electric shock
• Overdose
• Precipitation of gangrene
• Faintness
• Giddiness
• Dangers to hearing aids or cardiac pacemakers
• Dangers to other equipment

Contraindications of Short Wave Diathermy

• Open wound or hemorrhage
• Metal in the tissue
• Disturbed skin sensation
• Venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis
• Arterial diseases
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy
• Tumors
• Deep X-ray or cobalt therapy
• Children
• Mentally retarded patient
• Unconscious patient
• Epileptic patients
• Uncooperative patients

Dosage of Short Wave Diathermy

• Intensity should cause sufficient warmth (thermal dosage) of the tissues
• Duration of treatment: 20-30 minutes
• Treatment may be given daily or on an alternate day

Compare the effects and indications of microwave diathermy and short wave diathermy in physical therapy. Learn about heat production, depth of penetration, and therapeutic effects.