Shortwave Diathermy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the effect of positioning electrodes that are not parallel to the skin surface?

No effect on heat distribution

Superficial heating under the closest part of the electrodes (correct)

Even heating across the applied area

Improved penetration of heat into deeper tissues

Which tissue type is most likely to hinder the penetration of heat during SWD treatment?

Sweat glands

Fat tissue (correct)

Muscle tissue

Metal implants

In which application method are electrodes placed on opposite sides to treat deeply located structures?

Coplanar application

Contraplanar application (correct)

Crossfire application

Mono-planer technique

What is the purpose of crossfire application in SWD treatment?

To heat deeply placed organs and air-filled cavities Signup and view all the answers

Which method of application involves using flexible pads for treating one side of a body part?

Coplanar application Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT typically treated using shortwave diathermy?

Pulmonary embolism Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary therapeutic benefit of shortwave diathermy?

Reduction of muscle spasm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a contraindication for shortwave diathermy?

Venous thrombosis Signup and view all the answers

What intensity of shortwave diathermy treatment is considered safe?

Moderate warmth felt by the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate duration of treatment for chronic conditions using shortwave diathermy?

20-25 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors influences the frequency of treatment with shortwave diathermy?

Patient’s reaction to therapy Signup and view all the answers

How does shortwave diathermy primarily relieve pain?

By increasing blood supply and removing waste products Signup and view all the answers

What frequency is used in Pulsed Shortwave Treatment (PSWT)?

27.12 MHz Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary physiological effect of shortwave diathermy on body tissues?

Increases tissue heating Signup and view all the answers

How deep can shortwave diathermy penetrate body tissues?

Up to 5 cm Signup and view all the answers

Which type of shortwave diathermy is characterized by an interrupted production of electromagnetic current?

Pulsed SWD Signup and view all the answers

In the context of shortwave diathermy, what happens to the blood vessels as a response to tissue heating?

Dilatation of blood vessels Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes continuous shortwave diathermy from pulsed shortwave diathermy?

Thermal versus non-thermal effects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes shortwave diathermy's effect on inflammation?

It increases the supply of oxygen and nutrition to inflammatory sites. Signup and view all the answers

Which circuit in shortwave diathermy is responsible for producing electromagnetic current?

Machine circuit Signup and view all the answers

What is the frequency of shortwave diathermy used in physiotherapy?

27.12 MHz Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a cotton towel between two limbs during treatment?

To absorb sweat and maintain hygiene Signup and view all the answers

In the treatment of sinuses, how are the electrodes positioned during the cross fire technique for the second half of the treatment for the maxillary sinus?

On the opposite side of the face and below the lateral cheek Signup and view all the answers

When treating a shoulder problem with referred pain in the arm, how should the cable be set up?

Distal end connected to the machine and proximal end insulated Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using pulsed electromagnetic field applicators in treating a sprained ankle?

To reduce swelling, pain, and increase ankle function Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary safety precaution when applying electrodes for sinus treatment?

Avoid direct placement over the eyes Signup and view all the answers

What initial treatments were applied to the female basketball player with an ankle sprain?

Ice pack, elevation, and compression Signup and view all the answers

Why should electrodes be placed diagonally in the cross fire technique?

To achieve better electrical flow across treatment area Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended position of the patient during ankle sprain treatment with the pulsed electromagnetic field?

Supine with the lower limb elevated at 30 degrees Signup and view all the answers

Which technique permits the active electrode to be positioned at various angles around the lesion site?

Diplode Signup and view all the answers

What is the first guideline to follow when applying short-wave diathermy?

Set the patient in a position of optimum comfort Signup and view all the answers

In the context of short-wave diathermy, why should there be no metal on the area to be treated?

It may cause overheating and burns Signup and view all the answers

What should be tested using two test tubes before starting short wave diathermy?

Discrimination between hot and cold Signup and view all the answers

When using space plates for short wave diathermy, what is the desired distance from the skin?

Approximately 25 mm Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately after the treatment time elapses during short wave diathermy?

Return the machine intensity control to zero Signup and view all the answers

What sensation should the patient ideally feel during short wave diathermy treatment?

Moderate heat and no more Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using the Contra planer Technique with two space plates?

To treat deeply placed structures effectively Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Shortwave Diathermy (SWD)

SWD is an electromagnetic wave with a frequency of 27.12 MHz that penetrates body tissues up to 5 cm deep.
SWD can produce thermal effects by converting electromagnetic energy into heat within the body tissues.
SWD can also be used to generate non-thermal effects.

Types of Shortwave Diathermy

Continuous SWD (CSWD): Produces continuous electromagnetic current for thermal effects.
Pulsed SWD (PSWD): Generates interrupted electromagnetic current for non-thermal effects.
PSWD delivers lower doses of SWD energy compared to CSWD, resulting in reduced tissue heating.
PSWD is suitable for managing acute conditions due to its lower thermal load.

Production of Shortwave Diathermy

SWD machines consist of two main circuits:
- Machine circuit: Generates electromagnetic current.
- Patient circuit: Transmits SWD to the patient using inductors (electrodes).

Physiological Effects of SWD

Heating: SWD primarily heats tissues, leading to:
- Increased blood flow
- Effects on inflammatory processes by enhancing blood supply and removing waste products.
- Increased extensibility of deep collagen tissues
- Enhanced tissue metabolism
- Reduced muscle spasms
- Promotion of healing through improved blood supply, oxygen, and nutritive material delivery.
- Pain relief by increasing blood supply, removing waste products, resolving inflammation, and counter irritation.

Indications and Therapeutic Uses of Continuous SWD

SWD helps control pain and edema.
Common uses include:
- Sprains and strains
- Frozen shoulder
- Degenerative joint diseases (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
- Joint stiffness
- Tenosynovitis
- Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Myofascial pain
- Lumbar pain
- Tennis elbow
- Wound healing acceleration

Contraindications of Shortwave Diathermy

Loss or impaired skin sensation (risk of burns)
Impaired circulation (ischemia, varicose veins) due to heat accumulation
Hemorrhage (increased dilation could worsen bleeding)
Venous thrombosis (risk of dislodging clots or aggravating inflammation)
Blood pressure abnormalities
Severe cardiac conditions
Fever
Metallic implants in tissues (concentrated heat leading to burns)
Tumors/Malignancy (SWD can increase tumor growth)
Hypersensitivity to heat
Uncontrolled or unreliable patients (mentally retarded, young children, unconsciousness)
Recent deep X-ray therapy

Parameters of Treatment

Intensity: Determined by the patient's perception of warmth, ensuring a comfortable sensation.
Duration:
- Mild conditions: 15-20 minutes
- Chronic conditions: 20-25 minutes
- Larger areas (e.g., low back): Up to 30 minutes
Frequency:
- Daily for low SWD doses
- Usually three times weekly

Pulsed Shortwave Treatment (PSWT)

SWD at 27.12 MHz pulsed at a rate selected by the therapist.
Superficial heating may occur under electrodes if they are not parallel to the skin surface.

Tissue Type and SWD

Tissues with high water content have high electrical conductivity and respond well to SWD.
Metals and sweat are good conductors.
Fat is a poor conductor, impacting heat penetration to deeper tissues.

Methods and Techniques of Application

Methods:
- Capacitive Field Method:
  - Contraplanar Application: Used for deep structures using two electrodes on opposite sides of the body.
  - Coplanar Application: For structures on one body aspect using two flexible pads or space plates.
  - Crossfire Application: For deep pelvic organs or air-filled cavities, with electrodes positioned diagonally and alternating during treatment.
- Inductive Field Method: Monoplaner technique using coils, monodes, or diplodes placed over the lesion.

Practical Application of Shortwave Diathermy

Guidelines:
- Patient comfort and support during treatment.
- Explanation of the procedure to the patient.
- Assessing for contraindications.
- Inspecting and palpating the treatment area for lesion location.
- Skin testing for hot/cold discrimination.
- Removing metal or sweat from the area.
- Ensuring the machine is working.
- Instructing the patient to remain still.
- Warning the patient about comfortable warmth sensation.
- Starting treatment at the lowest intensity setting.
- Removing application and inspecting the treated area after treatment.

Techniques of Application

Space plates: Two electrodes placed parallel on opposite sides for deep structures like joints.
Limb application: Using two flexible pads or space plates, ensuring a cotton towel is between limbs to absorb sweat.
Crossfire technique: For sinuses using space plates positioned diagonally and alternating for different areas (frontal, maxillary).

Case Study

A 20-year-old female basketball player sustained a left lateral ankle sprain.
Treatment included ice, elevation, compression, cold whirlpool, and pulsed SWD.
The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling and pain, and increase ankle function.
The pulsed SWD applicator is placed 2.5 cm from the edematous ankle tissues.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of Shortwave Diathermy (SWD), including its definitions, types, production mechanisms, and physiological effects. Participants will gain insights into Continuous SWD and Pulsed SWD, as well as their applications in therapeutic settings. Test your understanding of how these techniques generate thermal and non-thermal effects in body tissues.