Diathermy

Diathermy is a therapeutic treatment most commonly prescribed for muscle and joint conditions. It uses a high-frequency electric current to stimulate heat generation within body tissues. The heat can help increase blood flow, speed up recovery, decrease pain, and improve the flexibility of your tissues.

Types of Diathermy

There are three types of diathermy: shortwave, microwave, and ultrasound.

• Shortwave Diathermy - This type uses high-frequency electromagnetic energy to generate heat. It may be applied in a continuous or pulsed mode.

• Microwave Diathermy - This type uses microwaves to generate heat. It is less commonly used than the other types.

• Ultrasound Diathermy - This type uses sound waves to generate heat. It is most commonly used for deep tissue heating.

Uses of Diathermy

Diathermy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Muscle spasms
• Neuralgia
• Sprains and strains
• Tennis elbow

Risks and Side Effects

While diathermy is generally safe, it does carry some risks and potential side effects. These may include:

• Burns
• Deep tissue damage
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) interference
• Pregnancy complications

See Also

• Physical therapy
• Electrotherapy
• Heat therapy

References

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