Diathermy

The Diathermy,  more commonly known as "electrically induced heat", is the use of high-frequency electromagnetic currents as a form of physical or occupational therapy and in surgical procedures.

Patients with musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in their arms and legs and patients who undergo joint rehabilitation due to joint injury, repair, or reconstruction usually benefit from this orthopedic treatment.
How it works

Shortwave Diathermy or electrically induced heating is used to relax and heal damaged tissues. 

The Shortwave Diathermy employs a gradual warming system in which the AC electrical current inside the heating device creates an oscillating electromagnetic field (EMF), which is absorbed by the tissues of the body, causing ions to move and creating friction inside the body’s tissues. Friction generates gradual therapeutic heat (104-113oC), leading to the cellular processes discussed above and faster healing times.
Uses

Shortwave diathermy generates greater heat for deeper tissues, promoting faster healing times. It does so via promoting the following cellular processes:

  • Vasodilation – blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow and expediting the delivery of nutrients and oxygen as well as increasing the removal of waste products

  • Increased enzymatic activity – therapeutic heating increases the rate of enzyme activity, increasing the rate of cellular reactions

  • Increased nerve conductivity – heat increases the velocity of neural processes, leading to reduced pain perception and reduced muscle spasms.
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