Pulsed shortwave diathermy

Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy
What is it?

Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy uses electromagnetic energy where high frequency short wavelength electrical currents are passed through the body to produce a mild heating effect in deep and superficial tissues.

What does it do?

Very similar to Ultrasound in that pulsed short waves act at a cellular level. The energy used:

• Vibrates cellular ions
• Causes a rotation effect upon the cell
• Causes a molecular distortion upon the cell

As this energy is being used, there is a momentum created upon the damaged cell i.e. vibration, rotation and distortion which cause a thermal effect... it warms up.

Thermal effect:

• Increase the metabolic rate and so speed up the rate at which the cell is working
• Increase the extensibility of collagen fibres which may allow them to realign themselves – becomes more elastic...
• Dilates blood vessels which will allow the flow of nutrients to the injury site and may assist in flushing debris away...
• Will allow muscle spindles to relax which will reduce pain....

None thermal:

• An increase in Phagocytes which pick up dead cells and debris...
• An increase in collagen deposits to assist in laying down fresh new tissue...
• An increase in white blood cells to kill infection...

When would we use pulsed shortwave...?

At all stages of injury but specifically for much larger trauma’s but specifically for:

• Traumatic synovitis
• Haematomas - swelling
• Acute infections - infections
• Chronic infection – long standing infections
• Peripheral nerve lesions – nerve damage
• Pain associated with Osteo-arthritis and neurogenic pain -

Contraindications – when we can’t use it
Pace makers
Pregnancy
Malignancies
Impaired thermal sensation
Uncontrolled movements
Venous thrombosis
Pyrexic patients
Active TB
Ischaemic tissues

Precautions:
Obesity
Hearing aids
Synthetic materials
Cognition
Metal work

Initial consultations are free so call to arrange a visit to discuss treatment.