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.