Diathermy

Chapter 43 Diathermy

OVERVIEW.

Diathermy (or “through heating”) employs physical agents that convert high-frequency electric current or electromagnetic waves to deep heat to promote healing.¹^–³ Heat is generated in tissue by its resistance to the passage of the high-frequency EM energy.⁴ Shortwave diathermy converts non-ionizing radiation (radio waves) between 10 and 100 MHz, with a commonly used frequency at 2712 MHz, to deep-heat tissue. Microwave diathermy uses non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation between 300 and 300,000 MHz with a commonly used frequency of 2450 MHz.¹^–³ Note: Sound waves may also be considered a form of diathermy but are discussed elsewhere (see Therapeutic ultrasound).

SUMMARY: CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS.

Six sources cited a total of 47 concerns for diathermy. Concerns ranged from 12 to 26 per source with a physician citing the greatest number. The largest proportion of concerns is contained under medical devices (e.g., metal, contact lenses, leads), procedural, and vulnerable tissue categories. The most frequently cited concerns were malignancy, impaired circulation or sensation, implanted metal, cardiac pacemakers, and hemorrhaging. The FDA warns about the presence of implanted leads (from stimulators) because of lead-related fatalities reported with diathermy use.

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Tags: Contraindications in Physical Rehabilitation Doing No Harm

Jun 22, 2016 | Posted by admin in PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION | Comments Off

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