Shortwave Diathermy
Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy (PSWD) converts high-frequency electromagnetic energy into heat, warning the tissues being treated. The heating effects are produced by vibration and distortion of the molecules of the tissues and are capable of increasing tissue temperature by as much as 4°C reaching a depth of at least 3 cm to 4 cm. This heating effect reaches deeper into tissues primarily in the more vascular tissues such as muscle and nerve and in other low impedance areas such as edema, effusion, or recent hematoma. The thermal effects include:
- Increased metabolism in the tissues that absorb the heat
- Increased vasodilation and oxygen and nutrient delivery to the heated tissues
- Increased capillary pressure and cell permeability
- Muscle relaxation via effect on the Golgi Tendon Organs
- Improved flexibility due to increased extensibility of connective tissue with stretching exercises
- Decreased muscle stiffness
- When applied centrally to the body for periods lasting 1-2 hours produces greater body temperature, increased respiratory and pulse rates, and decreased blood pressure
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Indications for Use of Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy |
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Indication for Use |
Rationale for Use |
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Subacute and chronic low back pain |
The thermal effects of the electromagnetic energy helps relieve pain |
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Preparation for stretching to overcome limited range of motion |
As an adjunct to stretching, the deep penetrating heat warms muscles and connective tissues making them more pliable enhancing the effectiveness of stretching |
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Ligament sprains, muscle strains, tendonitis, etc. |
Reduces pain, swelling, and disability from the combination of the thermal effects and non-thermal effects. Non-thermal effects attribute to alterations in cell membrane potential and the transport of ions across the membrane. These characteristics help restore normal cell membrane potential and ionic balance that have become altered tissue injury |
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Trigger point pain |
Research has shown that sensitivity to trigger points decreases more as compared to hot pack application |
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Osteoarthritis |
Some patients report pain relief and a reduction in stiffness from PSWD, while other do not |
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Contraindications for Use of Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy |
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Contraindication |
Purpose for Contraindication |
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Proximity of individuals wearing pacemakers |
The electromagnetic energy may interfere with the functions of pacemakers |
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Implanted systems and/or implanted leads |
May result in severe brain damage or death, even if the device is not turned on |
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Use over a pregnant uterus, especially during the first trimester |
Exposure has been related to low birth weight among babies of physical therapists |
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Use over a site with a metal implant |
The implanted metal may become hot and burn surrounding tissue. As a precaution, keep metal surfaces or objects in the treatment area at least 3 meters away |
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Active bleeding sites, including menses |
Bleeding may increase or be prolonged |
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Malignancies |
PSWD has been shown to be able to increase rate of division of malignant cells and could lead to metastasis |
Click HERE for the article, “What is Shortwave Diathermy?”