Diathermy is a therapeutic technique involving high-frequency electric currents to generate heat within body tissues, aiding in pain relief and mobility improvement. First introduced by Karl Franz Nagelschmidt in 1908, it is commonly used in physical therapy and has various types, including shortwave and laser diathermy. While it offers benefits such as pain relief and increased blood flow, it also has potential disadvantages, including risks to patients with certain conditions.

1. DIATHERMY
PRESENTED BY:
V.B.AKSHARA

2. INTRODUCTION
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DIA meaning THROUGH
THERMY meaning HEAT or TEMPERATURE
Karl Franz Nagelschmidt
In 1908 German physician Karl Franz Nagelschmidt coined the term diathermy,
and performed the first extensive experiments on patients.
He wrote the first textbook on diathermy in 1913, which revolutionized the field.
DIATHERMY IS A THERAEUTIC TREATMENT COMMONLY PRESCRIBED
FOR MUSCULAR AND JOINT PAINS

3. A medical and surgical technique involving the production of heat in a
part of the body by high-frequency electric currents
It uses a high-frequency electric current to stimulate heat generation
within body tissues.
Increasing blood flow
relieving pain
improving the mobility of tissues
DIATHERMY
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4. WORKING PRINCIPLE
Diathermy uses high-frequency electric current to produce heat deep inside a
targeted tissue.
It can reach areas as deep as two inches beneath the skin’s surface.
The diathermy machine does not apply heat directly to the body. Instead, the
waves generated by the machine allow the body to generate heat from within the
targeted tissue.
Diathermy is usually part of a complete physical therapy or rehabilitative
regimen.
Frequency and length of treatments vary.
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5. TYPES
SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY
LONG WAVE DIATHERMY
LASER DIATHERMY
ULTRA SOUND DIATHERMY
MICRO WAVE DIATHERMY
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6. ADVANTAGES
1. Used in surgical procedures.
2. Normally it is a painless procedure.
3. It is used as a relief from various pains.
4. It is used as a method to prevent bleeding.
5. With diathermy procedures, the rate of blood flow
increase which results in fast recovery.
6. Diathermy helps in relaxation.
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7. DISADVANTAGES
1. The heat effect may cause injuries to eyes.
2. Patients with metal implants should be avoided
from diathermy procedures.
3. Shortwave diathermy during pregnancy can cause
many problems.
4. Diathermy may affect the function of pacemakers.
5. Some patients may experience superficial burns.
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8. 1. arthritis
2. back pain
3. fibromyalgia
4. muscle spasms
5. myositis
6. neuralgia
7. sprains and
strains
8. tenosynovitis
9. tendonitis
10. bursitis
APPLICATION
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9. 1.cancer
2.reduced skin sensation
3.peripheral vascular disease
4.tissue with restricted blood supply (ischemia)
5.infections
6.fractured or broken bones
7.bleeding disorders
8.severe heart, liver, or kidney conditions
9.low skin sensation
10.pregnancy
11.perspiration
12.wound dressings
1.eyes
2.brain
3.ears
4.spinal cord
5.heart
6.reproductive
7.organs
8.genitalia
PREVENTION
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10. OUTLOOK
After a diathermy treatment, the affected area may feel more
flexible
You may be able to participate in physical therapy behaviors
more comfortably and for a longer period of time.
The increased blood flow to the affected area may induce
healing and tissue repair
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