Shortwave diathermy - Physiological effects, Indications and contraindications

2. SHORT WAVESHORT WAVE
DIATHERMYDIATHERMY
Dr. Deepak AnapDr. Deepak Anap
Asso. ProfessorAsso. Professor

3. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
The principal effect of SWD on the body is the
production of heat in the tissues due to the rise of
temperature.
1. Increased metabolism:
•Heating tissues accelerates chemical changes such
as metabolism, so oxygen and food stuffs are used
up.
•With increased metabolism, there will be increased
output of waste products.

4. 2. Increased blood supply:
•As a result of increased output of waste products such as
metabolites, which act on the walls of the capillaries and
arterioles, these tissues dilate.
•In addition, heat has direct effect on blood vessels, causing
vasodilatation.
•Heat also produces stimulation of superficial nerve endings,
causing reflex dilatation of the arterioles.

5. 3. General rise of temperature:
•As blood passes through the heated tissues, it
also becomes heated and carries the heat to other
body parts.
•Rise of temperature induces muscle relaxation
and increases the efficiency of muscle action.

6. 4. Fall in blood pressure:
•The generalized vasodilatation reduces the
peripheral resistance to blood flow.
•Heat also reduces blood viscosity, which helps
in the reduction of blood pressure.

7. 5. Increased activity of sweat glands:
•If a general rise of temperature occurs, there
will be increased activation of the sweat glands.

8. Therapeutic Uses
1.1. Effect on InflammationEffect on Inflammation
Assist in removal of Waste Products
All these effects bring about resolution of inflammation

9. 2. Effect on Bacterial Infection2. Effect on Bacterial Infection
• Inflammation is normal response of Body to bacteria
•Heating the tissue auguments these changes so
reinforces body's normal mechanism to of dealing with
infecting organisms
Ex. Boils, Carbuncles, Abscesses.

11. 3. Traumatic Conditions3. Traumatic Conditions
Healing

12. 4. Reducing Healing time4. Reducing Healing time
• Increased Blood supply
• More Nutritive Material
•More O2 supply

13. 5. Relief of Pain5. Relief of Pain
• Sedative Effect
• Removal of Waste Products
• Resolution of Inflammation
• Counter irritation

14. 6. Effect on Muscle Tissue6. Effect on Muscle Tissue
• Muscle relaxation
• Relief of Muscle Spasm

15. USESUSES
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
 Degenerative Joint Disorders
Ex. OA and RA
 Sprain
 Strain
 Hematoma
 Muscle & tendon Tears
 Capsule Lesions

16. • Inflammatory Conditions
 Boils
 Carbuncles
 Sinusitis
 Pelvic Conditions
 Infected Surgical Incisions