06-17: Diathermy, UV Light Flashcards
1
Q
Definition of diathermy
A
- Deep heating agent
- Converts high frequency electromagnetic energy into therapeutic heat
- Promotes tissue healing
2
Q
Therapeutic settings of short-wave diathermy (2)
A
- Continuous = Thermal
- Pulsed = Non-thermal
3
Q
Methods of short-wave diathermy (2)
A
- Capacitive Plate
- Inductive Coil
4
Q
Capacitive Method
A
- Metal plates encased in plastic housing
- Strong electrical field, weak magnetic field
- High frequency electrical current alternates between two plates
- Pt is part of electrical current
- Energy absorbed superficially (skin), less in deeper tissue
- Areas of low-fat content
- Heats subcutaneous fat since it acts as insulator and resists passage of electric field
5
Q
Capacitive method - Electrodes
A
- Air space plates
- Pads (closer together, more superficial heat)
6
Q
Inductive Method
A
- Rigid metal coils encased in plastic
- Strong magnetic field, weak electrical field
- Coil creates electric current that creates magnetic field perpendicular to coil
- Eddy current: oscillation of ions which causes heat in tissue
- Pt is in magnetic field, NOT part of circuit
- Heats tissue high in electrolytes (muscle, blood); respond best to magnetic field by producing heat
- Use towel to avoid moisture that can heat up and burn pt
7
Q
Inductive methods - Electrodes
A
- Drum
- Cable
8
Q
Therapeutic Effects of Diathermy
A
- Increase temp
- Altered cell membrane function
- Decrease nerve latency
- Increase pain threshold
- Increase muscle elasticity
- Increase edema (not acute)
- Vasodilation
- Increase nerve conduction velocity
- Increase metabolic rate
- Increase collagen extensibility
- Alteration of muscle strength
9
Q
Indications for Diathermy
A
- Decreased collagen extensibility
- Pain
- Tissue healing
- Chronic inflammatory pelvic disease
- Muscle guarding
- DJD
- Joint stiffness
- Bursitis
- Peripheral nerve regeneration
- Chronic inflammation
10
Q
Contraindications for Diathermy
A
- Low back, ab, pelvis of pregnant women
- Internal/external metal objects
- Eyes
- Malignancy
- IUD
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Pain and temp sensory deficits
- Moist wound dressing
- Over hemorrhagic region
- Testes
- Acute inflammation
- Ischemic tissue
11
Q
Diathermy - Parameters
A
- Select appropriate diathermy and device
- Pt removes all metal and jewelry
- Inductive applicator: wrap extremity with towel and wrap applicator around extremity
- Drum applicator: 2-10 cm over treatment area
- Call bell
- Rx time: 15-30 min
12
Q
Definition of UV
A
- Light energy absorbed 1-2 mm into the skin
13
Q
UV wavelengths
A
- UV-A (320-365 nano)
- UV-B (290-320 nano)
- UV-C (275-290 nano)
14
Q
UV Generators
A
- Mercury arc lamps (most common)
- Carbon arc lamp
- Xenon compact arc lamp
- Fluorescent ultraiolent lamp
15
Q
Therapeutic effects of UV
A
- Facilitate healing
- Exfoliation
- Vitamin D production
- Increase pigmentation
- Tanning
- Bacteriocidal effects
- Thickening of epidermis
