Diathermy Flashcards
What is the stretch window following a diathermy treatment?
7.5 minutes
What type of field do pulsed diathermy units use?
Inductors
If the patient is feeling discomfort what should be done?
PSWD - stop treatment - desired temp has been reached
Rebound - decrease intensity and increase Rx time
What are the things to remember when setting up a patient with Rebound?
Patient Position
Cuff Type
Intensity - only use if thermal effects are desired
Time - based on desired temp increase
How does time relate to desired temp increase with Rebound?
1 = 15 minutes @ 100% intensity 2 = 30 minutes @ 100% intensity 3 = 45 minutes @ 100% intensity
How long is treatment with the PSWD?
Always 15-20 minutes or as soon as desired temperature is reached
How do temperature and indications relate with the PSWD?
NT - no detectable warmth - acute trauma/inflammation, reduce edema
1 - mild warmth - subacute inflammation
2 - moderate warmth - muscle spasm, chronic inflammation
4 - vigorous heating - increase blood flow, stretching collagen-rich tissue
What are the indications for Diathermy?
Bursitis Joint contractures Myofascial trigger points Prior to joint mobilization exercises Post acute muscle strains, sprains, and contusions Pain Tendonitis Tenosynovitis
What are the contraindications for diathermy?
Cardiac pacemaker Eyes Epiphyseal plates in youth Fever Genitals General heating contraindications Ischemic areas Malignant tumors Pregnancy Peripheral vascular disease Protruded nucleus pulposus Site of infection Tuberculosis
What are the precautions for diathermy?
Surgically implanted metals
Pelvic or lumbar exposure during menstruation
Arterial and venous circulatory disorders
Osteoporosis
Wound dressing
Tissues and organs with high fluid volume
Acute inflammation
Active hemorrhage
Sensory impairment
How do you prepare the patient psychologically?
Dipole effect created in tissue from electro magnetic energy = molecular movement and rotation = heat
Gentle warmth felt unless NT
Demonstrate on self
How do you prepare the patient physically for diathermy?
Remove metal and jewelry
Remove synthetic fabrics
Patient position comfortable
Inspect area for rash or open wounds
What are the advantages of diathermy over US?
Larger Rx area
More uniform heating
Heat last 2-3x as long
Unsupervised
Why must you tune the diathermy units?
To ensure optimal electromagnetic energy is being delivered
