Diathermy Flashcards
(17 cards)
diathermy is:
shortwave or microwave EM energy producing heat within tissues
deep penetration into tissues
methods of applying diathermy
capacitor field
coil field
microwave radiator
types of diathermy
microwave: uses these waves in radio frequency and magnetron/antenna to emit energy
shortwave: frequency between radio waves and infrared using inductive coil and capacitive plate with continuous or pulsed
types of shortwave diathermy
induction field
capacitive field
methods of capacitive method diathermy
air space plates
pad electrodes
inductive method of diathermy
cables: wrap around pt
drums: coil in drum and pointed over area
inductive coil applicators
coil with alternating electric current that creates magnetic field eddy currents
this osscilates particles and increases temperature
EM field heats tissue
pt is not part of circuit, they are part of a parallel circuit
which tissues respond best to diathermy
muscle and synovial fluid - high water content
worst are bone, fat, collagen
field distribution in inductive diathermy
electrodes too small: field concentrated superficially
too large: line of force lost in the air
electrodes should be slightly larger than area
capacitative plates
made of metal and set in plastic
energy flows from one plate to another with the body part between them so current goes through body
this method can be more superficial so be careful of burns
electric field
pt is part of circuit with tissue as resistor
pads placed farther apart
deeper penetration into tissue
diathermy for wound healing
pulsed to reduce heating
still want some heating to increase blood flow and perfusion
magnetron
type of diathemy application using microwave
doesn’t penetrate as deep
high risk of burns
factors influencing field distribution
spacing of limb from plate (even), farther will get deeper
electrode size
indications for diathermy
heat deeper tissues
heat larger area than US
not reflected at the bone
healing: circulation
tissue extensibility
microvascular perfusion
RISK of burns
contraindications to diathermy
implanted/transcutaneous neural stimulators
pulsed: deep tissue, sole treatment for edema/pain, pacemaker/electronic device
thermal continuous: implant/pacemaker, malignancy, pregnancy, eyes, testes, active epiphysis
precautions for diathermy
electric/magnetic equipment nearby
obesity
copper IUD
pulsed: pregnancy and active epiphysis
