DIATHERM

DIATHERMY ETYMOLOGY
The Word Diathermy is derived
fromthe Greek words Dia and
Therma.
Dia-through + Therma-heat
(i.e.) Treatment Through Heat.

DIATHERMY DEFINITION
The termdiathermy means "electrically
induced heat, the use of high-frequency
electromagnetic currents as a form of
physical or occupational therapy and in
surgical procedures.
Diathermyis a therapeutic treatment most
commonly prescribed for joint conditions such
as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

DIATHERMY PRINCIPLE
In Diathermy, a high-frequency electric
current is delivered via shortwave,
microwave, or ultrasound to generate deep
heat in body tissues.
The diathermy machine does not apply
heat directly to the body. Instead, the
current from the machine allows the body
to generate heat from within the targeted
tissue.

What Does Diathermy Do?

Diathermy uses an electric current to
produce heat deep inside a targeted
tissue. It can reach areas as deep as
two inches from the skins surface.
As the heat increases, it promotes
blood flow. It also can help improve
flexibility
in
stiff
joints
and
connective tissue.

WHY DIATHERMY?
Use of External Heat sources like Hot
Towel, Heat Lamps and Heating pads
often produce inconvenience and
discomfort to patients.
Burning of skin and no heat to
deeper tissues.

IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
With
decreased
pain
and
inflammation, patients with arthritis
can increase their range of motion.
This may allow them to move more
easily
and
participate
in
rehabilitation more comfortably.

IN SURGICAL PROCEDURES

A diathermy electrode can be applied to

a blood vessel. The heat generated in the
vessel will cause the blood to coagulate
and the vessel to be cauterized (sealed).

Diathermy is also effective in removing

abnormal growths, such as tumors, in
procedures where traditional techniques
are impractical.

TYPES OF DIATHERMY
There are four main types of
diathermy:
i.
ii.
iii.

Shortwave,
Microwave,
Ultrasound,
iv. Surgical.

SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY

It
uses
high-frequency
electromagnetic energy to generate
heat. It may be applied in pulsed or
continuous energy waves.

It is used to treat pain from kidney

stones, and pelvic infections. It is
effective for conditions that cause
pain and muscle spasms.

MICROWAVE DIATHERMY

It uses microwaves to generate

heat in the body. It can be used to
evenly warm deep tissues without
heating the skin.

It is best suited for areas that are

closer to the skin, such as shoulders.

ULTRASOUND DIATHERMY

It uses sound waves to treat deep

tissues. Heat is generated by the
vibration of the tissue. This promotes
blood flow into the area.

It is used for many types of

musculoskeletal sprains, strains, and
fractures.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF DIATHERMY?

The electromagnetic energy used in diathermy
can cause extreme heat in metal devices such
as bone pins, dental fillings, and metal sutures.
This could cause burns in adjacent tissues.
During diathermy treatment, the patient
becomes a part of the electrical field. Touching
a bare metal object, such as a cabinet, during
diathermy can cause a shock or burn.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF

DIATHERMY?

Diathermy can be effective in providing some relief and

treatment of symptoms related to:
Arthritis
Back pain
Fibromyalgia
Muscle spasms
Myositis
Neuralgia
Sprains and strains
Tenosynovitis
Tendonitis
Bone injuries
Bursitis

What are the Risks of Diathermy?

Peripheral vascular disease

Tissue with restricted blood supply (ischemia)
Numbed or infected areas
Unhealed bones
Cancer
Bleeding disorders
Severe heart, liver, or kidney conditions
Low skin sensation
Pregnancy
Perspiration
Wound dressings
Areas of moist skin

ADVANTAGES
The treatment can be controlled
easily.
Use of appropriate electrodes permit
the heat to be localized only in the
region to be treated.
Amount of heat that is to be
delivered can be adjusted accurately.