Clinical Application of Short Wave Diathermy

Abstract

Medical diathermy is the production of heat in the body tissues for therapeutic purposes by high frequency currents, insufficient in amount, however, to produce temperatures high enough to destroy the tissues or to impair their vitality.

With the development of radio, powerful oscillator tubes have been constructed for the production of high frequency oscillations of shorter wave lengths. The usual 300 to 400 meter wave length of conventional diathermy is now 30 to 6 meters in short wave diathermy. To distinguish between these two methods the Council on Physical Therapy of the American Medical Association has given the term “conventional diathermy” to the older method and “short wave diathermy” to the newer method. At the present time it probably is better not to make a division of ultra-short wave diathermy since evidence that this subdivision is necessary still is lacking.

Short wave diathermy is rapidly replacing conventional diathermy. No doubt exists that the application of the new method is more simple and the danger of burns is markedly reduced. In short wave diathermy, the plates are not in direct contact with the skin, as is necessary in conventional diathermy. Short wave diathermy can produce a burn, but the danger is minimal if the proper technic is used.

Short wave diathermy is divided into two types; namely, (a) the electromagnetic field, and (b) the electric field. When the electromagnetic field is utilized, the current is conducted to the patient by means of a heavy, very flexible, insulated cable which is used. . .