SHORTWAVE

DIATHERMY(SWD) FOR
OSTEOARTHRITIS
OF KNEE JOINT

By:
Dr. Suketu Shah
DEFINITION
 When radio frequency electromagnetic
energy of sufficient high intensity is directed
at biological tissues it will cause heating.
PARAMETERS
 Frequency is 27.12 MHz

 Wavelength is 11.06 m
TYPES
 There are two basic types of the SWD:

1. Continuous mode

3. Pulsed mode
CONTINUOUS MODE
 In continuous mode there is constant output
of the machine to achieve the heating of the
deeper modalities

 Though the research on continuous mode of

SWD is not much done.
PULSED MODE
 It allows cooling between the pulses, heats
less strongly and enchances the non-
theramal effect of the radiofrequency energy.

 Many studies have shown good results of the

pulsed mode of SWD.
OUTLINE ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS
 Reduces pain and inflammation
 Reduces muscle spasm

 Increases the blood flow

 Increases enzymatic activities

 Increases metabolism

 Increases the ROM

 Increases elasticity of connective tissue

CONTRAINDICATIONS
• Contraindications are more important to be
noticed :
1. Metal implants
2. Pregnancy
3. Malignancy
4. Pacemaker
5. Ischemia or atherosclerosis
6. Active bleeding
7. Open wounds, skin lesions in treatment
area
8. Acute infection/fever
MANAGEMENT
SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY VS
HYDROTHERAPY IN OA KNEE PTS.
 A underlying conclusion is being drawn that
short wave diathermy is more effective in the
patients with OA knee in the acute stage.

 As the hydrotherapy would be much of help

in the later stages once the pain is reduced
and a better ROM is achieved, so the patient
can be adviced for the strengthening
program.
 Refernce:

rEF\An Examination of the Value of Shortwave Diatherm

EFFECTS OF REPETITIVE SWD FOR
REDUCING SYNOVITIS IN PTS. WITH OA
KNEE
• This study attempted to quantify the
thickness of synovial sac and pain index
before and after application of SW diathermy
for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
• The results of this study showed that the
application of SW diathermy in patients with
knee osteoarthritis can significantly reduce
both synovial thickness and knee pain. Such
reductions of synovial sac thickness and pain
index continue with increases .
 Reference:

rEF\Effects of Repetitive Shortwave Diathermy for Redu

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR THE SWD
SHOULD BE KNOW
 Conclusion:
For safe and effective shortwave diathermy
treatment, physiotherapists should be aware
of all conditions or symptoms that contra-
indicate treatment. Overall a lack of
research-based evidence was found
regarding most contra-indications to
treatment.
 Reference:

REF\ScienceDirect - Physiotherapy Contra-indications

COMPARING HOT PACK, SHORT-WAVE
DIATHERMY, ULTRASOUND, AND TENS
ON ISOKINETIC STRENGTH, PAIN, AND
FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF WOMEN WITH
OSTEOARTHRITIC KNEES: A SINGLE-
BLIND, RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED
TRIAL.
 Conclusion:

Using physical agents before isokinetic exercises

in women with knee osteoarthritis leads to
augmented exercise performance, reduced pain,
and improved function. Hot pack with a
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator or
short-wave diathermy has the best outcome.
 Reference:

REF\Comparing hot pack, short-wave diathermy, ultraso

NO ADDITIONAL BENEFIT OF SHORTWAVE
DIATHERMY OVER EXERCISE PROGRAM
FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS IN PERI-
/POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN: AN
EQUIVALENCE TRIAL
 Conclusion:
The addition of SWD to an exercise program for
knee OA in peri-/post-menopausal women is not
superior to the exercise program alone.

 Reference:

REF\No additional benefit of shortwave diathermy over

EFFECT OF SHORT-WAVE DIATHERMY
ON MOBILITY AND RADIOLOGICAL
STAGE OF THE KNEE IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL
OSTEOARTHRITIS
 A smaller effect was found on flexion mobility.
Flexion deficiency decreased at the end of the
immobilization period and increased during
remobilization, though at the end of the
experiment there were no differences compared
with the control. Radiographic changes were
similar during the development of osteoarthritis in
treated and non-treated groups

 Refernce:

REF\Effect of short-wave diathermy on mobility and rad___[A

FINAL CONLUSION
 Effects of the SWD on OA Knee patients
is uncertain. And hence more of
research and meta-analysis need to be
done.
REFERNCES
 www.pubmed.org
 www.findphysio.com

 Jagmohan Singh
THANK YOU

Dr. Suketu Shah

B.P.T., C.M.T. M.I.A.P,
Consultant Physiotherapist and Manual Therapist.
Content Owner – www.findphysio.com