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Shortwave Diathermy
Shortwave Diathermy
DEFINITION
When radio frequency electromagnetic energy of sufficient high intensity is directed at biological tissues it will cause heating.
PARAMETERS
TYPES
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 nontheramal effect of the radiofrequency energy. Many studies have shown good results of the pulsed mode of SWD.
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
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:
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:
Conclusion: For safe and effective shortwave diathermy treatment, physiotherapists should be aware of all conditions or symptoms that contraindicate treatment. Overall a lack of research-based evidence was found regarding most contra-indications to treatment.
COMPARING HOT PACK, SHORT-WAVE DIATHERMY, ULTRASOUND, AND TENS ON ISOKINETIC STRENGTH, PAIN, AND FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF WOMEN WITH OSTEOARTHRITIC KNEES: A SINGLEBLIND, 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:
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:
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:
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