A | Properties of Microwaves ® Microwave diathermy (MWD), is a form of electromagnetic radiations lying between shortwave and infrared waves. = Microwave diathermy does not penetrate as deep as shortwave diathermy. = The energy is first absorbed at the surface of the body (skin) and a part of it penetrate and absorbed in deep tissues. = It generates Strong Electrical Field and relatively Little Maanetic FieldA cc Frequency and wavelength = Microwave has a much higher frequency and a shorter wavelength than shortwave diathermy. = The general frequency of microwave is between 300 MHz to 300 GHz with wave length of 10 mm to 1 meter. "= The therapeutic microwave generators used frequency of 2450MHz with wave length of 122.5mm.-i i ~—S—C Microwave Production and Device The generator used to produce microwaves has three main components: 1- A multi-cavity magnetron valve 2- A coaxial cable 3- A director. Mechanism of MW production * The magnetron produces a high frequency alternating current which is carried by coaxial cable to the transducer (director). * The coaxial cable transmits the energy to the director whereas a radiating system comprising an antenna within a reflector that is used to direct the microwave to the patient.af a Microwave Production and Device © The alternating current in the antenna produces an electromagnetic field that is directed toward the tissue by a curved reflecting director surrounding the antenna. © The presence of a director and the short wavelength of microwave radiation allow this type of diathermy to be focused and applied to small, defined areas. ©" Therefore these devices can be useful during rehabilitation when only small areas of tissue are involved.coaxial cablea I Directors Used in Microwave Applications ® Circular directors - The heating pattern is more intense around the outer portion than the centre. - There are small and large Rectangular directors The heating pattern tends to be more concentrated in the center of the treated area.a x Biophysics of MWD = MWD tend to be reflected and scattered at different interfaces as air-skin, skin-fat, and the fat-muscle which limit its penetration into the tissues. = Because of the spreading of MW, the superficial tissues tend to be heated more than deeper tissues. © Depth of penetration depends on the frequency of the wave and the medium. The effective penetration of 2450MHz is approximately 3 cm. "= Mechanism of heat production by MWD is the same as SWDTherapeutic Effects of Microwave Diathermy = Pain: MWD is useful in the treatment of traumatic and rheumatic conditions affecting superficial muscles, ligaments and small superficial joints. = Muscle spasm: which may be reduced directly by MWD or may be reduced by relieving of pain. = Inflammation: MWD reduces inflammation by increase blood supply that will increase venous return from the inflamed area and aids the reabsorption of edema exudates.a | .) Therapeutic Effects (cont = Delayed healing: MWD promotes healing of open skin by increase cutaneous circulation. ® Infection: MWD can control the chronic infection by increasing the circulation. © Fibrosis: The heating effect of MWD increase the extensibility of fibrous tissues such as tendons, joint capsules and scars.a a Indications of MWD - The clinical indications for MWD are, more or less, similar to those for SWD. - MWD may be preferable to SWD when more concentrated or localize heating is needed. ® Musculoskeletal disorders: - Sprain - Muscle & tendon tear - Strain - Degenerative joint disease - Joint stiffness in superficial joints - Capsular lesions. ®= Superficial inflammatory or infective conditions : - Tenosynovitis - Bursitis - Synovitis - Abscess - Infected surgical incisionsContra-indications = Over malignant tissues. ™ Over ischemic tissues. = Over wet dressings and adhesive tapes. = Metal implants. = Pacemaker. = Over growing bone. = Male gonads: repeated irradiation can cause sterility. = Hemorrhage. = |mpaired thermal sensation.a i | .)Contra-indications (cont = Recent radiotherapy. = Hypersensitivity to heat. = Acute infection or inflammation. = Venous thrombosis or phlebitis. = Pregnancy: heat applied to pelvis or hip in pregnancy may cause hemorrhage or miscarriage. = Acute dermatological conditions. = Severe cardiac conditions.Precautions & Dangers = The same as SWD, but it is recommended to avoid the presence of metal within the treatment field (4 feet) because of scattering and reflection of MWD = Due to scattering and reflection of MWD to the surrounding environment, it has been associated with high incidence of miscarriages among female therapists who regularly operate these units than SWD. = The eyes: MWD may cause cataract..)Precautions & Dangers(cont = Obesity: MWD with 2450MHz, there is danger of producing an excessive heat in the subcutaneous fat layer = Burn: There is an increasing of risk of excessive heating and burning with the using of MWD due to: 1. Shallow depth of penetration 2. Reflection at tissue interfaces 3. Potential standing wavesA aT Dosage of MWD = Duration of treatment: 20 minutes is the optimum. = Intensity: the patient should feel mild and comfortable warmth. = Frequency: daily or on alternating day.SLE ‘\ fabemsenlal Rs & - PRM 20 tree See mied etd Ld PO BIO ene cbeaared