MICROWAVE DIATHERMY

Electromagnetic (radiation) waves are produced whenever an electric charge

undergoes an acceleration. Waves radiate out from the point of acceleration and
have both electrical as well as magnetic components.

Cycle - One complete Wave

Wavelength - Horizontal distance from one point on a wave to the same

point on the next wave.

Amplitude - Maximum depth or height of a wave.

Frequency - Number of cycles per unit of time (usually in cycles per second
or Hertz [Hz]).
Grotthus' Law

Rays must be absorbed to produce their effect.

The effect is produced at the point where the rays are absorbed.

Inverse Square Law

The intensity change of radiation varies inversly with the square of the distance from the
source.
Formula - Intensity = 1/Distance2

Cosine Law

Maximum radiation is received if the source is at right angles to the irradiated surface.

Reflection

Change in direction of waves away from an object. Dependent on characteristics of surface.

Refraction

Change in direction of waves passing through an object.

Diathermy Heating
•Heating= Current2 X Resistance
•Doses Are Not Precisely Controlled Thus The
Amount of Heating Cannot Be Accurately
Measured (CHECK WITH PATIENT)
 Shortwave Diathermy Unit
• Generates Both an Electrical and a Magnetic Field
• Ratio Depends on Characteristics of Both The Generator and the
Electrodes
– SWD Units at 13.56 MHz= Stronger Magnetic Field
– SWD Units at27.12 MHz = Stronger Electrical Field
Diathermy
•Application of High-Frequency Electromagnetic
Energy
•Used To Generate Heat In Body Tissues
•Heat Produced By Resistance of Tissues
•Also Used For Non-Thermal Effects
 MICROWAVE DIATHERMY
• Microwave diathermy is irradiation of the
tissues with radiation in the shorter wireless
part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• The wavelength between infra-red and
shortwave diathermic radiation .
• The 2450 MHz frequency with 12. 245
wavelength is the most widely available in use
Frequency MHz Wavelength (cm)

2450 12.245
915 32.79
433.9 69.14
 Microwave Diathermy
• Two Assigned Frequencies-2456 MHz and 915
MHz
• MWD Has Higher Frequency and Shorter
Wavelength Than SWD
• Generates Strong Electrical Field and
Relatively Little Magnetic Field
• Depth Of Penetration Is Minimal In Areas With
Subcutaneous Fat > 1 cm
 Micro wave cont..
• Micro wave radiation behaves like other
electromagnetic radiation
• It is reflected and refracted at interfaces of
different medium
• It will be absorbed or penetrate material to
varying degrees depending on the nature of the
medium
• It is also exhibits rectilinear propagation (used in
radars)
• The microwaves can penetrate the tissues while
being strongly absorbed by water.
 PRODUCTION OF MICROWAVES
• The principles of production of the current are
similar to those for other high frequency currents
• For the higher frequencies of microwave at
relatively high power device called magnetron is
used
• It generates oscillating currents directly from high-
velocity electron motion
• These currents are collected and fed along a coaxial
cable to the antenna or emitter which radiates
microwaves.
• The magnetron requires times to warm up so
output is not obtained immediately the apparatus
switched on.
 Production cont..
• The output of the microwave energy can be
controlled by varying the power supplied to the
magnetron
• A standby switch may be provided to adjust the
emitter with out switch off the magnetron and
wait for it to warm up again for the next
treatment.
• The antenna which is simply a suitable – sized a
piece of wire mounted in front of a metal
reflector
• The emitter or applicator gives out a beam of
microwaves in one direction .
 cathode
control circuit

Power Antenna Emitter

supply Coaxial cable
from
mains Magnetron
Intensity
control
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF MICROWAVE
• The microwave radiation is absorbed in the tissues
it provokes ionic movement, rotation of dipoles
and distortions of the molecules which leads to
heating.
• Microwaves penetrate deeply than infra-red rays
but less suitable for the treatment of deeply
placed structures than SWD.
• The effect depth of penetration of microwaves
appears to be about 3 cm but this depends upon
water content of the tissues.
• It is strongly absorbed by the tissues which have
good blood supply such as muscle than fat.
 Microwave at 2450 MHz
Interfaces
100
Muscle

Fat
50

Bone

Depth in the tissues

Therapeutic effects of MW
• Musculoskeletal disorders:
• Sprain- strain – muscle and tendon tear –
degenerative joint disease- joint stiffness in
superficial joints- capsular lesions.

• 2. Superficial inflammatory or infective

conditions :
• Tenosynovitis – bursitis – Synovitis – infected
surgical incisions – carbuncles – abscess.
 Dangers of microwave diathermy
• Burns
• Eyes –cataract
• Circulatory defects
• Dangers Hearing aids, cardiac pacemakers
• Circulatory defects, pregnancy, tumors
• Metal in the tissues
• Venous thrombosis or phlebitis.

• Pregnancy: heat applied to pelvis or hip in pregnancy may cause hemorrhage or miscarriage.

• Acute dermatological conditions.

• Severe cardiac conditions.

• Blood pressure abnormalities.

• (Consider use in – dysmenorrhea ) – refractory patients
TECHNIQUE OF APPLICATION
• Preparation of the apparatus
• Preparation of the patient
• Application of the emitter
• Irradiation
• Dosage - Termination
Shortwave Diathermy vs.Ultrasound

Pulsed SWD Produces The Same Magnitude And Depth Of

Muscle Heating as 1MHz Ultrasound (Draper, JAT 1997)
 Treatment Time
• Most Typically mWD Treatments Last For 20-
30 Minutes
• Remember As Skin Temperature Rises
Resistance Falls
• Intensity: the patient should feel mild and
comfortable warmth.
• Frequency: daily or on alternating day.
 Microwave Diathermy Unit

• A= Power Switch
• B=Timer
• C=Output Meter (indicates relative output in watts
• D= Power Output Level Knob
• E= Amber Light-Warming up / Red Light- Ready
 MWD Applicators (Electrodes)

• Circular Shaped Applicators

– 4” or 6”
– Maximum Temperature At Periphery
• Rectangular Shaped Applicators
– 4.5 x 5” or 5 x 21”
– Maximum Temperature At Center
 Microwave Applicator Set-Up
• Microwave Applicator Beams Energy To
Patient
• Must Pay Attention To Cosine Law
• In 915 MHz Units Applicators Placed 1 cm
From Skin
• 2456 MHz Units Have Manufacturer
Recommended Distances and Power Outputs
(Uses Antenna)
 When Should Diathermy
Be Used?

 If
If The
The Skin
Skin Or
Or Some
Some Underlying
Underlying Soft
Soft
Tissue
Tissue Is
Is Tender
Tender And
And Will
Will Not
Not Tolerate
Tolerate
Pressure
Pressure

 In
In Areas
Areas Where
Where Subcutaneous
Subcutaneous FatFat Is
Is Thick
Thick
And
And Deep
Deep Heating
Heating Is
Is Required
Required
 When Should Diathermy
Be Used?

 When
When The
The Treatment
Treatment Goal
Goal Is
Is To
To Increase
Increase
Tissue
Tissue Temperatures
Temperatures In In A
A Large
Large Area
Area
according
according to
to disease
disease conditions.
conditions.