Shortwave Diathermy

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 .

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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 contraindicate treatment. Overall a lack of research-based evidence was found regarding most contra-indications to treatment.

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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 SINGLEBLIND, RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED TRIAL.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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