INTRODUCTION TO DIATHERMY It refers to the therapeutic use of high frequency electromagnetic current to produce heat within the body tissues, promoting healing and pain relief. The term diathermy means through heating or producing drep heating directly in the tissues of the body. Dia means through Thermy means heat or temperature
Diathermy works by generating high- frequency current through an oscillator , which is delivered to the body via electrodes . The electrical energy is converted into heat within the tissues due to their resistance . A control unit regulates frequency and intensity , while safety circuits prevent overheating . PRINCIPLE OF DIATHERMY
INFARED DIATHERMY Infrared diathermy uses infrared lamps as the source, which emit electromagnetic waves ( 700–1500 nm ). These rays are absorbed by superficial tissues , producing localized heat. The control unit adjusts intensity and distance to regulate heating, mainly affecting skin and subcutaneous structures.
Advantages : Produces superficial heat Improves blood circulation Relieves pain & muscle spasm Promotes relaxation Disadvantages: Only superficial effect (no deep tissue action) Risk of skin burns if too close Not suitable for patients with poor sensation
Ultraviolet diathermy uses UV lamps (wavelength 200–400 nm ) as the source. The UV rays act mainly on the skin surface, causing chemical and photobiological effects rather than deep heating. It is used for conditions like skin infections, psoriasis, and wound healing. ULTRAVIOLET DIATHERMY
Advantages: Useful for skin conditions (psoriasis, acne, infections)
Promotes wound healing
Stimulates vitamin D production
Bactericidal effect on skin Disadvantages: Limited to skin surface only Overexposure may cause burns or skin cancer risk Eye damage risk (protective goggles required)
CONCLUSION Diathermy is an important electrotherapy technique that uses different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum for therapeutic purposes. Shortwave diathermy produces deep tissue heating. Infrared diathermy gives superficial heat for pain relief and relaxation. Ultraviolet diathermy provides photochemical effects mainly for skin treatment. 👉 In short: SWD = deep heat, IR = surface heat, UV = skin healing.
Kitchen & Bazin , Clayton’s Electrotherapy Robertson et al., Electrotherapy Explained Lehmann, Therapeutic Heat and Cold Michlovitz, Thermal Agents in Rehabilitation Chatgpt REFERENCES