Pulsed shortwave

physiotherapy,pulsed shortwave

1. Pulsed Shortwave

Srecraj SR

2. Pulsed Shortwave

» Pulsed electromagnetic energy (PEME)

« Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF)

« Pulsed electromagnetic energy treatment
(PEMET)

» Pulsed electromagnetic therapy (PEMT)

3. Pulsed Shortwave

+ PSWT involves a device that delivers an
electric and magnetic field in short pulses with
a time gap in between.

PSW employs the same operating frequency
as traditional SWD i.e.. 27.12MHz.

The mean power delivered to the patient is
relatively low even though the peak power
(i.e. during the on pulses) can be quite high up
to 1000W.

4. Parameters

Pulse Duration

the duration (time) of each

‘ON’ phase. Peak Power
+

m EES

Pulse Repetition Rate
the number of pulses
delivered per second.

Mean Power

Peak Pulse Power |

The amplitude of the
pulse / intensity.

Pulse
Repetition Rate

Mean Power

Power delivered from the
machine (during pulse and
averaged)

5. PSWD Mean Power Calculations

MP (W) = PP (W) x PW (s) x PRR (Hz)
MP (W) = 250 W x 400us x 145Hz
MP (W) = 14.5W

A microsecond is one millionth (1076) of
a second so
400 us is 400 x 10% s

6. Machine Output

+ ELECTRIC field, comparable
to the condenser (capacitor)
field in traditional SWD

+ MAGNETIC field, comparable
to inductothermy.

7. Tissue Heating

No accumulation

More non thermal

Both thermal and non
thermal

8. Mechanism of Effect

ULTRASOUND

Dense
collagen
based tissues

Ligament
Tendon
Fascia

Joint capsule
Scar tissue

PULSED
SHORTWAVE
Wet, ionic,

low
impedance
tissues
Muscle
Nerve
Areas of
oedema,
haematomas
and effusion

LASER
Superficial
Vascular
Tissues

Open wounds
Muscle
Nerve

Tendon
sheath ..

9. Primary Effects of PSWD

. Increased number of white cells, fibroblasts etc in
a wound.

2. Improved rate of edema dispersion.

. Encourages absorption of heamatoma.

. Reduction (resolution) of the inflammatory
process.

. Prompts a more rapid rate of orientation &
deposition of collagen.

. Encourages collagen layering at an early stage.
. Stimulation of osteogenesis.

. Improved healing of the peripheral & central
nervous systems

10. Treatment Doses

Acute conditions
+ Mean power of less than 3 Watts.
+ Time: 10-15 minutes
Sub Acute Conditions
+ Mean power of between 2 and 5 Watts
¢ Time: 15 minutes
Chronic Conditions
+ Mean power of more than 5 Watts
« Time: 15-20 minutes

11. Contraindications

Pacemakers

Pregnancy

Tissue bleeding

Malignancy

Active tuberculosis

Active epiphyseal regions in children

Severe circulatory compromise

Deep X Ray therapy or other ionizing radiations (in the last
6 months)

Patients who are unable to comprehend the therapists
instructions

Metal in the tissues
Menstruation
Specialized tissues (e.g. eye and testes)

12. SWD vs. PSW

SWD PSW

Electromagnetic energy absorption

Thermal Non Thermal

1 molecular KE and heat + primary effects appears to be at
the cell membrane level €
transport of ions across the
membrane.

+ Cell ion binding properties

* Cell membrane potentials

+ Protein synthesis

+ cellular energy (ATP)

Enhance soft tissue healing

13. References

http:/Avww.electrotherapy.org/modalities/pswt.htm
http://sprunig.net/wp-content/uploads/Use-of-different-doses-of-
pulsed-short-waves-in-the-treatment-of-patients-with-osteoarthritis-
of-the-knee_2008.pdf

http:/Avww.healthcentre.org.uk/phy siotherapists/physiotherapist-
pulsed-shortwave-therapy. html