Shortwave Diathermy Research Articles

Management of frozen shoulder: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Frozen shoulder is condition in which movement of the shoulder becomes restricted. It can be described as either primary (idiopathic) whereby the aetiology is unknown, or secondary, when it can be attributed to another cause. It is commonly a self-limiting condition, of approximately 1 to 3 years' duration, though incomplete resolution can occur.To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatments for primary frozen shoulder, identify the most appropriate intervention by stage of condition and highlight any gaps in the evidence.A systematic review was conducted. Nineteen databases and other sources including the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Science Citation Index, BIOSIS Previews and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) were searched up to March 2010 and EMBASE and MEDLINE up to January 2011, without language restrictions. MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched in June 2010 for studies of patients' views about treatment.Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating physical therapies, arthrographic distension, steroid injection, sodium hyaluronate injection, manipulation under anaesthesia, capsular release or watchful waiting, alone or in combination were eligible for inclusion. Patients with primary frozen shoulder (with or without diabetes) were included. Quasi-experimental studies were included in the absence of RCTs and case series for manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) and capsular release only. Full economic evaluations meeting the intervention and population inclusion criteria of the clinical review were included. Two researchers independently screened studies for relevance based on the inclusion criteria. One reviewer extracted data and assessed study quality; this was checked by a second reviewer. The main outcomes of interest were pain, range of movement, function and disability, quality of life and adverse events. The analysis comprised a narrative synthesis and pair-wise meta-analysis. A mixed-treatment comparison (MTC) was also undertaken. An economic decision model was intended, but was found to be implausible because of a lack of available evidence. Resource use was estimated from clinical advisors and combined with quality-adjusted life-years obtained through mapping to present tentative cost-effectiveness results.Thirty-one clinical effectiveness studies and one economic evaluation were included. The clinical effectiveness studies evaluated steroid injection, sodium hyaluronate, supervised neglect, physical therapy (mainly physiotherapy), acupuncture, MUA, distension and capsular release. Many of the studies identified were at high risk of bias. Because of variation in the interventions and comparators few studies could be pooled in a meta-analysis. Based on single RCTs, and for some outcomes only, short-wave diathermy may be more effective than home exercise. High-grade mobilisation may be more effective than low-grade mobilisation in a population in which most patients have already had treatment. Data from two RCTs showed that there may be benefit from adding a single intra-articular steroid injection to home exercise in patients with frozen shoulder of < 6 months' duration. The same two trials showed that there may be benefit from adding physiotherapy (including mobilisation) to a single steroid injection. Based on a network of nine studies the MTC found that steroid combined with physiotherapy was the only treatment showing a statistically and clinically significant beneficial treatment effect compared with placebo for short-term pain (standardised mean difference -1.58, 95% credible interval -2.96 to -0.42). This analysis was based on only a subset of the evidence, which may explain why the findings are only partly supportive of the main analysis. No studies of patients' views about the treatments were identified. Average costs ranged from £36.16 for unguided steroid injections to £2204 for capsular release. The findings of the mapping suggest a positive relationship between outcome and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) score: a decreasing visual analogue scale score (less pain) was accompanied by an increasing (better) EQ-5D score. The one published economic evaluation suggested that low-grade mobilisation may be more cost-effective than high-grade mobilisation. Our tentative cost-effectiveness analysis suggested that steroid alone may be more cost-effective than steroid plus physiotherapy or physiotherapy alone. These results are very uncertain.The key limitation was the lack of data available. It was not possible to undertake the planned synthesis exploring the influence of stage of frozen shoulder or the presence of diabetes on treatment effect. As a result of study diversity and poor reporting of outcome data there were few instances where the planned quantitative synthesis was possible or appropriate. Most of the included studies had a small number of participants and may have been underpowered. The lack of available data made the development of a decision-analytic model implausible. We found little evidence on treatment related to stage of condition, treatment pathways, the impact on quality of life, associated resource use and no information on utilities. Without making a number of questionable assumptions modelling was not possible.There was limited clinical evidence on the effectiveness of treatments for primary frozen shoulder. The economic evidence was so limited that no conclusions can be made about the cost-effectiveness of the different treatments. High-quality primary research is required.

ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS FOR TENNIS ELBOW OR LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS: A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Lateral Epicondylitis (LE) or tennis elbow is a pai nful and functionally limiting entity affecting the upper limb and hand. The lack of sufficient underst anding regarding its pathophysiology has led to a large number of treatment approaches in physiothera py practice including electrotherapeutic interventions. In the current review we evaluated r ecent trials and reviews of electrotherapeutic interventions for LE treatment for evidence support ing their use. For this purpose, a review of the literature on the effectiveness of low level laser therapy, ultrasound, phonophoresis, shortwave diathermy, electromagnetic field therapy, iontophor esis and extracorporeal shock wave therapy for LE was carried out. In conclusion, the literature to d ate has assessed the effect of a range of electrotherapeutic interventions on various outcome s for LE. At present, use of selected electrotherapeutic intervention with stretching/str engthening exercises are indicated. At this time, i n the light of literature, none of the currently used electrotherapeutic intervention can be refuted in the treatment of LE.

High resolution ultrasound evaluation of synovial thickness as a marker to assess response to deep tissue heating for pain relief in knee osteoarthritis

<b>Background:</b> High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) is a useful tool in assessing synovial tissue response to deep tissue heating (DTH)/short wave diathermy (SWD) for pain relief in knee osteoarthritis. Shortwave (SW) diathermy can be used to improve vascular circulation and reduce inflammation and pain in patients with osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of ultrasound in investigating whether repetitive SW diathermy, could reduce synovial thickening in patients with knee osteoarthritis. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Synovial thickness measurement of superior, medial, and lateral patellar recesses was done using ultrasonography over a span of nineteen months from April 2010 to Nov 2011 following three sessions of short wave diathermy. The sum of these three measurements was taken as the total synovial thickness and pre and post test analysis was done using primer statistical software. <b>Result:</b> Synovial thickening continued to become significantly thinner with sessions of treatment and after the twelfth SW diathermy treatment, there was 20.58% reduction in the synovial thickening. <b>Conclusion:</b> Synovial thickness is a sensitive marker in gauging the response to short wave diathermy therapy. Synovial thickness is an objective marker to assess pain relief in knee osteoarthritis following deep tissue heating.

Clinical Evaluation of Dental Metal Hazards and Therapeutic Effects of Shortwave Diathermy in Dental Medicine

ABSTRACT Objective Shortwave diathermy causes increase in temperature from deep inside the body, results in upregulation of metabolism, and has analgesic effects. In this study, we explored the potential application of shortwave diathermy in the maxillofacial region by monitoring internal and external temperature changes, changes in blood flow, and resting saliva secretion under shortwave diathermy for subjects with and without dental metal restorations (MR) to confirm the safety and the limitation of shortwave diathermy for dental medicine. Materials and methods Twenty young healthy subjects were recruited (10 subjects with MR and 10 subjects without MR). Shortwave exposure was achieved with condenser-type probes placed on the bilateral mandibular angles, and the intraoral temperature was monitored. For functional analysis, unstimulated whole saliva before and after exposure was collected. The temperature and blood flow distributions of the exposed areas were then monitored by thermography and twodimensional (2D) laser Doppler flowmetry. Results Shortwave exposure for 20 minutes induced significant temperature increases in all groups (p ≤ 0.05). The subjects reported no discomfort. When subjects without MR held gold or titanium crowns in their mouths, the thermal effect by shortwave diathermy was reduced. Resting saliva upon exposure only increased significantly in metal-free subjects, and amylase concentration was also increased, but the level of the salivary stress biomarker chromogranin A was unchanged. Furthermore, thermography showed that shortwave diathermy significantly increased the surface temperature for cheek skin and the buccal mucosa; however, this increase failed to elevate surface blood flow. Conclusion Shortwave diathermy induces temperature increases in the maxillofacial region. MR did not cause excessive heating, on the contrary, reduce the thermal effect of shortwave radiation. The temperature rise maintains upregulation in salivary function, which could be utilized safely in dental medicine. How to cite this article Mukai C, Nakamoto T, Kondo Y, Masaki C, Ohta A, Hosokawa R. Clinical Evaluation of Dental Metal Hazards and Therapeutic Effects of Shortwave Diathermy in Dental Medicine. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2012;2(3): 88-95.

Patellar Tendinopathy: A Physiotherapist’s Perspective

The pathology of patellar tendinopathy and the mechanisms of pain are poorly understood. The most popular treatment modality is the Eccentric overload Exercise. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend a specific protocol and yet it is the most commonly used treatment modality. The aim of this case study is to present the possible mechanisms of pain and a treatment approach on a patient who was diagnosed as having patellar tendinopathy. It is suggested that hyper extension of the knee might be the source of patellar tendon pain in this patient. Following a course of pulsed short wave diathermy the patient was symptom free and remained so at 6 month review. Further studies to evaluate effectiveness of pulsed short wave diathermy is suggested.

Short wave diathermy in the symptomatic management of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease pain: A randomized controlled trial

Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) refers to both residue of acute and sub-acute recurrence of a previous infection or/and as a result of late detection of and intervention for upper tract pelvic infection. Owing to the chronic nature of the disease, which may require large doses of analgesics and/or antibiotics both of which may have side effects on the body, there is a need for a non-invasive therapeutic and symptomatic chronic pain management. The main purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of short wave diathermy (SWD) in the symptomatic management of chronic PID pain. An independent group; double blind random assignment design was used in data collection. A total of 32 subjects diagnosed as chronic PID patients referred for physiotherapy were randomly assigned to three (SWD, control and analgesic) groups. The SWD group received antibiotics, placebo (sham analgesic) tablets and SWD using the crossfire technique for an average of 15 exposures lasting for 20 minutes on alternate days of the week. Other groups; Analgesic group received antibiotics, Analgesics and sham SWD; while the control group received antibiotics, sham SWD and placebo tablets. The study lasted for a period of 30 days. Findings of the study revealed significant effect of SWD over analgesic and control in pain responses and resolution of inflammation at p < 0.05. It was concluded that SWD may be an effective and non invasive therapy in the management of chronic PID pain.

Efeito da crioterapia e termoterapia associados ao alongamento estático na flexibilidade dos músculos isquiotibiais

The objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of cryotherapy and muscular warming on the flexibility of the hamstring muscles associated with three minutes of static stretching. Forty young male and female volunteers were randomly included in one of four groups: Group 1 – Control group, Group 2 – Three minutes of static stretching, Group 3 – Stretching preceded by warming using shortwave diathermy (20 minutes), and Group 4 – Stretching preceded by applying cryotherapy (20 minutes) to the posterior thigh region. The program consisted of three series of stretching during five consecutive days and flexibility was assessed by goniometric evaluations of the extensor angle of the knee at the beginning of the protocol, at the end of the day and at the end of the protocol. The intergroup comparison was made through ANOVA post-hoc Tukey and the intragroup by paired t test, all with 5% level of significance. The three experimental groups significantly increased their range of motion in relation to the control group. However, differences were not observed among groups submitted to the different stretching programs. In conclusion, increases in flexibility were due to stretching and did not depend on previous application of hyperthermia and/or hypothermia.

Efeito da crioterapia e termoterapia associados ao alongamento estático na flexibilidade dos músculos isquiotibiais

The objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of cryotherapy and muscular warming on the flexibility of the hamstring muscles associated with three minutes of static stretching. Forty young male and female volunteers were randomly included in one of four groups: Group 1 – Control group, Group 2 – Three minutes of static stretching, Group 3 – Stretching preceded by warming using shortwave diathermy (20 minutes), and Group 4 – Stretching preceded by applying cryotherapy (20 minutes) to the posterior thigh region. The program consisted of three series of stretching during five consecutive days and flexibility was assessed by goniometric evaluations of the extensor angle of the knee at the beginning of the protocol, at the end of the day and at the end of the protocol. The intergroup comparison was made through ANOVA post-hoc Tukey and the intragroup by paired t test, all with 5% level of significance. The three experimental groups significantly increased their range of motion in relation to the control group. However, differences were not observed among groups submitted to the different stretching programs. In conclusion, increases in flexibility were due to stretching and did not depend on previous application of hyperthermia and/or hypothermia.

Efficacy of ice and shortwave diathermy in the management of osteoarthritis on the knee - A preliminary

This study was designed to compare the effects of shortwave diathermy (SWD) and ice on pain, range of motion and function in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Subjects were fourteen patients (4 males and 10 females) aged 40-70years diagnosed as having OA of the knee. Subjects were assigned into either the SWD or ice treatment groups, as they became available. All subjects received routine adjunct therapeutic exercises, were excluded from analgesic drugs and were treated thrice weekly during the four-week duration of the study. Subjects were assessed at the beginning and end of the study for pain, range of motion (ROM) and function using visual analog scale, universal goniometer and functional index questionnaire respectively. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics of means and standard deviation and inferential statistics of independent and paired t-tests. Results showed that while the subjects in the SWD group had significantly greater ROM and function than the ice group at the beginning of the study, both groups were not statistically significantly different on all dependent variables at the end of the study. Paired t-test also indicated that the ice group improved significantly on all three dependent variables while the SWD group improved significantly in pain and ROM only. The improvements in pain, ROM and function effected by SWD and ice were however not significantly different. It was concluded that SWD and ice are equally effective on OA of the knee and that ice can be substituted for SWD in the treatment of OA of the knee.

Physical Management of Patient with Osteoarthritis of Knee

Osteoarthritis (OA), is by far the most common form of arthritis. It shows a strong association with ageing and is a major cause of pain and disability in the elderly. Pathologically, it may be defined as a condition of synovial joints characterized by focal loss of articular hyaline cartilage with proliferation of new bone and remodelling of joint contour. Inflammation is not a prominent feature, OA preferentially targets the weight bearing joint mainly knee & hip. There is no single cause of OA; it results from a disparity between the stress applied to the articular cartilage and the ability of the cartilage to withstand that stress. The initial or early OA treatment aimed at relieve of pain, restoration of joint movement and rest of the joint with the support of analgesic and NSAIDS. Shortwave diathermy (SWD) and ultrasound therapy is also helpful in relieving pain and joint stiffness. For long term management full explanation of the nature of OA and advice and instruction on appropriate exercise program is essential. Reduction of any adverse mechanical factors - these includes weight loss if obese, shock -absorbing footwear, use of walking stick or walker. DOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v2i2.4770 BSMMU J 2009; 2(2): 95-98

Chiropractic management of a 5-year-old boy with urinary and bowel incontinence

Objective The purpose of this article is to describe chiropractic management of a 5-year-old boy with urinary and bowel incontinence. Clinical Features A 5-year-old boy presented with the primary symptoms of a complete lack of bowel and bladder control with prior surgical correction for lumbar meningocele, spinal lipoma, and tethered spinal cord. Examination revealed spinal and pelvic dysfunction. Intervention and Outcome Chiropractic treatment methods included using the Activator adjusting instrument and shortwave diathermy to the lumbar spine and sacrum. A total of 5 treatments were initially provided over a period of 4 weeks. After the initial treatment period, he was able to maintain satisfactory control of his bladder and bowel, day and night, for a period of approximately 6 months. A second course of treatments was initiated approximately 6 months later because of a recurrence of bladder and bowel incontinence. Four additional treatments were provided over a period of 4 weeks. This second course of treatment reestablished satisfactory control of bladder and bowel function. Conclusion For this patient, chiropractic care was successful in establishing satisfactory bladder and bowel control.

Estudio Delphi sobre terminología vinculada a electroterapia entre profesores de la materia

A Delphi study regarding whether a series of terms should be linked to the conceptual framework of electrotherapy. To do so, national experts who teach this subject in the Spanish Universities were contacted. Based on the results obtained, we have found terms in which there is almost complete consensus: TENS, Inteferential Current, Diadynamic Current, Träbert Current, Microcurrent, Ultrasound, Phonophoresis, Shockwave or Ultraviolet Therapy. On the other hand, consensus is lacking on whether the following terms belong within electrotherapy terminology: Iontophoresis, Shortwave and Microwave Diathermy, Magnetic Therapy, Laser or Infrared radiation. Thus, there are two situations that make it necessary for us to adequately clarify what is the conception framework of electrotherapy.

February 2010 Errata

Addition to the conflict of interest in an article published in September 2006 and addition of an abstract to the CSM Sports Physical Therapy Section platform presentation abstracts published in January 2010 of the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy: Seiger C, Draper DO. Use of pulsed shortwave diathermy and joint mobilizations to increase ankle range of motion in the presence of surgical implanted metal: a case series. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2006;36(9):669–677. doi:10.2519/jospt.2006.2198 CSM 2010 Sports Physical Therapy Section Abstracts: Platform Presentations SPL1-SPL27. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009;40(1):A40-A51. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(2):122. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.40.2.122

The effect of a group education programme on pain and function through knowledge acquisition and home-based exercise among patients with knee osteoarthritis: A parallel randomised single-blind clinical trial

Objectives To assess the effect of a group education programme on pain and function through knowledge acquisition and a home-based exercise programme. Design A parallel randomised single-blind clinical trial. Participants Fifty patients aged 65 years or over with knee osteoarthritis. Interventions The study group ( n = 25) was given a group education programme once a week for 4 weeks, followed by a self-executed home-based exercise programme. The controls ( n = 25) were given a brief course in short-wave diathermy treatment. Main outcome measures Patients were assessed before the intervention, after the intervention (4 weeks) and again 8 weeks later (follow-up) using the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the repeated sit-to-stand test and the get-up-and-go test. Results At 4 weeks, there was a significant improvement in both groups in all outcome variables except the WOMAC stiffness score; for example, the WOMAC total score was reduced by a mean of 9.5 points [95% confidence interval (CI) −12.3 to −6.7]. However, at follow-up, patients in the study group demonstrated continued improvement in the get-up-and-go test and the WOMAC total, pain and disability scores, but no such improvement was noted among the controls. This difference was significant; for example, the difference in mean WOMAC total score between the groups was −9.0 points (95%CI −14.5 to −3.4). Conclusion A simple group education programme for patients with knee osteoarthritis is associated with improved functional abilities and pain reduction. Further study is required to determine if this positive effect can be maintained over a longer period.

Shortwave Diathermy and Joint Mobilizations for Postsurgical Restoration of Knee Motion

Shortwave Diathermy and Joint Mobilizations for Postsurgical Restoration of Knee Motion

Increased Range of Motion and Function in an Individual with Breast Cancer and Necrotizing Fasciitis—Manual Therapy and Pulsed Short-Wave Diathermy Treatment

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe soft tissue infection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia affecting those predisposed to immune system compromise. It is a life threatening condition; mortality can be reduced by rapid diagnosis, adequate early surgical debridement and antibiotic ointment. In this case report we present the use of manual therapy (MT) techniques, joint and soft tissue mobilization, following a regimen of pulsed short wave diathermy (PSWD) in the treatment of a woman 3 years post necrotizing fasciitis developed during chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. During her course of chemotherapy, she developed necrotizing fasciitis which was treated with extensive surgical debridement (8 linear feet of incisions) followed by debridement to both hips and the pelvis area. When we started working with her, we put her on a course of PSWD/MT. After six weeks of following this regimen, she gained 25° of external rotation in both her left and right hips, 15° of left hip flexion and 17° of right hip flexion. The patient gained 10° of right hip extension, yet there was no improvement in left hip extension. The treatments led to a dramatic reduction in pain and scarring from previous surgeries. The patient also returned to running.

Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy and Joint Mobilizations for Restoring Motion in a Patient with Adhesive Capsulitis: A Case Review

Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy and Joint Mobilizations for Restoring Motion in a Patient with Adhesive Capsulitis: <i>A Case Review</i>

Efficacy of Dynamic Muscular Stabilization Techniques (DMST) Over Conventional Techniques in Rehabilitation of Chronic Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) is a common health problems. Although it is multifactorial, its treatment varies considerably, including medication, physical therapy modalities, and exercise therapy, and each have several interventions. Despite their effectiveness, their head-to-head comparisons are limited. This study was aimed at 1 such comparison. A total of 30 hockey players, 18 to 28 years of age, with subacute or chronic LBP were randomly assigned equally in 2 groups. One group was treated with conventional treatment--a combination of 2 electrotherapies (ultrasound and short-wave diathermy) and 1 exercise therapy (lumbar strengthening exercises)--and the other group was treated with dynamic muscular stabilization techniques (DMST), an active approach of stabilizing training. The results showed that both the treatments are effective in the management of LBP, but DMST was found to be more effective than conventional treatment. The walking, stand ups, climbing, and pain improved 4.7, 2.0, 1.4, and 2.1 times, respectively, more with DMST than with conventional treatment. With time (days), walking, stand ups, climbing, and pain improved (correlation) significantly (p < 0.01) higher in DMST (r = 0.83 to 0.92) than in conventional treatment (r = 0.40 to 0.75), and their rate of improvement (regression beta coefficients) were also significantly (p < 0.01) higher in DMST (beta = -0.16 to 0.73) than in conventional treatment (beta = -0.07 to 0.15). Subjects matching were perfect (p < 0.01) and test-retest reliability of all dependent variables was significantly (p < 0.01) high (intraclass correlation coefficient approximately 1). No major adverse effects were recorded in any of the patients in either group. This study concluded that for early recovery, DMST is more suitable than conventional treatment.

Efficacy of two multimodal treatments on physical strength of occupationally subgrouped male with low back pain

Some occupations are more prone to low back pain (LBP) due to their static work postures and work place design. Multidisciplinary pain programs have shown their effectiveness in the management of LBP in general population but which treatment and which segment of the population will be benefited more was not investigated yet. This study determines the effect of two treatment protocols on five occupationally subgrouped male LBP patients. A total of 102 occupational male, 20-40 yrs of age, with sub-acute or chronic nonspecific LBP were randomized and treated either with conventional treatment a combination of two electrotherapy (ultrasound and short wave diathermy) and one exercise therapy (lumbar strengthening exercises) or dynamic muscular stabilization techniques (DMST) an active approach of stabilizing training. At the end of the treatment, subjects of both the groups were further stratified in five subgroups on the basis of their occupation. The pain was the primary outcome measure while physical strength [back pressure changes (BPC) and abdominal pressure changes (APC)] the secondary. The Pain, BPC and APC of all subgroups improved significantly (P < 0.01) in the both treatments but more in DMST. For each variable, improvement in subgroups differed within and between the treatments. Overall improvement in all assessed variables were evident on Desk workers followed by Shop keepers the most while BPC of Movement job, APC of Others and Pain of Sedentary and Shop keepers improved the least. Study concluded that for the management of occupational LBP, DMST is more effective than conventional treatment. The Pain of Sedentary and Shopkeepers and physical strength of Movement job and Others may need more clinical attention. Findings of this study may be helpful in the management of occupational LBP.

Exposure of non‐target tissues in medical diathermy

With different prevalence in different regions, radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) are widely used for therapeutic tissue heating. Although short-wave diathermy (27.12 MHz) is the most popular treatment modality, quantitative data on patient's exposure have been lacking. By numerical simulation with the numerical anatomical model NORMAN, intracorporal distributions of specific absorption rates (SAR) were investigated for different treatment scenarios and applicators. Quantitative data are provided for exposures of target treatment areas as well as for vulnerable regions such as the eye lenses, central nervous system, and testes. Different applicators and distances were investigated. Capacitive and inductive applicators exhibit quite a different heating efficiency. It could be shown that for the same output power therapeutic heat deposition can vary by almost one order of magnitude. By mimicking therapist's practice to use patient's heat perception as an indicator for output power setting, numerical data were elaborated demonstrating that muscle tissue exposures may be several times higher for inductive than for capacitive applicators. Presented quantitative data serve as a guide for power adjustment preventing relevant overexposures without compromising therapy; they also provide a basis for estimating target tissue heat load and developing therapeutic guidelines.