Shortwave Diathermy Treatment Research Articles

Thermovision assessment of temperature changes in selected body areas after short-wave diathermy treatment

The aim of this study is to provide the thermal imaging assessment of local and general surface temperature changes after short-wave diathermy treatment. The study group consisted of 26 women aged 19–24. The correct functioning of the thermoregulation system was determined by means of cold pressor and orthostatic tests. The subjects underwent short-wave diathermy treatment in the area of the right knee joint, and the body’s response was determined by thermovision using a ThermaCAM P640 thermal imaging camera manufactured by FLIR. Curves were recorded in a digital form (images with a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels) and analyzed with ThermaCAM ReporterTM software. In people with a properly functioning thermoregulation system, the short-wave diathermy treatment statistically significantly increased the body surface temperature on the posterior surface of the knee joint. On the front side, the surface temperature decreased. There were no changes in surface temperature in the other areas of the body studied. The results of thermal imaging studies confirmed the local nature of the action of short-wave diathermy. The recommendation to use a physical procedure should be preceded by an assessment of the body’s thermoregulation system level of function. Reactions to the prescribed physical treatment may be different in people with a disturbed autonomic system.

Comparison of spinal manipulation and short-wave diathermy on patients with chronic postural low back pain, in department of physical medicine at teaching hospital, Kandy, Sri Lanka

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Chronic postural low back pain (CPLBP) is one of the common health problems worldwide. The aim of the study was to compare the spinal manipulation (SM) and short-wave diathermy (SWD) in patients with CPLBP in department of physical medicine at teaching hospital, Kandy, Sri Lanka.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Observational study was conducted. Patients diagnosed as CPLBP, who referred to the department of physical medicine (DPM), teaching hospital Kandy, were observed in the study (n=140). Seventy (70) patients were allocated for SWD and 70 for SM by the consultant. Two physiotherapists were routinely appointed for the treatments and SWD treatment by group 1 and SM was carried out by group 2. The two treatment sessions were continued once a week through four weeks. Outcomes were measured by numerical pain scale to compare with initial pain.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Group 1, SM consisted 39 females and 31 males, group 2, SWD 40 females and 30 males. After 4 sessions, the mean value of pain reduction from initial pain was significantly high (p<0.001) in SM group than the short-wave diathermy group in both genders. (Female: 6.410 (SM) and 4.625 (SWD), Male:6.710 (SM) and 4.333 (SWD). Further the mean values showed that there was a significant pain reduction during the initial treatment session than 2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup>and final sessions in both treatment groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pain reduction was more pronounced in the first treatment session in both methods. SM is more effective for the treatment of CPLBP irrespectively the age and gender when compare to the SWD in the study population. Therefore, SM could apply on CPLBP patients with higher effective treatment.</p>

Efficacy and safety of short-wave diathermy treatment for moderate COVID-19 patients: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study.

Millions of human beings have suffered in the epidemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but until now the effective treatment methods have been limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-wave diathermy (SWD) treatment for moderate COVID-19 patients. A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study. Inpatients Unit of a COVID-19 specialized hospital. Forty-two patients with moderate COVID-19 were randomly allocated at a 2:1 ratio to two groups: the SWD group and the control group. Participants of the SWD group received SWD treatment, and participants of the control group received placebo SWD treatment for one session per day, 10 minutes per session, for no more than 14 days. Both groups were given standard care treatment. Primary outcome was the rate of clinical improvement according to a seven-category ordinal scale. Secondary outcomes included the rate of computed tomography (CT) improvement and the rate of potential adverse events. Clinical improvement occurred in 92.6% of patients in the SWD group by day 14 compared with 69.2% of patients in the control group (P=0.001). The Cox model indicated that the SWD group had a higher clinical improvement probability than the control group (hazard ratio: 3.045; 95% CI: 1.391-6.666; P=0.005). Similarly, CT improvement occurred in 85.2% of patients in the SWD group and 46.2% of patients in the control group respectively by day 14 (P=0.001). The Cox model indicated SWD group had a higher CT improvement probability than control group (hazard ratio: 3.720; 95% CI: 1.486-9.311; P=0.005). There was no significant difference in adverse events between the SWD group and the control group (2 of 27 [7.4%] SWD vs. 1 of 13 [7.7%] control, P=1.000), the most frequent of which were headache (1 of 27 [3.7%] SWD vs. 1 of 13 [7.7%] control patients) and dizziness (1 of 27 [3.7%] SWD vs. 0 of 13 [0%] control patients). SWD is a valid and reliable adjuvant therapy with a favorable safety profile for moderate COVID-19 patients. Clinically relevant information is lacking regarding the efficacy and safety of SWD for patients with COVID-19. This study provides the first evidence that SWD is a promising adjuvant therapy for COVID-19.

The Effect of Short-Wave Diathermy and Exercise on Depressive Affect in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients.

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare exercise, continuous short-wave diathermy (SWD) and intermittent SWD treatment modalities and to evaluate the effects of these treatments on chronic back pain and depression.Methods:This study is an intervention trial which evaluated patients who applied to our clinic due to chronic low back pain between 2008-2009. The study group consisted of 90 patients between the ages of 40-65 who had had low back pain for more than 6 months. The patients were randomized into three groups. The first group received placebo short-wave diathermy, the second group received continuous short-wave diathermy, and the third group received pulsed short-wave diathermy. Pain was evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Pain Disability Index (PDI).The Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire Form was used for the measurement of functional deficiency and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used for the evaluation of depression.All scales were performed before the treatment, immediately after treatment and 3 months after treatment.Results:Significant decreases in PDI and VAS scores were found in all groups (p<0.05 for each). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in all groups in terms of functional deficiency(p<0.001 for each), while no differences were found between groups (p = 0.895). In terms of BDI scores, there was no improvement in those receiving only exercise, while Group 2 and 3 had significant improvements (p <0.05). When groups were compared for BDI scores, no differences were found between any of the groups (p = 0.189).Conclusion:Continuous SWD treatment with exercise was found to be more effective in reducing pain in patients with chronic low back pain than other treatment modalities used in our study. Although there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of depressive mood, it was found that those receiving continuous and pulsed SWD treatment had significant improvements in depression as measured by the BDI.

The Effect of Exercise and Shortwave Diathermy Treatment on the Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

The Effect of Exercise and Shortwave Diathermy Treatment on the Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

The Effect of Shortwave Diathermy Treatment on Muscle Power in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of shortwave diathermy therapy combined with exercise on lumbar muscle strength. Patients and methods: Our study was an interventional study involving 90 patients with chronic low back pain who were admitted to our clinic between 2007-2008. Patients were randomized into 3 groups (each group had 30 patients). The same exercise programs were given to all groups. Patients in the first group were applied placebo shortwave diathermy treatment, the second group was applied continuous shortwave diathermy and the third group received pulsed shortwave diathermy. Isokinetic muscle strength measurements of the patients were performed before and three months after the treatment. Results: In our study, the only significant difference observed between the groups was in isometric flexion strength and interestingly the first group had higher improvement compared to the other groups. In regard to within group comparisons, Group 1 was found to have significant improvements in strengths for:isometric flexion, isokinetic flexion (60°/sec and 120°/sec), isokinetic extension (60°/sec and 120°/sec). Group 2 had significant improvements in isokinetic flexion and extension (60°/sec) and also isokinetic extension (120°/sec). In Group 3, none of the improvements were found to be significant. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there are no significant differences between exercise therapy alone and exercise therapy in combination with diathermy (either continuous or pulsed) in terms of their effects on lumbar muscle strength, even though marginal differences in some of the measurements were observed.

Effects of Athermal Shortwave Diathermy Treatment on Somatosensory Evoked Potentials and Motor Evoked Potentials in Rats With Spinal Cord Injury.

A study on shortwave diathermy (SWD) versus no treatment following induced spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. To investigate the effects of athermal SWD treatment on somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and hindlimb movements in rats with SCI. SWD has been proven to improve vascular circulation and reduce inflammation. However, there have been few studies on neuroprotective effect of SWD on SCI. Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, SCI, SWD, and intact groups. The SCI model was established using the modified Allen weight-drop method. The SWD group received 15 sessions of athermal SWD treatment over a 3-week period of time at 24 hours after SCI. While the sham group and SCI group received no treatment after surgery. Hindlimb movements were evaluated by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale before surgery, and on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 after the surgery, respectively. The SEP and MEP measurements were simultaneously performed to detect the responses of neural conduction. The week-by-week BBB scores showed a gradual improvement in the rats of both SCI and SWD groups from the first week to the end of the study; however, the BBB scores of the SWD group were higher than those of the SCI group over the course of 3 weeks. Data from the SEP and MEP measurements showed a significant improvement in the SWD group compared with the SCI group at each time point of observation, with a more prominent increase of amplitude and a more evident reduction of latency. There was a linear correlation between the BBB scores and the latency and amplitude of SEPs or MEPs. Athermal SWD treatment might facilitate the recovery of locomotor function and exert neuroprotective effect on the SCI. N/A.

Short-term effectiveness of short-wave diathermy treatment on pain, clinical symptoms, and hand function in patients with mild or moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

We determined the effects of short-wave diathermy (SWD) treatment on mild and moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. The study involved 58 wrists in 31 patients diagnosed clinically and electrophysiologically with mild and moderate CTS. They were assigned randomly to one of two groups. Group 1 received a hot pack, SWD, and nerve and tendon gliding exercises and Group 2 received a hot pack, placebo SWD, and nerve and tendon gliding exercises. The treatment was applied five times weekly for a total of 15 sessions. Patients were evaluated using the Tinel test, Phalen test, carpal compression test, reverse Phalen test, carpal tunnel compression test, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), Functional Status Scale (FSS), and a visual analog scale (VAS). Clinical tests and scales were evaluated at the beginning and end of therapy. In the SWD group, in the Tinel test, Phalen test, reverse Phalen test, carpal compression test, VAS, BCTQ-FSS, and BCTQ-SSS, statistically significant improvements were detected (p < 0.001). In the placebo group, although improvements were seen in all parameters, the results were not statistically significantly different (p > 0.05) from baseline. All parameters improved significantly in the SWD group versus the controls (p < 0.05). SWD provided short-term improvements in pain, clinical symptoms, and hand function in patients with mild and moderate CTS.

Comparison of the Short-Term Effectiveness of Short-Wave Diathermy Treatment in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Comparison of the Short-Term Effectiveness of Short-Wave Diathermy Treatment in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of a Single Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy Treatment on Extensibility of the Hamstrings

Context:Lack of extensibility of the hamstrings is manifested by a restricion of knee extension range of motion.Objective:To quantify the effect of a single pulsed shortwave diathermy treatment on extensibility of the hamstrings.Participants:Twenty volunteers with tight hamstrings (&lt; 150° of active knee extension).Intervention:Subjects were randomly allocated to receive either a pulsed shortwave diathermy treatment (experimental group) or a simulated pulsed shortwave diathermy treatment that did not produce a deep tissue heating effect.Main Outcome Measurements:Measurements of active and passive range of movement were recorded before and after the treatment, as well as the subjective level of discomfort perceived during the passive stretching.Results:No statistically signifcant differences were found.Conclusion:A single pulsed shortwave diathermy treatment, without stretching, did not increase hamstring extensibility.

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.

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.

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.

Effect of pulsed short-wave diathermy on pain and function of subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee: a placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial

To examine the effects of pulsed short-wave diathermy (PSWD), delivered at an intensity sufficient to induce a thermal sensation and at an athermal intensity, in comparison with a placebo short-wave diathermy treatment, on reported pain, stiffness and functional ability and on mobility performance of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. A placebo-controlled double-blind trial with sequential allocation of patients to different treatment groups. Outpatient physiotherapy department. One hundred and three consecutive patients, mean age 73.7 (+/-6.6) years with osteoarthritis of one or both knees for at least three months. All participants received three 20-min-long treatments per week for three weeks. One group received PSWD with mean power of 18 W (thermal effect), one group received PSWD with mean power of 1.8 W (athermal effect), and one group received sham short-wave diathermy treatment. Patients were assessed before the initial treatment, immediately following the last treatment, and at a three-month follow-up. Outcome measures included the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, which assessed reported pain, stiffness, and functional ability, and four measures of mobility performance: Timed Get Up and Go test (TGUG), stair-climbing, stair, descending and a 3-min walk. A difference across time was observed for the pain and stiffness categories of the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index (p = 0.033 and p = 0.008, respectively), with no differences between groups. No other significant differences across time or between groups were observed in any of the other measures. The findings do not demonstrate pulsed short-wave diathermy, as it is utilized in clinical settings, to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Contra-indications to shortwave diathermy: survey of Irish physiotherapists

Background and purpose Minimal research has been completed on contra-indications to electrotherapy, but one study has reported that a large percentage of adverse effects occurred due to shortwave diathermy application. Since most contra-indications are primarily based on a common-sense approach rather than on evidence-based practice, it was decided to examine the level of agreement among physiotherapists in Ireland on the contra-indications to continuous and pulsed shortwave diathermy. Methods A questionnaire survey was carried out in all Irish hospital-based physiotherapy departments that use shortwave diathermy (41 departments). The participants were physiotherapists with 3 or more years post-qualification experience, working in these departments (74 respondents). They were asked to categorise 35 symptoms or conditions as either ‘always’, ‘sometimes’, or ‘never’ contra-indicated, or ‘don’t know’ whether contra-indicated for both continuous and pulsed shortwave diathermy. Results There was a 75% response rate to the study. Good (>90%) agreement was found among respondents for traditional contra-indications to both continuous shortwave diathermy (metal implants, pacemakers, malignancy, tuberculous joints, over the eyes) and pulsed shortwave diathermy (malignancy and pacemakers). Higher levels of agreement were evident in the continuous shortwave diathermy section compared to pulsed shortwave diathermy. The use of pulsed shortwave diathermy where metal implants were present and in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis were considered to be priority areas for future research. Conclusions For safe and effective shortwave diathermy treatment, physiotherapists should be aware of all conditions or symptoms that contra-indicate treatment. Overall a lack of research-based evidence was found regarding most contra-indications to treatment.

Contraindications To Continuous And Pulsed Short-wave Diathermy

The application of electrophysical agents is one of the core treatment techniques used by physiotherapists. The decision to utilize a particular modality is based on the physical and physiological effects of that modality. In order to apply treatment safely, physiotherapists must also be aware of contraindications towards the use of such equipment. Current electrotherapy texts provide only broad contraindications to short-wave diathermy (SWD) treatment, and information to deal with specific scenarios is often lacking. A list encompassing all cited contraindications has, therefore, been drawn up, and the rationale behind their exclusion from treatment discussed. The information derived from this review is expected to be of value to practising physiotherapists and undergraduate students when selecting appropriate electrotherapeutic intervention.

Ultrasound, shortwave diathermy and laser treatment 2: an exploratory interview study

The nature and use of electrotherapy has changed considerablyover recentyears, with the introduction of new agents and modification of the old (see Vol. 2(8) 1995, p.423). This second part of this article reports an interview study which examines in depth the current use of ultrasound, shortwave diathermy and laser treatment in the management of soft tissue lesions, and identifies factors which affect selection of both agent and dosage.

Ultrasound, shortwave diathermy and laser treatment 1: clinical uses

The nature and use of electrotherapy has changed considerably over recent years, with the introduction of new agents and modification of the old. This article discusses the factors which may influence the selection of electrotherapy treatment in everyday practice, and examines the literature which has evaluated the clinical use of electrotherapy internationally.

Treatment of low back pain : Gibson T., Grahame R., Harkness J., Woo P., Blagrave P. and Hills R. (1985) Controlled comparison of short-wave diathermy treatment with osteopathic treatment in non-specific low back pain. Lanceti, 1258

Treatment of low back pain : Gibson T., Grahame R., Harkness J., Woo P., Blagrave P. and Hills R. (1985) Controlled comparison of short-wave diathermy treatment with osteopathic treatment in non-specific low back pain. Lanceti, 1258

XXXX syndrome: case report, and a note on genetic counselling and fertility.

The 19th reported case of the XXXX syndrome is described. The possibility that short-wave diathermy treatment given to the mother around the time of conception may have been the cause of the condition is considered. Implications for genetic counselling in the XXXX syndrome are discussed. Data on the ovarian function of 11 pubertal and post-pubertal XXXX females are tabulated, and it is suggested that fertility is probably considerably reduced.