diathermy

Diathermy is a medical technique that uses high-frequency electrical energy to generate heat within body tissues. In rehabilitation and physical medicine, therapeutic diathermy aims to produce deep heating to improve tissue extensibility, circulation, and pain modulation. Clinically, two main forms are used: shortwave diathermy and microwave diathermy. Energy can be delivered with capacitive plates (dielectric heating) or with inductive coils (magnetic heating), enabling heating at different depths and through different tissue interactions. Surgical diathermy, by contrast, uses the same basic electrical principle to cut or coagulate tissue during operations and is performed in surgical suites with strict safety controls.

Ideal indications for therapeutic diathermy include reducing muscle spasm, increasing range of motion in stiff joints, and alleviating certain soft-tissue pains. Treatments typically last about 15 to 30 minutes and are often combined with stretching, manual therapy, or therapeutic exercise. The evidence for benefit varies by condition, and therapeutic diathermy is usually considered an adjunct rather than a stand-alone treatment. Practitioners monitor tissue temperature to minimize risks and adjust power settings to patient comfort.

Safety and contraindications: diathermy should be used only by trained professionals. Absolute contraindications commonly include pregnancy in the treatment area, implanted electronic devices (such as pacemakers) or certain metal implants near the treatment site, damaged skin, active infection, and known malignancy in the area. Cautions include impaired sensation, obesity, excessive skin moisture, and proximity to the eyes or genitalia. Risks include burns from overheating and unintended heating of adjacent tissues. Proper technique, equipment maintenance, patient feedback, and adherence to guidelines are essential.