Diathermy Machine: Work, Types, Benefits & Risks

Technological innovation in medicine enhances patient care, treatment plans, and more. One fine example of this ever-evolving field is the Diathermy Machine. These machines are paramount in improving patient care for medical practitioners and institutions.

This medical device uses electromagnetic waves or heat to stimulate deep body tissues for physical therapy and surgical procedures. But what is a diathermy machine? How does it help your patients? Are there any risks associated with it?

This blog covers everything there is to know about diathermy machines and therapy, their types, and more.

What Is a Diathermy Machine?

Entomologically, the term Diathermy is derived from the Greek words "dia," meaning ", and "they," meaning" the heat." Medically speaking, Diathermy is a therapeutic treatment commonly prescribed by medical practitioners worldwide for muscle and joint conditions performed with the help of a diathermy machine.

So, the next question is, "What is a diathermy machine's role, and how does it help?"

Using a high-frequency electric current, the machine generates heat deep within a specific body part. This heat can improve blood flow, relieve pain, and promote tissue healing, making Diathermy a helpful treatment in physical therapy and surgery. This heat is distinctive and generally can penetrate through deep tissues without overheating the surface tissues.

Types Of Diathermy Machine

Now that we know what a diathermy machine is, it is also vital to know that with the evolution in technology, different diathermy machine types serve various functions in treatment. Knowing their specific application as a medical practitioner will give you an edge and insight into the right equipment for your clinic or medical institution.

Based on applications and mechanisms, 3 main types of Diathermy machines are available today.

Shortwave Diathermy Machine

Shortwave Diathermy is a type of machine that produces high-frequency waves, typically ranging between 3-30 MHz. This frequency allows for deeper penetration into the deep tissues of your body than any other type of these machines. These specific applications allow for in-depth target penetration into muscles, joints, and deeper structures effectively.

Shortwave Diathermy Machine Uses

Some common uses of diathermy machines include treating deep-seated conditions like arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, capsulitis, periostitis, and muscle spasms and strains.

Shortwave diathermy applications also include effective treatment of large-scale areas such as inflammation in joints and tissue and localised musculoskeletal pains—pain in muscles, bones, joints, tissues, ligaments, and nerves, usually in one area of the body.

Longwave Diathermy Machine

A Longwave Diathermy Machine uses lower-frequency waves than an SWD (shortwave) machine. The typical wavelength range includes 0.3-1MHz or 300 metres. The waves are considered part of the radio frequency spectrum, but they are longer.

Due to these differences in frequency and wavelength, a long wave machine is apt for shallow penetration of superficial tissues such as skin and its deepest layers, the subcutaneous layers.

Longwave Diathermy Machine Uses

The most common uses of longwave diathermy machines include treating localised and superficial conditions affecting the veins, upper skin layers, and fungal infection.

Other common conditions treated with longwave heat generation include skin disorders and minor soft tissue injuries. Longwave diathermy machines are also used for cosmetic treatments, such as improving skin tone and reducing cellulite.

Microwave Diathermy Machine

As the name suggests, a microwave diathermy machine uses microwaves to generate heat in the body. One advantage of a microwave machine is that it helps target specific affected tissues of the area with evenly spread heat. The microwave cannot penetrate deep skin tissues so that you can target particular muscle tissues. This type of Diathermy is the best option for areas closer to the skin, such as the shoulders.

Microwave Diathermy Machine Uses

Microwave diathermy machines treat superficial muscle strains and spasms in joints such as hands, feet, or knees. This type of machine also aids in improving the flexibility of collagen and contracture muscles—tightening of muscles, skin, or nearby tissues that might limit movements, rotation, and flexibility.

Ultrasound Diathermy Machine

Ultrasound diathermy is also known as ultrasonic therapy. In this treatment, the diathermy machine generates gentle heat by using high-frequency ultrasonic waves to target deep tissues. The heat generated in your body is due to the vibration of the tissues. Here, heat penetration can be superficial and treat deeper body tissues.

Ultrasound Diathermy Machine Uses

The most common use of ultrasound diathermy machines is physical therapy, especially for treating musculoskeletal conditions and pains such as sprains, strains, and muscle spasms.

Other conditions you can treat with an ultrasound diathermy machine include calcific bursitis (where calcium buildups in soft tissues), neuromas (benign growth of nervous tissues), joint contractures and adhesions, and many more.

Diathermy Machine Benefits

Pain Relief & Enhance Mobility

One of the unforgettable benefits of a diathermy machine is its highly effective pain relief, especially for chronic conditions such as arthritis. Studies show that the diathermy treatment also enhances mobility for patients with joint stiffness or muscle tightness.

This is possible due to the heat generated by the machine, which relaxes muscles, reduces stiffness, and improves blood circulation to affected areas, reducing pain and improving movement.

Improved Healing

The second major benefit of diathermy machines is that they help speed up the healing process after treatment. It is especially true for treating sprains, strains, and post-surgical wounds.  So, the next question you might ask is, "What is the role of the diathermy machine?" Briefly, the machine increases blood flow to the targeted areas, which helps promote faster healing processes in your body. 

An increase in blood circulation means more nutrients and other essential enzymes reach the targeted tissues, speeding up the healing and repair process.

Versatile Applications

The third and last in our list of what diathermy machines benefit is their wide variety of applications in both medical and therapeutic fields. Some fields in which you'll frequently use diathermy machines are physical therapy, general surgeries, orthopedics, and many more. Additionally, as a medical professional, you use a diathermy machine with several other therapeutic modalities, such as muscle stimulators or digital ultrasound machines.

Diathermy Machine Risks

Apart from the various benefits the diathermy machine offers, it is also essential to know about the risks associated with the therapy and the machines. One of the common diathermy machine risks is burns. Common causes include improper use or compromised skin integrity, especially in patients with metal implants. Other risks include interference with electronic devices such as pacemakers.

The best way to avoid risks for your patients is to invest in a quality diathermy machine and consult them about their medical history before treatment or procedures. You can find the best brands at TenTabs. We are an online medical supplies and furniture store that delivers the best items to your doorstep.

FAQs - What Is A Diathermy Machine?

What is Diathermy and its uses?

Diathermy is a medical procedure in which electromagnetic or sound waves produce heat inside bodily tissues. It alleviates pain, enhances circulation, and encourages recovery from musculoskeletal problems.

Is Diathermy used in dentistry?

Yes, you can use Diathermy for dentistry. Common applications include soft tissue operations, such as managing oral diseases, achieving gingival contouring, lowering inflammation, and coagulating tissues to control bleeding during dental surgery.