Shortwave Diathermy

Clinical Application
 Treatment Dosages

Pulse
Dose Sensation Width Rate (pps)
NT No warmth 65 sec 100 200
1Mild warmth 100 sec 800
2Moderate warmth 200 sec 800
3Vigorous warmth 400 sec 800
 Pulsed SWD Setup

Parameter Setting
Output mode: Pulsed
Bursts per sec: 800
Burst duration: 400 sec
Interburst 850 sec
interval
Output intensity 150 W RMS
48 W/burst
RMS
RMS = Root Mean Squared

3
Set-up and Application
 Treatment Duration

Nonthermal, Mild, and Moderate Heating

Duration 20 to 30 minutes
Repeated as needed
Two weeks

Vigorous Heating
Duration 15 minutes
Applied every other day
 Precautions
Remove contact lenses when applying SWD around the head, face, or
eyes.
Cover the skin with at least 0.5 inch of toweling
Do not allow perspiration to collect in the treatment field.
Thick adipose tissue in the treatment area can result in overheating.
Never allow the skin to come into contact with the heating unit or cables.
If the cable method is used, do not allow them to touch each other.
If electrode pads are used, space them at least the distance of their
diameter apart.
A deep, aching sensation may be a symptom of overheating the tissues.
Overheating of the patients tissues may cause tissue damage without any
immediate signs.
The SWD energy scatters 2 to 3 feet from the source
A distance of 3 feet from the source of the energy should be
maintained to ensure the operators safety.
 Instrumentation

Master Power Switch:

Turns the unit on.
Output Intensity (Power):
Adjusts the amount of
energy delivered to the
patient.
Patient Interrupt Switch
(Safety Switch): Allows
the patient to end the
treatment.
Pause: Interrupts the
treatment to allow
repositioning of the patient,
etc.
 Instrumentation (Cont.)

Pulse Rate (Pulse Frequency): Sets the number

of pulses per second (PPS) for the output.
Start/Stop: Initiates or terminates the treatment.
Treatment Timer: Sets the treatment duration.
Tuning: Adjusts the output resonance to match the
patients tissues.
Some units will shut off if an out of tune state is detected
Most contemporary units are self-tuning
 Patient Preparation
Ensure the absence of all
contraindications.
Remove all jewelry, clothing, coins,
and other metallic items from the
patient.
For personal safety, remove your
rings, watches, bracelets, etc.
No metal can be within the
immediate treatment area
Keep the patient out of reach of
any metal objects that can serve
as a ground (e.g., outlets, pipes).
Clean and dry the body part.
Water, skin oils, etc. can increase
superficial heat production.
 Patient Preparation (Cont.)

Position the patient in the most appropriate manner for the

body area being treated.
To encourage venous return, elevate the treated extremity.
To prevent burns cover the area with a dry terry cloth towel:
This provides spacing between the source of the shortwave diathermy
Absorbs perspiration
A portion of the treatment area must remain visible to check for burns
during the treatment..
Explain to the patient that mild warmth should be felt.
Instruct the patient to inform you if any unusual sensations
are experienced.
 Patient/Generator Tuning

Ifthe unit must be manually tuned:

Position the electrodes over the patient.
Increase the output intensity to appx. 40% of the max.
Adjust the TUNING control until the output meter reaches its
peak
then decrease the TUNING to the patients comfort.
A unit is tuned when less than half of the maximum output is
used.
Some units will automatically shut off if more than 50 percent of the
maximum output is used. If this occurs, the unit must be tuned again.
 Initiation of the Treatment

Drum Method
Turn the unit on; allow it to warm up if necessary.
Some units must be tuned to allow for maximal
energy transfer.
If indicated by the manufacturers instructions, place
a folded towel between the body part and the drum.
Position the drum approximately 0.5 to 1 in. above
the toweling.
The surface of the drum must be parallel to the skin
surface being treated, otherwise the skin closest to
the drum will overheat (the Cosine Law)
 Initiation of the Treatment (Cont.)

Instruct the patient not to move until the unit is shut

off.
Set the TIMER to the desired treatment duration.
Increase the intensity until the patient feels mild
warmth.
If the drum must be moved or if it becomes
necessary to dry the area, return the intensity to
zero before making any adjustments.
Do not leave the patient left unattended
Regularly check the skin for signs of burns and
inquire about unusual sensations.
Adjust the INTENSITY, PULSE RATE, and/or electrode
placement as necessary.
 Termination of the Treatment

After the treatment, return the intensity to

zero and shut off the unit.
Inspect the skin for signs of burns or other
abnormal treatment outcomes.
Record the treatment parameters in the
patients file.
 Maintenance

Daily Maintenance
Clean the face of the drum or cables using a
manufacturer-approved cleanser.
Regular Maintenance
Inspect electrical cords for kinks and frays.
Annually
The unit must be serviced and calibrated by a
qualified service technician.