Do you also often have pain in your back, neck, or knees? Do your muscles feel tight and swollen? Sometimes, no matter how much oil we apply or a hot water bag, this pain does not subside, right? In such cases, today we are going to talk about a slightly special treatment method that is used with physiotherapy. This is called diathermy.
So what is diathermy?
Simply put, diathermy means "deep heating." It involves applying heat to the layers of muscle and tissue beneath your skin. But it's not like the hot water bottle we use at home. It uses special electrical currents (radio waves and sound waves) to create this deep heat.
Now you're probably thinking, "Oh, when I say sending an electric current through the body, does that mean you're going to get an electric shock?" No, not at all. These are harmless waves that are sent through the body in a medically controlled manner.
Think of it this way. Everything in our bodies is made up of tiny particles, called atoms. When electrons move back and forth between these atoms, an electric current is created. It’s like when runners take turns passing a baton in a relay race. When these electrons move back and forth, the movement generates heat. That’s what happens in diathermy treatment. The waves sent by the machine vibrate the particles inside our tissues, and that movement generates heat. This heat relaxes muscles, reduces joint stiffness, reduces swelling, and improves blood circulation.
What are the main types of diathermy treatment?
Diathermy treatment uses various methods to create deep heat. Accordingly, there are three main types.
| Type of Treatment | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Short-wave Diathermy | In this, two plates called electrodes are placed on either side of the area of your body being treated. Radio waves are sent through these plates to heat the tissue. This is the most commonly used method. |
| Microwave Diathermy | Yes, when I hear the name, I think of the microwave oven in the kitchen. The same microwaves are used here. But this is a machine that has been controlled for medical purposes. The waves are sent by placing a lamp-like device close to the skin. |
| Ultrasound Diathermy | You may have heard of an ultrasound scan. Also, in this, a gel is applied to the skin, a device (probe) is placed on top of it and sound waves are sent into the tissue. These sound waves cause the tissue to vibrate and generate heat. |
In addition, there is a type called Surgical Diathermy . However, it is not used to reduce pain. It is a method used to cut tissue or stop bleeding (clotting) during surgery.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
Your doctor or physical therapist will determine if this treatment is right for you. It is usually recommended in the following cases:
- If you suffer from chronic pain (e.g. back pain, arthritis).
- If you want to improve blood circulation in a certain part of the body.
- If your muscles are constantly tense or you have muscle spasms.
- If you have a condition that causes inflammation, such as joint swelling.
- If you need to recover quickly after an injury, such as a sprain or strain.
- For pain caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia .
People who should not undergo diathermy treatment (Contraindications) - Be especially careful about this!
This treatment is not suitable for everyone. Some people may experience burns or other damage from this treatment. Therefore, diathermy treatment is usually not performed if the following conditions are present:
| When not to treat | The reason for that |
|---|---|
| Having metal parts in the body (e.g. pacemaker, surgical pins, IUD, sutures) | Metal can react to the waves from the diathermy machine and become very hot, which can cause severe burns inside the body. |
| Having cancer . | Heat can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. |
| Pregnancy . | Because these waves can harm the baby in the womb. |
| Having infections or open wounds . | Heat can spread the infection. |
| Having a fracture . | Heat can interfere with the bone healing process. |
| Having severe heart disease or kidney disease . | These patients may be unable to tolerate the impact on the body's blood circulation. |
Your doctor will review your complete health history and provide you with the safest treatment.
What happens during diathermy treatment?
This treatment is very simple to perform.
Before the Treatment
Before the treatment begins, you will be instructed to remove all metal objects from your body. This includes earrings, necklaces, rings, glasses, and anything with a zipper. You may also be asked to remove your clothes and put on a special gown. You will then be made to sit/lie down in a special chair or bed that does not have any metal parts.
During the Treatment
All you have to do at this point is to lie still and relax. The treatment usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. Depending on the severity of your condition, the time may be slightly longer. As the diathermy machine applies heat to the affected area, you will feel a gentle, comfortable warmth . It is not a burning sensation.
After the Treatment
You will start to feel a difference as soon as the treatment is over.
- The pain and stiffness will feel reduced.
- The muscles will feel very relaxed.
- The treated area will be warm.
- The swelling will have reduced.
- The range of motion of the joints will have increased.
What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?
Benefits of treatment
- Pain relief.
- Improved blood circulation.
- Muscle relaxation.
- Reduced swelling and inflammation.
- Being able to reduce the use of painkillers.
Potential risks - be aware!
Although this is a very safe treatment, there are a few things to be aware of. The main risk is the possibility of a burn . This can happen if the heat stays in one place for too long. But don't worry, your physical therapist will monitor you throughout the treatment, so the risk is very low.
Another thing is that during the treatment, electrical currents will flow through your body, so if you touch anything metal, you may get an electric shock . That's why you're asked to remove all metal from your body.
Recovery and medical advice after treatment
You do not need any rest after diathermy treatment. You can return to your normal activities immediately. Depending on your condition, you may need several treatments. Your doctor will explain this to you.
The most important thing is that diathermy is often an adjunct treatment to another treatment method (e.g., physical therapy exercises). Therefore, it is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
Follow-up with your doctor after treatment to see if your symptoms have improved. If you experience any burning sensation under your skin after treatment, see your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Diathermy is a painless, deep heat treatment used to reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling in muscles and joints.
- Although this is generally a safe treatment, it is not suitable for people with metal implants, pregnant women, and cancer patients.
- It is imperative to remove all metal objects from the body before treatment.
- This is often an adjunct to other treatments, such as physical therapy. Talk to your doctor to decide if this is right for you.
- If you experience any unusual burning or irritation after treatment, seek medical advice immediately.
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