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| Fig: a woman taking SWD session |
Physiotherapy uses many modalities to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve movement. One effective electrotherapy method is Short Wave Diathermy (SWD).
What is Shock Wave Diathermy in Physiotherapy?
Short Wave Diathermy (SWD) is a physiotherapy Equipment that produces electromagnetic energy to create deep heating in muscles, joints, and soft tissues. The frequency commonly used is 27.12 MHz. The heat from SWD helps reduce stiffness and pain and speeds up healing.
Energy in Short Wave Diathermy
The energy in SWD is electromagnetic energy.
Electromagnetic waves cause molecules in tissues to vibrate and produce heat.
Heat increases blood flow, reduces stiffness, and promotes healing.
Short Wave Diathermy Physiotherapy Machine
The SWD machine has 2 electrodes, 2 Pads, and a control panel.
It is work in continuous mode and energy control are there in control panel.
The physiotherapist places Pads on the treatment area and sets the energy level.
The patient usually feels a mild warm sensation.
What are the Benefits of Short Wave Diathermy (SWD)?
The benifits of SWD are:
- Reduces pain and inflammation. Deep heating relaxes tissues and lowers pain signals.
- Improves range of motion. Reduced stiffness allows better joint movement.
- Promotes healing. Heat increases circulation and brings nutrients to injured tissues.
- Reduces muscle spasm and stiffness. Warmth helps muscles relax.
What Conditions Are Treated by Short Wave Diathermy?
SWD is used for many musculoskeletal conditions. Common uses include:
- Sprain and strain
- Frozen shoulder
- Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
- Joint stiffness
- Tenosynovitis
- Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Myofascial pain
- Lumbar (lower back) pain
- Tennis elbow
- Soft tissue injuries and muscle spasm
What Are the Potential Alternatives to Short Wave Diathermy?
Alternatives depend on the condition being treated. Common alternatives include:
- Ultrasound Therapy: Uses sound waves to heat and stimulate soft tissues.
- Thermotherapy: Hot packs applied to relieve pain and improve circulation.
- Infrared Therapy: Uses infrared light for surface heating and improved blood flow.
- Laser Therapy: Uses focused laser light to stimulate cellular repair and healing.
Contraindications of Short Wave Diathermy
SWD should not be used in certain situations. Contraindications include:
- Certain skin conditions
- Pregnancy
- Patients on blood-thinning medications
- Cancer
- Severe or excessive edema
- Metallic implants in the treatment area
- Cardiac pacemaker or other implanted cardiac devices
- Over wet dressings
- Acute inflammation
- Infected open wounds
- Impaired thermal sensation
- Recent radiotherapy
- Severe cardiac abnormality
- Areas with anesthesia (no sensation)
- Tuberculosis
- Treatment over reproductive organs
What Are the Side Effects of Short Wave Diathermy?
SWD is generally safe when used properly.
Possible side effects are:
- Burns from excessive heat
- Tissue damage if exposure is prolonged
- Allergic reaction to gels or pads
- Interference with medical implants like pacemakers
- Potential worsening of some medical conditions such as certain cancers
Precautions for Short Wave Diathermy
Follow these precautions to ensure safe SWD treatment:
- Keep at least one meter distance from the machine, leads, and electrodes after switching on for safety.
- Ensure the machine is properly earthed.
- Connect machine and electrodes correctly.
- Prevent the patient from touching the unit during therapy.
- Always check for contraindications before treatment.
- Position the patient properly for comfort and safety.
- Do not place the electrodes over wet areas or wet dressings.
- Test the patient’s thermal sensitivity before starting.
- Remove metal objects such as jewelry from the treatment area.
- Place a towel between adjacent skin surfaces if needed.
- Check 2–3 minutes after setting the machine before beginning treatment.
Dangers of Short Wave Diathermy
The main dangers of SWD come from misuse. These include:
- Burns due to excessive heat
- Tissue damage from prolonged or improper use
- Electromagnetic interference with implanted devices
- Accidental use over areas where SWD is contraindicated
Under trained physiotherapist supervision, these risks are minimal.
Short Wave Diathermy vs Shock Wave Therapy
Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they are different.
Short Wave Diathermy (SWD)
SWD uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to produce deep heating in tissues.
SWD is mainly for reducing stiffness, improving blood flow, and promoting healing in musculoskeletal issues.
Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
Shock Wave Therapy, also called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), uses mechanical sound waves or acoustic energy.
ESWT is non-thermal and is often used to treat chronic tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder pain, and heel pain.
Key Differences
- SWD is heat-based and uses electromagnetic energy.
- ESWT is non-thermal and uses mechanical sound waves.
- SWD is used for deep heating and pain relief through thermal effects.
- ESWT is used to break down scar tissue, stimulate healing, and reduce chronic tendon pain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the difference between Shock Wave Therapy and Short Wave Diathermy?
Shock Wave Therapy uses sound waves. Short Wave Diathermy uses electromagnetic energy to create heat.
Q2. Is Short Wave Diathermy painful?
No. The patient usually feels gentle warmth. If pain occurs, the therapist reduces the intensity.
Q3. How long is a typical SWD session?
Treatment time is usually 15–20 minutes per session.
Q4. Can SWD be combined with exercises?
Yes. Combining SWD with stretching or strengthening exercises gives better results.
Q5. Is SWD safe for everyone?
No. Patients with contraindications such as pacemakers, pregnancy, or cancer should avoid SWD.
Importance of SWD in Physiotherapy Practice
Short Wave Diathermy is important modality in physiotherapy.
It helps in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Modern machines have pulsed SWD options for non-thermal cellular stimulation.
SWD can reduce reliance on pain medications and improve patient quality of life.
Physiotherapists often combine SWD with exercise therapy, and TENS for faster recovery.
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