What is Diathermy Treatment?
Diathermy is a therapeutic treatment used by a Laredo, TX physical therapist for joint and muscle conditions. This treatment utilizes electric current to stimulate heat within body tissues. There are three types of diathermy:
Shortwave Diathermy.
Shortwave uses electromagnetic energy that flows in continuous energy waves. It’s often used for tenosynovitis, sprains, strains and bursitis.
Ultrasound Diathermy.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to generate heat within the body tissues. It’s often used for musculoskeletal sprains, strains, adhesions, neuroma and muscle spasms.
Microwave Diathermy.
A microwave uses microwaves to generate heat to warm the body tissues. It does not heat the skin. However, it does penetrate the muscles.
How Diathermy Therapy Works
Diathermy produces heat deep inside body tissues. It can penetrate as far as two inches deep below the skin’s surface. Its waves actually generate heat from the body tissue itself. Specifically, diathermy treatment dilates the blood cells and stimulates white cell blood production.
Benefits:
The benefits of diathermy include pain relief, accelerated healing, increased blood flow, increased range of motion and improved mobility. Treating the targeted areas of damaged tissue with heat increases blood flow and makes the connective tissue more flexible. It can also reduce edema and inflammation, while preventing scar tissue and adhesions. This therapeutic treatment is also used by a physical therapist for arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, myositis, tendonitis and back pain. When you have a diathermy treatment, you can expect to feel a pleasant warm sensation as the apparatus is moved slowly along the targeted area of the damaged tissue.
If you are interested in having treatment for your injury or medical condition, be sure to request a consult at Alta Vista Wellness Center in Laredo, TX. All of our physical therapists are trained in it and are dedicated to helping you live a pain-free life. At the Alta Vista Wellness Center, physical therapy is a natural treatment for natural healing. Our physical therapists will conduct a comprehensive physical exam, run tests, review medical history and develop an individual treatment plan, which may include diathermy treatment. The frequency of treatment will vary depending on your condition.