Short Wave Diathermy ( SWD )
Short-wave diathermy uses electromagnetic radio waves to convert energy to deep heat. As with ultrasound, short-wave diathermy is thought to exert its therapeutic effects by both thermal and nonthermal mechanisms. The primary nonthermal mechanism associated with the use of therapeutic short-wave diathermy is via vibration induction of tissue molecules when exposed to radio waves. By changing the characteristics of the short-wave applicator, the clinician can target the specific type of tissue he or she wants to heat. By using an inductive applicator that generates a magnetically induced eddy of radio wave currents in the tissues, selective heating of water-rich tissues, such as muscle, can be obtained. By using a capacity-coupled applicator that generates heat via generation of an electrical field, selective heating of water-poor tissues, such as subcutaneous fat and adjacent soft tissues, can be accomplished.
