Diathermy
This is an advanced, non-invasive and painless physiotherapy technique that involves transmitting a high-frequency electric current through the body to enhance the regeneration of damaged tissue.
Diathermy is a revolutionary treatment in physiotherapy that seeks to relieve your pain, influencing the affected area and returning you to daily or sports activities in the shortest possible time and in the best conditions, avoiding the risk of relapse.
What is diathermy?
Diathermy is a therapeutic tool indicated for the treatment of pain and recovery from injuries. It is an advanced physiotherapy technique, since it enhances the therapeutic effects of manual therapy sessions, with the aim of achieving better and faster tissue recovery.
How does diathermy work in physiotherapy?
Diathermy is based on the application of high-frequency electric currents that generate heat in the deep tissues of the body. The main difference with other thermotherapy techniques (shortwave, microwave or infrared) is its power of penetration: while some generate superficial heat at the level of the skin and adipose tissue, diathermy manages to penetrate superficial planes and generate the thermal effect in deeper planes.
Diathermy is applied through a closed circuit between the head (active electrode) and the plate (return electrode). Both must be placed close to the tissue to be treated so that the energy passes through the body and returns to the device, distributing itself evenly and thus avoiding overheating or burns in the superficial tissues.
Through the passage of this current through the body, a series of local and/or general physiological effects are generated that help improve musculoskeletal conditions, relieve pain or accelerate rehabilitation.
Effects and benefits of diathermy.
Some of the effects caused by the application of diathermy are:
- Increase in tissue temperature.
- Vasodilation: improving blood flow, greater delivery of oxygen and, therefore, nutrients to the damaged area.
- Increased cellular metabolism.
- Decreased joint stiffness and improved muscle and connective tissue condition.
- Decreased inflammation and stimulation of the lymphatic system: Increased blood and lymphatic flow promotes the elimination of waste substances.
All of these effects will have great benefits for the patient, generating pain relief, accelerating healing, improving mobility and flexibility, and restoring functionality to the affected tissue.
Injuries that can be treated with diathermy.
It is a non-invasive and painless tool that can help the vast majority of patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life, allowing them to resume their daily or sports activities in less time and with better results. Some of the pathologies where diathermy is indicated are:
- Acute or chronic pain.
- Muscle injuries: muscle fiber tears, strains, contractures.
- Tendon conditions: acute or chronic tendinopathies.
- Nervous system disorders: carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, paresthesia…
- Spine or spine: cervical pain, lumbago, dorsal pain, hernias, protrusions…
- Ligament sprains: knee, ankle…
- Fractures without osteosynthesis material.
- Post-surgical or injury fibrosis.
- Joint problems: osteoarthritis, cartilage.
What does the patient feel during a diathermy treatment?
The aim is to keep the patient in a comfortable position. The sensation of deep heat provided by the device generates a state of relaxation and well-being. The heat will be regulated according to the patient's tolerance and the therapy will never be uncomfortable.
How many diathermy sessions are necessary and how long do they last?
The versatility of this tool allows it to be applied during the physiotherapy session in combination with other treatment techniques.
The number of sessions and their duration will depend on the physiotherapist's criteria, depending on the area to be treated, the type of tissue injured and the individual's progress between sessions.
Generally speaking, 3-6 sessions to 12 or more sessions can be effective. The patient must follow the prescribed treatment plan and the physiotherapist's recommendations to achieve a successful recovery.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy.
- Pacemakers or implanted electronic devices.
- Metal implants (prostheses, screws, plates or nails).
- Malignant tumors or cancer.
- Acute infections.
- Hemorrhages or easy bleeding.
- Thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Lack of sensitivity in the area to be treated.
- Severe skin conditions (wounds, ulcers).
The application of diathermy to improve sports performance.
The ability of this treatment to generate heat in deep tissues helps relieve discomfort from training or competition, reduce post-exercise fatigue, eliminate waste substances from the body, prepare the tissue for subsequent sessions, improve rest and prevent future injuries.
If you want to take your training to the next level and reduce recovery times, it is essential to introduce this therapy into your routine.
