INTRODUCTION TO MICRO WAVE DIATHERMY

Summary

This video script provides a detailed overview of Microwave Diathermy, a therapeutic technique using high-frequency microwaves to generate heat in tissues for muscle pain and inflammation relief. It covers its working principle, equipment, and therapeutic uses, particularly in musculoskeletal conditions. The script highlights the importance of dosage, safety precautions, and contraindications, such as burns and interference with medical devices. The high cost of equipment limits its widespread use in clinical settings. Despite these limitations, microwave diathermy is recognized for its effectiveness in certain therapeutic applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microwave Diathermy (MWD) uses microwaves to produce therapeutic heat within the body, especially for muscle and soft tissue conditions.
• 😀 MWD operates at higher frequencies (300 MHz to 300 GHz) and shorter wavelengths (1 cm to 1 m) compared to shortwave diathermy.
• 😀 The treatment penetrates tissues up to 3 cm deep, making it effective for deeper muscle treatments.
• 😀 MWD helps increase blood circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues, promoting healing and reducing pain.
• 😀 The key therapeutic effects include reducing inflammation, pain relief, and accelerating post-trauma recovery.
• 😀 Different types of MWD emitters, such as circular and rectangular, impact the way heat is distributed in the tissues.
• 😀 MWD is contraindicated for patients with metal implants, pacemakers, vascular issues, and pregnant women, due to potential risks like burns and device interference.
• 😀 The duration of MWD treatments typically ranges from 5-10 minutes for acute conditions and up to 30 minutes for chronic conditions.
• 😀 The intensity of the microwave treatment should be adjusted based on the patient's comfort to avoid burns, with a typical power output of no more than 200 watts.
• 😀 Microwave Diathermy is costly, being 8-10 times more expensive than shortwave diathermy, which limits its use in many clinical settings.
• 😀 Despite its high cost, MWD provides excellent results, making it valuable in clinics that can afford it, offering effective muscle and soft tissue treatments.

Q & A

What is microwave diathermy (MWD)?

Microwave diathermy (MWD) is the use of microwaves for therapeutic purposes to produce heat in tissues, similar to how microwaves are used in cooking, but in this case, it is for medical treatment.

How does microwave diathermy compare to shortwave diathermy?

Microwave diathermy has a higher frequency and shorter wavelength compared to shortwave diathermy. The frequency range for microwaves is 300 MHz to 300 GHz, whereas shortwave diathermy operates at lower frequencies.

What are the typical frequencies used in microwave diathermy for medical purposes?

The dedicated frequencies for medical use in microwave diathermy are 2456 MHz, 915 MHz, and 433.92 MHz, with corresponding wavelengths of 12.24 cm, 32.79 cm, and 69 cm, respectively.

How does microwave diathermy penetrate tissues, and which tissues benefit most from it?

Microwave diathermy can penetrate tissues up to 3 centimeters, with the best absorption occurring in tissues that have high water content, such as muscles, due to their high blood flow and fluid content.

What are the two types of emitters used in microwave diathermy, and how do they differ?

The two types of microwave diathermy emitters are circular and rectangular. Circular emitters produce microwaves with higher intensity at the periphery, while rectangular emitters concentrate more heat at the center.

What is the recommended distance between the emitter and the skin during microwave diathermy treatment?

The recommended distance between the emitter and the skin is typically 10 to 20 centimeters, depending on the area being treated and the patient's condition.

What are the physiological effects and therapeutic uses of microwave diathermy?

Microwave diathermy increases blood circulation and reduces inflammation, making it useful for treating muscular pain, inflammatory conditions like arthritis, and soft tissue pathologies. It is especially effective in conditions involving superficial tissues with high fluid content.

How does the intensity of microwave diathermy affect the treatment duration and patient comfort?

The intensity should be adjusted based on patient comfort, and treatment duration varies. For acute conditions, the duration is 5 to 10 minutes, while for chronic conditions, it can range from 15 to 30 minutes. The power should not exceed 200 watts to avoid burns.

What are the main contraindications for microwave diathermy?

Microwave diathermy is contraindicated for patients with pacemakers, hearing aids, circulatory issues, or tumors. It is also not recommended during menstruation or in cases of recent trauma within 2-3 days.

Why is microwave diathermy more expensive than shortwave diathermy, and how does this affect its use in clinical settings?

Microwave diathermy machines are typically 8 to 10 times more expensive than shortwave diathermy machines. This higher cost limits its use in many clinical settings, despite its effectiveness in treating certain conditions.