Diathermy

What is diathermy

Among the advanced electrotherapy techniques, diathermy, also known as INDIVA, is a treatment with a proven efficacy. It is a technique by which a high frequency current is applied that penetrates into the deepest layers producing a thermal effect, also biological at the cellular level. This technique accelerates the metabolism of the cells, relieving inflammation faster than conventional techniques. In this way, the recovery time can be significantly reduced.

How does diathermy work?

Diathermy is a therapy that uses high-frequency electrical currents to generate heat in the deep tissues of the body. This technique increases the internal temperature of the tissues, which improves blood circulation, relaxes muscles and stimulates cell regeneration. The heat generated by diathermy penetrates in a controlled manner in specific areas of the body, promoting natural healing processes and relieving pain. Depending on the type of diathermy (capacitive or resistive), the treatment focuses on different structures of the body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments or joints.

What pathologies can we treat with diathermy?

Diathermy is effective in treating a wide variety of pathologies, especially those related to pain and inflammation. Among the most common are:

1. Muscle pain and contractures.

2. Joint injuries such as sprains and tendinitis.

3. Arthritis and osteoarthritis.

4. Low back pain and spinal problems.

5. Bursitis and synovitis.

6. Chronic tendinopathies.

7. Slow healing of wounds or ulcers.

8. Edemas and fluid retention.

Benefits of diathermy

1. Pain relief: Diathermy reduces muscle and joint pain, promoting the release of endorphins.

2. Improved blood circulation: The heat generated facilitates vasodilation, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.

3. Reduced inflammation: Helps reduce swelling by promoting fluid reabsorption and accelerating tissue repair.

4. Increased flexibility: Relaxes tight muscles and improves joint mobility.

5. Tissue regeneration: Stimulates cell regeneration, which is useful for injury recovery.

6. Decreased muscle spasm: Relaxes muscle fibers, relieving tension.

Contraindications of diathermy

1. Although diathermy is safe, there are some contraindications where it should not be applied:

2. Pregnancy: It is not recommended in pregnant women, especially in the abdominal or pelvic region.

3. Metal implants: Patients with pacemakers, prostheses or metal screws may be at risk of local overheating.

4. Patients with tumors or cancer in the treatment area.

5. Coagulation disorders or anticoagulants.

6. Active infections in the treated area.

7. Serious cardiovascular diseases.

8. Fevers or febrile processes.

9. Patients with implanted electronic devices such as defibrillators.

Types of diathermy

• Capacitive diathermy: It is used to treat the most superficial tissues, such as skin and subcutaneous fat. It works by applying electrodes that generate an electric field between them, heating the tissues containing water and fat.

• Resistive diathermy: It is more effective in deep tissues such as muscles, tendons, bones and joints. Heat is generated by the resistance of the tissues to the passage of the current.

• Short wave diathermy: Uses high frequency electromagnetic waves to treat deeper tissues, being useful to treat chronic pain and deep inflammations.

• Microwave diathermy: Works through the use of microwave radiation, directed to small, specific areas. It is effective for problems in more superficial tissues.

• Ultrasonic diathermy: Uses ultrasound waves to generate deep heat. It is useful in the treatment of contractures, chronic injuries and scars.