Shortwave Therapy: Treatment, Effects & Risks

Shortwave therapy, also called diathermy, refers to a physical therapy within medicine in which heat is generated in body tissues by high-frequency electromagnetic fields or high-frequency currents. This method is used in pain therapy, to stimulate circulation, and for electrosurgical procedures.

What is shortwave therapy?

In diathermy, either electrodes are placed on the skin to generate high-frequency currents, or the corresponding areas of the skin are irradiated with the high-frequency electromagnetic fields using an antenna. In diathermy, either electrodes are placed on the skin to generate high-frequency currents, or the corresponding skin areas are irradiated with the high-frequency electromagnetic fields by means of an antenna. Basically, three frequency ranges are used in short-wave therapy. This includes the frequency ranges 13.56 MHz, 27.12 MHz and 40.68 MHz. Diathermy as such includes, in addition to shortwave therapy, decimeter and microwave therapy, but these play only a minor role. The high-frequency currents or fields have a tissue penetration depth of more than 20 cm in shortwave therapy.

Function, effect, and goals

Diathermy encompasses two basic application possibilities. One important indication possibility is its use for low-blood surgical transection of tissue. This can be skin or muscle tissue. The second field of application refers to high-frequency heat treatment in electrotherapy. Electrotherapy is often used for circulatory disorders, rheumatism, ischialgia and arthrosis. It is also used to stimulate the metabolism and to reduce muscle tension. Less frequently, it is used today for inflammation of the jaw and sinuses, in order to prevent possible damage to the eyes. Heat is generated in the tissues through various physical processes. When electrodes are applied, a current is generated which is converted into heat as a result of the high ohmic resistance. The directionally moving electrons are inhibited in their movement by this resistance and release their energy to the body’s own polymer molecules, which are thus set in vibration. When this oscillation energy is transferred to other molecules, heat is generated. If the electromagnetic alternating field is generated by means of a coil, so-called eddy currents are created in the body by alternating magnetic fields, which of course also transform into heat energy. When high-frequency electromagnetic fields are irradiated via an antenna, polymer molecules are in turn set in vibration, which then convert their energy into heat. So-called electrocautery devices are used to perform low-blood surgical procedures. These work by applying large-area electrodes to areas of hairless skin. A high level of heat is then generated at the points where tissue is to be cut. The corresponding tissue is burned locally, so to speak, and can be separated. By the way, this method can also be used to remove tattoos that are no longer desired. This requires a lengthy, sometimes painful, application. High-frequency heat therapy, i.e. irradiation of the corresponding areas with high-frequency short-wave radiation, is used for the treatment of diseases in the orthopedic-traumatological field. This concerns, for example, arthrosis, chronic polyarthritis, rheumatic diseases or muscle strains. The resulting heat stimulates blood circulation here, so that the body’s natural healing powers are better able to take effect. However, it should be said that diathermy is always indicated as a complementary treatment method in addition to other therapies.

Risks, side effects and dangers

As with other therapies, however, diathermy also carries dangers and is contraindicated under certain circumstances. For example, electrothermic surgery may result in localized burns from ill-fitting electrodes. This requires constant monitoring by the physician during the operation. Furthermore, if the areas of tissue to be separated are not properly hit, pain and scarring may occur. In the case of tattoo removal, the patient must be prepared for a lengthy treatment, as many areas of skin must be treated. Sometimes there are months of pain, which will not subside until the destroyed skin is completely rebuilt.Diathermy is absolutely contraindicated for both application options in the case of an implanted cardiac pacemaker, as this can be damaged by the magnetic field. The same applies to a neurostimulator implanted for pain relief. For the application option high-frequency heat therapy, diathermy is contraindicated in cases of acute inflammation, thrombosis, gravitation and disturbed heat sensation. In addition, short wave therapy should not be used in the presence of metal objects, such as watches, jewelry, piercings and others, because there is a risk of burns.