Diathermy is a popular therapeutic procedure that can be used to treat many different skeletal and muscular issues. During a diathermy procedure, high-frequency electromagnetic currents are used to generate heat deep within the affected muscles and tissue. This heat will help the muscles relax while also increasing tissue flexibility. Warming up the muscles and tissue will also reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process after an injury. These particular benefits are a result of the increase of blood flow to the injury site. The increased blood flow allows the injury to receive the healing nutrients it needs to recover. Here at Connetquot Chiropractic, our chiropractor near Centereach can use diathermy to treat your conditions and provide pain relief.
Types of diathermy
There are three different types of diathermy procedures, and they include ultrasound, microwave, and short-wave.
Ultrasound: With this form of diathermy, high-frequency acoustic vibrations are the primary source of heat. The acoustic waves cause the muscles and tissues to vibrate which cause them to warm up.
Microwave: This type of diathermy uses microwaves to create warmth deep within muscle tissue without heating up the skin. These waves are at a higher frequency but have a lower wavelength when compared to short-wave diathermy.
Short-wave: Short-wave diathermy generates heat through electromagnetic energy. These waves are often used to treat joint and deep muscle conditions. During a short-wave treatment session, there will either be sporadic or constant wave pulses sent throughout the body.
Potential risks
Diathermy is a safe and effective treatment for most of our patients. However, diathermy is not a treatment for everyone. You should avoid diathermy if you have any of the following:
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Implanted Metal Devices (Pacemakers, Dental Fillings, Intrauterine Devices )
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Pregnancy
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Cancer
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Infections
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Broken bones
Our chiropractor near Centereach will also instruct you to remove any metal jewelry or piercings that you may have on. Removing this metal is necessary because any metal on the body will conduct the electric currents and interfere with the procedure.
Injuries and conditions
Our chiropractor near Centereach can use diathermy to treat a wide range of different injuries and conditions. These conditions include the following:
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Arthritis
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Muscle sprains
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Bursitis
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Muscle strains
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Tendonitis
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Muscle spasms
Are you suffering from any of these conditions? Are you interested in diathermy? Contact Connetquot Chiropractic today to begin treatment.