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The reason why shortwave
diathermy gets so deep and the reason why it is so
effective is because it selectively
heats soft tissues of the body. Patients are surprised
to know that shortwave diathermy can go right through
clothing without heating the clothing but still gets
heat to the muscles underneath! This happens because
the energy wave goes right through less dense (light)
materials like clothing and skin with very little
resistance but, when it reaches deep, denser tissues
like muscles there is resistance and that is where the
heat is generated. The shortwave diathermy unit does
not give off heat - the heat is generated inside the
muscles when the energy wave attempts to go through
them! Therefore, it does not waste its energy on the
surface (skin) where there is no treatment needed.
Almost all other heat therapies (heating pads, moist
heat, paraffin wax, infrared, etc.) heat immediately
from the surface down, wasting their energy on the
surface of the skin and getting very little treatment
down where it is needed. Unfortunately, because it is
cheap to purchase and use, most physical therapy and
even chiropractic offices use only superficial surface
heat (most often moist heat packs). Shortwave
diathermy is so much more effective that our offices
has put out the thousands of dollars per unit required
to purchase one, and we have three.
Because it heats so deep some patients are at first
concerned that it may feel too hot. Actually, because
it gets the heat right to where we need it, we don't
need to use very much heat at all. A mild, warm
sensation is all that is needed to be sure we are
getting all the heat we need to effectively treat the
injured area. It is a very comfortable, relaxing
experience.
Shortwave diathermy has several beneficial effects on
the body to better treat an injured area. It
dilates blood vessels to improve circulation. This
increases the blood flow - bringing more oxygen and
nutrients to the injured area so it will heal faster
and properly. This increased circulation also
helps remove metabolic waste from the injured area.
White blood cells production is also increased -
helping to fight infection. Very important, it also
helps prevent adhesions and excess scar tissue from
forming allowing the injury to heal properly with
better strength and more range of motion. This deep
heat also relaxes muscle tension (spasms) - decreasing
pain, improving motion, and allows for an easier,
more effective chiropractic adjustment.
Other Therapies Used at
Concordville Chiropractic
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