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Therapeutic Equipment’s Assist. Lect. Ra’aed Alobaidi 
Pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) 
 Has also been used for its non-thermal effects in the treatment of soft-tissue  injuries and wounds. 
 The mechanism of its effectiveness has been theorized to occur at the 
cellular level, relating specifically to cell membrane potential. 
 Damaged cells undergo depolarization, resulting in cell dysfunction that 
might include loss of cell division and proliferation and loss of regenerative  capabilities.
 Pulsed shortwave diathermy has been said to repolarize damaged cells, thus  correcting cell dysfunction. 
 It has also been suggested that sodium tends to accumulate in the cell 
because of a decrease in activity of the sodium pump during the 
inflammatory process, thus creating a negatively charged environment.
 When a magnetic field is induced, the sodium pump is reactivated, thus 
allowing the cell to regain normal ionic balance. 
 pulsed electromagnetic energy (PEME) , pulsed electromagnetic field 
(PEMF) , or pulsed electromagnetic energy treatment (PEMET) , is a 
relatively new form of diathermy 
Application Techniques for Pulsed Shortwave Therapy  1. Parameters 
 Pulse duration is short, ranging from 20 to 400 sec
 Pulse repetition rate, which ranges between 1 and 7000 Hz.
 Peak pulse power the amplitude pulse/intensity 100-1000W.
 Mean power power delivered from the machine (during pulse and average)  Raaed Alobaidi  2. Preparation of the patient  1
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Therapeutic Equipment’s Assist. Lect. Ra’aed Alobaidi 
 Evaluate the patient’s problem and determine the goals of treatment.
 Confirm that diathermy is the most appropriate intervention. Non-thermal 
PSWD can be used where heat is contraindicated or potentially hazardous 
and can be applied to insensate patients or to those who cannot tolerate the 
sensations associated with other physical agents such as cryotherapy or  electrical stimulation.
 Determine that diathermy is not contraindicated.
 Explain the procedure and the reason for applying diathermy to the patient 
and the sensations the patient can expect to feel. The application of non-
thermal PSWD is not generally associated with any change in patient 
sensation, although some patients report feeling slight tingling or mild  warmth.
 Remove all metal jewelry and clothing from the area to be treated.
 Clean and dry the skin, and inspect it if necessary.
 If applying non-thermal PSWD, it is not necessary to place towels between 
the applicator and the body, but a disposable cloth or plastic covering can be 
used over the applicator when treating conditions in which there is risk of 
cross-contamination or infection.
3. Preparation the apparatus 
 Tune the device. Most modern diathermy devices tune automatically. To 
tune a device that requires manual tuning, first turn it on and allow it to 
warm up then turn up the intensity to a low level, and adjust the tuning dial 
until a maximal reading on the power/intensity indicator is obtained.
 Select the appropriate treatment parameters. When applying non thermal 
PSWD, most clinicians select the intensity, pulse frequency, and total 
treatment time based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, most non 
thermal PSWD treatments are administered for 30 to 60 minutes once or 
twice a day, 5 to 7 times a week. 4. Starting treatment   Raaed Alobaidi 
Provide the patient with a bell or other means to call for assistance during 
treatment and if he or she experiences excessive heating or an increase in  pain or discomfort.
 After 5 minutes, check to be certain that the patient is not too hot or is not 
experiencing any increase in symptoms.
 When the treatment is complete, turn off the device, remove the applicator 
and towels, and inspect the treatment area. It is normal for the area to appear 
slightly red, and it may also feel warm to the touch.
 Assess the outcome of the intervention. 2
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