What Conditions Diathermy Helps Treat

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder causing the amplification of sensations that are generally painful by influencing with the manner of which the brain synthesizes pain signals. Individuals who have fibromyalgia experience extensive musculoskeletal pain, memory problems, mood issues, and difficulty with sleep. Patients describe the pain as a consistent monotonous ache that has not regressed for a period of at least ninety days. The best form of diathermy for the treatment of fibromyalgia is ultrasound diathermy. The mechanical action of diathermy helps pain caused by the disorder by reversing the dilation of blood vessels, which is a result of the inflammatory response by the immune system. Ultrasound diathermy also reduces the velocity of nerve conduction, resulting in a decrease in the pain signal transmission actions to the brain. Some of the pain fibromyalgia causes is a result of muscle spasms, which the ultrasound waves also address. The ultrasound waves can be emitted in a pulsating action or continuously depending on which symptoms the patient is experiencing and how deep the tissues are.

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Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when an individual has one or more joints with excessive inflammation present. This disease usually worsens with age and results in pain and stiffness of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two most prevalent types of this disease. The joints within the body are at the ends of bones. Cartilage covers the ends of the bone to provide a protective, hard, slippery bone end. Osteoarthritis causes break down of this cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis targets a different tissue within the joints called the synovium or joint lining. Shortwave diathermy is the most effective type of diathermy for patients with arthritis. Shortwave diathermy increases the quantity of blood flow to the area as a result of the heating. This improves the range of movement and flexibility of the joints, allowing for less painful mobility. Shortwave diathermy also helps with arthritis because it promotes the acceleration of cell growth and expedites the process of regenerating damaged tissues. Muscle stiffness in stiff joints can also be alleviated with short wave diathermy to allow for physical therapy preparation.

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