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Diathermy and Laser Therapy in Athletic
Treatment Verified and Updated Questions
and Answers (100% Correct Answers)
Short Wave Diathermy (SWD)
Answer: The application of high-frequency electromagnetic energy used to generate
heat in tissues.
Typical Units of SWD
Answer: SWD is a modality that produces deep heating via conversion of
electromagnetic energy to thermal energy.
Factors Affecting Heat Production
Answer: The pattern of heat produced depends on frequency, type of SWD unit, and
water content of the tissues.
Shortwave Diathermy Current Frequency
Answer: Shortwave diathermy current frequency is 10 - 100 MHz.
Common Medical Applications Frequency
Answer: Common medical applications use 27.12 MHz.
Forms of SWD
Answer: Either continuous (SWD) or pulsed (PSWD).
Continuous SWD
Answer: Produces both deep and superficial tissue heating and is applied for 20 min
at the max tolerable dose.
Pulsed SWD (PSWD)
Answer: Application of a series of short pulses of SWD with an off cycle between
pulses.
Therapeutic Effects of SWD
Answer: Includes increased blood flow, resolution of inflammation, accelerated
wound healing, increased extensibility of deep collagen tissues, decreased joint
stiffness, and relief of deep muscle pain and spasm.
Effective Depths of SWD
Answer: Effective depths of 2 - 5 cm, with heat retention 2x - 3x longer than
ultrasound.
, Inquire through: | Professional | Confidential Support
Temperature Increase from SWD
Answer: Causes vigorous heating with temperature increases of 7.2°F (4.0°C) above
baseline.
Intramuscular Temperature Range
Answer: Intramuscular temperature is in the range of 100.4°F to 104°F (38°C to
40°C).
Risks of Rapid Temperature Increase
Answer: Increasing too rapidly or beyond 104°F can cause burns and result in the
breakdown of protein-rich tissues.
Nonthermal Effects of SWD
Answer: Alter the rate of diffusion across the cell membrane.
Thermal Effects of SWD
Answer: Increase the rate of cell metabolism.
Nerve Conduction and Pain Control
Answer: SWD cannot depolarize motor or sensory nerves.
Blood and Fluid Dynamics
Answer: Vasodilation increases blood flow, capillary filtration, capillary pressure,
and oxygen perfusion.
Tissue Elasticity
Answer: Allows for tissue elongation same as thermal ultrasound.
Wound Healing Effects of SWD
Answer: Pulsed SWD increases white blood cell infiltration and the rate of
phagocytosis.
Indications for Thermal SWD
Answer: Includes joint capsule contractures, muscular contractures, muscle
guarding or spasms, chronic inflammatory conditions, pain control, and accelerated
healing.
Indications for Non-Thermal SWD
Answer: Includes decrease pain, decrease edema, increase wound healing, increase
nerve healing, increase bone healing, and manage neuropathy.
Diathermy and Laser Therapy in Athletic
Treatment Verified and Updated Questions
and Answers (100% Correct Answers)
Short Wave Diathermy (SWD)
Answer: The application of high-frequency electromagnetic energy used to generate
heat in tissues.
Typical Units of SWD
Answer: SWD is a modality that produces deep heating via conversion of
electromagnetic energy to thermal energy.
Factors Affecting Heat Production
Answer: The pattern of heat produced depends on frequency, type of SWD unit, and
water content of the tissues.
Shortwave Diathermy Current Frequency
Answer: Shortwave diathermy current frequency is 10 - 100 MHz.
Common Medical Applications Frequency
Answer: Common medical applications use 27.12 MHz.
Forms of SWD
Answer: Either continuous (SWD) or pulsed (PSWD).
Continuous SWD
Answer: Produces both deep and superficial tissue heating and is applied for 20 min
at the max tolerable dose.
Pulsed SWD (PSWD)
Answer: Application of a series of short pulses of SWD with an off cycle between
pulses.
Therapeutic Effects of SWD
Answer: Includes increased blood flow, resolution of inflammation, accelerated
wound healing, increased extensibility of deep collagen tissues, decreased joint
stiffness, and relief of deep muscle pain and spasm.
Effective Depths of SWD
Answer: Effective depths of 2 - 5 cm, with heat retention 2x - 3x longer than
ultrasound.
, Inquire through: | Professional | Confidential Support
Temperature Increase from SWD
Answer: Causes vigorous heating with temperature increases of 7.2°F (4.0°C) above
baseline.
Intramuscular Temperature Range
Answer: Intramuscular temperature is in the range of 100.4°F to 104°F (38°C to
40°C).
Risks of Rapid Temperature Increase
Answer: Increasing too rapidly or beyond 104°F can cause burns and result in the
breakdown of protein-rich tissues.
Nonthermal Effects of SWD
Answer: Alter the rate of diffusion across the cell membrane.
Thermal Effects of SWD
Answer: Increase the rate of cell metabolism.
Nerve Conduction and Pain Control
Answer: SWD cannot depolarize motor or sensory nerves.
Blood and Fluid Dynamics
Answer: Vasodilation increases blood flow, capillary filtration, capillary pressure,
and oxygen perfusion.
Tissue Elasticity
Answer: Allows for tissue elongation same as thermal ultrasound.
Wound Healing Effects of SWD
Answer: Pulsed SWD increases white blood cell infiltration and the rate of
phagocytosis.
Indications for Thermal SWD
Answer: Includes joint capsule contractures, muscular contractures, muscle
guarding or spasms, chronic inflammatory conditions, pain control, and accelerated
healing.
Indications for Non-Thermal SWD
Answer: Includes decrease pain, decrease edema, increase wound healing, increase
nerve healing, increase bone healing, and manage neuropathy.
