Understanding Diathermy: Types, Benefits, and Risks

What is Diathermy?

Diathermy is a therapeutic treatment that uses high-frequency electrical currents to generate heat within body tissues. The heat produced by diathermy can help improve circulation, relax muscles, and promote healing in various soft tissue injuries.

It’s commonly used in physical therapy and rehabilitation for conditions.

Types of Diathermy

Medical professionals worldwide use three types of diathermy: microwave, shortwave, and ultrasound. Each of these is beneficial in managing pain associated with various health conditions.

Here are the details:

• Microwave Diathermy

As the name suggests, this type of diathermy utilises micro- or small waves of electromagnetic energy to warm deep tissues without heating the skin. It can be beneficial for targeting pain in specific areas that are nearer to the skin, such as the shoulders.

• Shortwave/High-Frequency/Radio-Wave Diathermy

This form of diathermy utilises high-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat. The currents may be administered in small pulses or continuously. Doctors commonly use it to treat pain caused by:

◦ Sprains

◦ Kidney stones

◦ Pelvic inflammatory disease

◦ Bursitis

◦ Tenosynovitis

• Ultrasound Diathermy

Also known as ultrasonic diathermy, this method utilises high-frequency sound waves. The resulting vibrations generate heat and help alleviate pain in the tissues.

Ultrasound diathermy can be useful for the treatment of pain caused by:

◦ Muscle spasms

◦ Neuromas

◦ Musculoskeletal sprains

◦ Adhesions or joint contractures

While the treatment can be very beneficial, it is important to consult your doctor regarding how each type works. If required, health insurance can cover your medical expenses while you make an informed decision.

How it Works?

Each of the above-mentioned types of diathermy works distinctly and may provide different results. Let’s look at the process:

• Microwave Diathermy

To transmit the microwave frequencies into your body, a specialised tool or an applicator is used, which is connected to the microwave diathermy machine. These frequencies or the waves create heat. The flexibility of the applicator allows doctors to adjust the treatment according to the area of pain.

• Shortwave Diathermy

In shortwave diathermy, an electrode with two plates is positioned on the front and back of the body. These plates emit high-frequency electromagnetic energy, which is absorbed by body tissues. The absorbed energy produces heat, promoting pain relief and improved circulation.

• Ultrasound Diathermy

The first step involves applying a special gel to the treatment area. Then, the doctor places a rod-like tool on the area requiring treatment. The tool glides smoothly on the skin due to the gel and sends the sound waves underneath. The resulting vibrations create the therapeutic heat.

Benefits of Diathermy

The following are the primary benefits of this treatment:

• Pain Relief

The primary advantage of diathermy is its ability to manage pain in large areas of the body or specific joints. It can prove highly rewarding for those suffering from fibromyalgia, myositis, back pain, and many other conditions.

• Reduction in Inflammation

By supplying heat to specific joints, tissues, and muscles, this treatment can help reduce swelling and inflammation. This can also lower the chances of fluid retention.

• Enhanced Blood Flow

The heat generated by different types of diathermy can lead to improved blood flow to the treated areas. It can accelerate the healing process.

• Muscle Relaxation

Diathermy can minimise the inflammation in joints and tissues, relax your muscles, and speed up the healing process. Thus, you achieve a better range of movement and less pain.

Risks of Diathermy

With advancements in the field of healthcare, treatments are becoming safer. However, it is better to be sure than sorry. Hence, ensure that you have the right individual health insurance coverage. Some risk factors may still be associated with diathermy. They are:

• Burn Injury

The most common risk factor is a burn injury caused to the treated area due to excessive heat. It can happen if the diathermy tool remains at the same spot for a long time.

• Shock

During treatment, the patient is exposed to an active electrical field. Contact with bare metal surfaces or metal objects in this state can result in an electrical shock.

• Other Risk Factors

Patients may be at an increased risk due to faulty equipment, improper patient supervision, and inexperienced medical professionals.

Also, you may not be eligible for diathermy if you have:

• Cancer

• Compromised skin sensation

• Pregnancy

• Bone fracture

• Bleeding disorders

• Any cardiac, liver, or kidney disorders

• Peripheral vascular disease

• Restricted blood supply to a tissue

Conclusion

Diathermy offers a range of long-lasting benefits, which can aid in pain management and enhance the quality of your life. However, before pursuing it, consult an experienced healthcare professional to avoid potential health complications.

Additionally, when considering a treatment like diathermy, it is advisable to have a well-structured health insurance plan. It can help you access the necessary medical treatment without worrying about the high costs.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the wellness corner.

Sources: clevelandclinic.org, webmd.com, healthline.com, britannica.com, vejthani.com, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on July 28, 2025