Shortwave means the application of high

frequency electrical energy to the body

tissues in order to bring physiological and
therapeutic effects, these effects can be
achieved by thermal or non-thermal
effects.
Shortwave has main frequency :-

 27.12 MHz, wavelength 11M (most

common used one)
It is not possible to produce high frequency
current required for SWD by mechanical
means , therefore discharging a
condenser through an inductance of
low ohmic resistance produce high
frequency current.
The basic circuit consist of 2 ports such as
oscillator circuit and resonator circuit in
addition to an ammeter can be
integrated in resonator circuit, so as to
register between oscillator circuit and
resonator circuit.
 It consists of condenser, inductance. The value
of condenser and inductance are such a way
that they produce high frequency current with
a frequency 27.12 MHz. A value is used along a
condenser and inductance so as to allow
repeating charging and discharging of the
condenser.
 If a current of high frequency is required, the
condenser and inductance are very small,
while to produce a current of lower frequency
a larger condenser and inductance is used.
It consist of variable condenser and
inductance coil. High frequency current
are transmitted from oscillator circuit to
resonator circuit with the help of variable
condenser for this the oscillator circuit
and the resonator circuit must be in
resonance with each other.
It does not show amount of current received
by the patient, but it show the oscillating
and resonating circuit are in tune with each
other.
Now a days some imported
modalities/machines have automatic tuner.
Therefore, ammeter is not included in this
type of machines. These machines have
automatically searches and select the
adjustment of variable capacitor to ensure
maximum power is transferred to the
patient circuit.
 Monopolar method:
 Coplanar method:
 Cross fire method:
 Contraplanar method:
The active electrode is placed over the site
of the lesion, while the indifferent one is
applied to some distant part of the
body.
This method is used for very superficial
lesions (face and sinuses).
 In this method, electrodes are placed side by side on the
same aspect of the part, provided there is an adequate
distance between them.
 The distance between the two electrodes should be more
than the total width of spacing.
 In this method, the heat is more superficial and suits certain
areas such as the spine, where one electrode is placed over
the dorsal region, while the other placed over the lumbar
one.
 In this method, half of the treatment period is given with the
electrodes in one position and then they are moved to be at
right angle to that obtained during the first part of the
treatment.
 For example:- for the knee joint, during the first half of the
session, the electrodes are placed on the medial or lateral
aspects of the knee. On the opposite, during the second half
of the session, the electrodes are transferred to the anterior
and posterior aspect of the knee.
 It is the most satisfactory method, especially for the
treatment of deeply placed structures.
 In this method, the electrodes are placed in
opposite direction around the body area which
has to be treated.
 Mostly used for the treatment of Ankle and
shoulder etc.
 Continuous SWD
 Pulsed SWD
 Continuous shortwave diathermy is the
technique of choice when uniform marked
elevation of temperature is required in the
deep tissues. This heating can be targeted
accurately by using an appropriate
applicator positioned correctly.
 Continuous shortwave diathermy can help
to relieve pain and muscle spasm, resolve
inflammatory states and reduce swelling,
promote vasodilation, increase the
compliance of connective tissue, increase
joint range and decrease joint stiffness.
 Pulsed mode is used when less heat is
desired for the affected tissue.
 Increased in number of white cells,
fibroblasts etc in a wounds.
 Improve rate of oedema dispersion.
 Encourage absorption of haematoma.
 Reduction (resolution) of the
inflammatory process.
The effects that are produced in the body
due to heat are as follows:-
 Effects on metabolism
 Effects on blood vessels
 Effects on temperature
 Effects on sweat glands
 Effects on blood pressure
 According to vantt hoff’s law the rise in
temperature can increase the rate of
metabolism.
 The increase in metabolism is greatest in
tissues where most heat is produced.
 As a result of increase metabolism, there
is a increased demand for oxygen and
food stuffs and an increased output of
waste products including metabolites.
 As a result of increased output of waste
products such as metabolites, which acts
on the walls of the capillaries and
arterioles, these tissues dilate.
 In addition, heat has direct effects on
blood vessels, causing vasodilatation.
 heat also produces stimulation of
superficial nerve ending, causing reflex
dilatation of the arterioles.
 As blood passes through the heated
tissues, it also becomes heated and
carries the heat to other body parts.
 Rise of temperature induces muscle
relaxation and increases the efficiency
of muscle action.
 If a general rise of temperature occurs,
hypothalamus receptors of the brain
detect increase in temperature thus
result in increase activity of the sweat
glands.
 The generalised vasodilatation reduces
the peripheral resistance to blood flow.
 Heat also reduces blood viscosity, which
helps in the reduction of blood pressure.
1.Effects on bacterial infection :-
SWD increases the circulation of blood which
increases the number of WBC and antibodies in the
affected region which help in removing infection.

2. Effects on healing time:-

The bacterial effects of SWD in traumatic
conditions includes fluid exudation, increased
blood flow, removal of waste products etc. The
increased blood flow makes more nutritive material
therefore assist in healing process.
3. Relief of pain:-
 The mechanism of pain relief is explained by:
 Sedative effect due to mild degree of heating
 Removal of noxious chemical (waste products of
metabolism )
 Counter irritation effect due superficial heating
which block the pain transmission at pain gate
 Relief of pain also accompanies resolution of
inflammation by SWD.
4. Induction of muscle relaxation:-
When SWD applied over spasmodic muscle in
inflammatory and traumatic conditions induces
muscle relaxation and reduces pain.
5. Fibrosis :-
Application of SWD increases the extensibility of
fibrous tissues such as tendon, scars, joint capsule,
by 5 to 10 times
 BURNS
 SCALADS
 ELECTRIC SHOCK
 OVERDOSE
 FAINTNESS
 GIDDINESS