Diathermy consists of introducing a cold energy into the tissues that interacts with the cells, generating an increase in the internal temperature that is directed from the inside to the outside. This energy is a high-frequency electric current that travels between two electrodes placed on the patient’s skin.
With this system, the medical professional is able to optimize the concentration of energy at different levels of depth in the tissues (from the skin to the bone). The cellular electrolytic exchange allows tissue balance. The thermal action reduces the sensation of pain and favors tissue regeneration, thanks to the increased vascular supply. In this way, the recovery time is reduced thanks to the metabolic increase of the tissues caused by the increase in temperature.
Diathermy is a physical rehabilitation treatment that stimulates the different damaged tissues (muscle, tendon, fat, skin…), increasing their local temperature. This increases vascularization and restorative blood flow. The patient only feels a slight heat in the treated area. This treatment does not require anesthesia or punctures and there is no irradiation, so it is suitable for all types of patients.
Unlike other physical rehabilitation methods (ultrasound, Tens, etc.), diathermy manages to stimulate deeper tissues until reaching the injured area. With 30 minute sessions of Diathermy during 4/ 6 days, it is possible to accelerate the recovery period of these muscle-tendon injuries.
What does Diathermy treat?
It is a manual technique performed by the physiotherapist and has several applications in traumatology. The most common are:
- Tendinitis (acute and chronic): shoulder, elbow, wrist, etc.
- Ligament-articular sprains, bursitis, synovitis: ankle, knee, etc.
- Muscle injuries (ruptures, scars, etc.): thigh, calf, etc.
- Muscle contracture (cervicalgia, dorsalgia, lumbalgia).
The difference with other musculotendinous rehabilitation techniques (ultrasound, Tens, laser, etc.) refers to the shortening of recovery time and the possibility of combining diathermy with manual treatments (massages, Cyriax, etc.).
In our Clínica del Corredor y Ciclista we are obtaining good results in our patients (triathlon, cycling, soccer, …), advancing in several days the reincorporation to their physical and sport activity.