PTY 302 Lecture Materials

Federal University Wukari, Taraba State

 Microwavediathermy(MWD)
 MWD is irradiation of tissues with electromagnetic waves having
wavelength between 0.1 and 100cm. Waves with a wavelength of
12.25cm and a frequency of 2450 megacycles per second are frequently
used.
 MWD uses electromagnetic radiation by microwaves to generate heat in
the body. MWD uses the same high frequencies as a microwave oven.
 Any diathermy device like MWD should be able to maintain a temperature
of 104 ⁰F to 114⁰F two inches below the skin. The ideal temperature
should be reached in 20mins. or less.
 MWD heats to a lesser tissue depth than SWD. It is primarily used to heat
superficial muscles and joints such as the shoulder.
 Besides its(MWD) use in musculoskeletal conditions, this modality has
been employed to reduce the potential effects of cancer chemotherapy
and radiation treatment.
 The MWD are generated by a special lamp called a Magnetron.
 Microwaves’ characteristics are similar to infrared and visible radiation –
therefore, they undergo reflection, dispersion, refraction and diffraction
on various complicated tissue structures.
 About 50% of the microwave beam applied to the skin is reflected; the
rest is absorbed by tissues at depths of only 6 – 8cm.
 The most overheated are tissues containing a lot of water, such as blood
and muscles; fat tissue containing little water is only slightly affected.
 Microwaves are applied to the body by means of radiator that are
connected to the Magnetron.
 The Radiators are of different sizes depending on the kind and location of
pathology.
 The Radiators are usually placed 5 – 10cm from the skin surface
 Indications for MWD – are generally similar to those for SWD. MWD can
be used for conditions like – arthritis, back pains, neuralgia and chronic
adnexitis.
 Contraindications –are the same as in the case of SWD. Microwaves can
be harmful; therefore, eye lenses, testicles and ovaries are at risk.
 Production of Waves –
 The microwaves are generated by a high-frequency current valve
lamp called Magnetron.
  The magnetron requires time to warm up, so output is not obtained
immediately the machine is switched on.
 Current is carried from the high-frequency circuit by a coaxial cable
– which carries the current to the emitter, the director or
applicator. The applicator or emitter may be Circular or Rectangular
in shape.
 Microwaves can interfere with radio communications just as with
the SWD.
 Application to the Tissues –
 The emitters are placed at a distance from the body and waves pass
through the intervening air to reach the tissues.
 The circular emitters give a beam of rays which is circular on cross
section and is said to be more dense at the periphery than in the
centre(fig. 1).
 The rectangular emitters provides a beam which is oval on cross
section and is of greatest intensity centrally(fig. 2)
 For both emitters the rays given off tend to diverge, so that their
density becomes less as the distance from the emitter increases.
 Reduction in the intensity of the beam is also caused by absorption
of the rays.
 The distance from the skin at which these emitters are used
depends on the particular emitter, the output of the generator and
the structure to be treated. Commonly it is between 10 and 20cm.
 A greater distance is used for larger than for small areas and
requires a greater output.
 Small emitters are made for use in contact with the tissues and
treatment of cavities, but do not appear to have been as effective
as a distance emitters.
 Many years later an emitter with a concave surface which fits round
the body was developed with longer waves(69cm). It is claimed that
this gives a deeper effect than the other emitters.
 Technique of Application –
 Select the appropriate emitter
 Connect the selected emitter to the machine by the appropriate
cable and switch on the power
 It will take sometime(warm up time) for the output to be obtained.
 Test the output by placing your hand or arm in front of the emitter
and increase the output until a sensation of warmth is experienced.
 Controls are returned to zero and the switch turned to the stand-by
position. If no stand-by switch is provided the current is turned off.
 Preparation of the Patient –
 Patient supported in a comfortable position
 The couch and chair for patient use should not contain metal.
 Clothing must be removed from the area and skin examined and
dried if necessary.
 Sensation to heat and cold is tested at the first attendance
 Advise patient of the nature of the treatment and warned to report
immediately any undue sensation of heat or other discomfort, and
of the danger of burns.
 Warn the patient to avoid movement once the emitter has been
arranged in position.
 Application of the Emitter –
 The emitter is arranged so that its surface is parallel to the skin and
at the appropriate distance
 Irregular surfaces and areas which perspire freely should, if
possible, be avoided.
 Application of the Current(irradiation) -
 The patient is reminded of the sensation to be expected and of the
need to report accurately on that experienced.
 The output is then increased slowly until a sensation of warmth is
experienced or until the selected output is reached.
 Irradiation continues for the set duration while the physiotherapist
visits the patient frequently to ensure that nothing untoward has
occurred.
 Dosages/Treatment Duration –
 microwave dosages are estimated in a similar way to SWD.
 Another dosage based on Watts includes mild dosages(up to 20W)
and strong dosages(up to 150W). However, the most often-used
dosages are those between 20 and 100W.
 In all cases the sensation experienced by the patient must be the
primary guide for the power output
 As a general rule, weaker dose should be used for acute than for
chronic conditions
 It is advisable to commence cautiously and progression is made
according to the patient’s reaction.
 Depending on indications, irradiation ranges between 10 and
30mins.
 The usual course of treatment includes 10 – 15 sessions.
 Treatment may be daily or on alternate days.
 Fig. 1. Fig. 2
Circular Emitter Rectangular Emitter

Microwave Diathermy Emitters and Distribution of Waves

(a) Side of Emitter