Short Wave Diathermy; Types, Uses, Dosage, Methods

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 6 min read
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Short Wave Diathermy utilizes electromagnetic radio waves to convert energy to deep heat. As with ultrasound, short wave diathermy is thought to exert its therapeutic effects by both thermal and nonthermal mechanisms. The primary nonthermal mechanism associated with the use of therapeutic short wave diathermy occurs via vibration induction of...

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বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Short Wave Diathermy utilizes electromagnetic radio waves to convert energy to deep heat. As with ultrasound, short wave diathermy is thought to exert its therapeutic effects by both thermal and nonthermal mechanisms. The primary nonthermal mechanism associated with the use of therapeutic short wave diathermy occurs via vibration induction of tissue molecules when exposed to radio waves. By changing the characteristics of the shortwave applicator, the clinician can target the...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Types of Short Wave Diathermy in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Methods of Application in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Uses/ Indications of Short Wave Diathermy in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Dosage of Short Wave Diathermy in simple medical language.
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Definition

Short Wave Diathermy utilizes electromagnetic radio waves to convert energy to deep heat. As with ultrasound, short wave diathermy is thought to exert its therapeutic effects by both thermal and nonthermal mechanisms. The primary nonthermal mechanism associated with the use of therapeutic short wave diathermy occurs via vibration induction of tissue molecules when exposed to radio waves. By changing the characteristics of the shortwave applicator, the clinician can target the specific type of tissue he or she wants to heat. By using an inductive applicator that generates a magnetically induced eddy of radio wave currents in the tissues, selective heating of water-rich tissues such as muscle can be obtained.

Short Wave Diathermy; Types, Uses, Dosage, Methods

Diathermy is a therapeutic modality that is most commonly used for joint conditions such as pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="rheumatoid arthritis" data-rx-definition="Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The term diathermy refers to the creation of heat using electrical pulses. In diathermy, a high-frequency electric current is delivered via shortwave, microwave, or ultrasound which is able to generate deep heat in body tissues. The heat can be used to improve circulation and/or to relieve pain. In addition, shortwave diathermy can be used in medicine for treating damaged tissues and relaxing muscles.

Types of Short Wave Diathermy

Diathermy used in surgery is of typically two types.[9rx]

  • Monopolar – where electric current passes from one electrode near the tissue to be treated to other fixed electrode (indifferent electrode) elsewhere in the body. Usually this type of electrode is placed in contact with buttocks or around the leg.[rx]
  • Bipolar – where both electrodes are mounted on same pen-like device and electric current passes only through the tissue being treated. Advantage of bipolar electrosurgery is that it prevents the flow of current through other tissues of the body and focuses only on the tissue in contact. This is useful in microsurgery and in patients with cardiac pacemaker.

Methods of Application

A shortwave diathermy overheats tissues by means of the high-frequency electrical or magnetic fields. Respectively, there are two methods of the shortwave diathermy:

  • Condenser shortwave diathermy (high-frequency electrical field)
  • Induction shortwave diathermy (high-frequency magnetic field)

Condenser shortwave diathermy overheats the tissues by means of the high-frequency electrical field between two conducting plates of a condenser; these are two electrodes connected to the shortwave diathermy device. The electrodes can be stationary (usually 10 mm, 75 mm, or 128 mm in diameter), flexible (usually 120 × 180 mm or 180 × 240 mm), or of a special shape (for example, vaginal, axillary, or for boil treatment). Depending on the type of electrodes, they are always covered with various insulating materials for safety purposes: glass, rubber, plastics etc.

Uses/ Indications of Short Wave Diathermy

Short Wave Diathermy; Types, Uses, Dosage, Methods

Some typical uses/ indications for shortwave diathermy treatment are described as follows:

  • Chronic pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis – induction or condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 2–4cm for the active electrode and 2–4cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 5–10 minutes per joint.
  • Back pains – induction or condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 2–4cm for the active electrode and 2–4cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 15–20 minutes
  • Neuralgia/pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. সহজ বাংলা: স্নায়ুর ক্ষতি/সমস্যা।" data-rx-term="neuropathy" data-rx-definition="Neuropathy means nerve damage or irritation causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. সহজ বাংলা: স্নায়ুর ক্ষতি/সমস্যা।">Neuropathy – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 2–4cm for the active and 2–4cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–IV, treatment duration 15–20 minutes
  • Tendonitis – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 2 cm for the active and 4 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 5–10 minutes
  • Chronic sinusitis – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 2–4cm for the active and 2–4cm for the passive electrode), dosage II, treatment duration 10–15 minutes
  • Chronic otitis – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 1–3 cm for the active and 4–6 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II, treatment duration 10–15 minutes
  • Chronic tonsillitis – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 3 cm for the active and 3 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II, treatment duration 10–15 minutes
  • Chronic laryngitis – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 1–3 cm for the active and 1–3 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 10–15 minutes
  • Bronchial asthma – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 6 cm for the active and 6 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 10–15 minutes
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 4 cm for the active and 4–10 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–IV, treatment duration 15–20 minutes
  • Chronic colitis – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 2–3 cm for the active and 3 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 10–15 minutes
  • Chronic pyelonephritis – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 4–6 cm for the active and 6 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 10–15 minutes
  • Chronic prostatitis – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 2–4cm for the active and 3–5 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 10–15 minutes
  • Chronic adnexitis – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 2–4 cm for the active and 4–6 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 15–20 minutes
  • Ovarian endocrinological dysfunction – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 2–4cm for the active and 6 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 10–15 minutes
  • Mastitis – induction or condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 3–5 cm for the active and 4–6 cm for the passive electrode), dosage III, treatment duration 5–10 minutes
  • Frostbite – condenser electrodes (distance from the treated body region, respectively 2–3 cm for the active and 2–3 cm for the passive electrode), dosage II–III, treatment duration 10–15 minutes.
  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • muscle spasms
  • Myositis
  • Neuralgia
  • Sprains and strains
  • Tenosynovitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Bone injuries
  • Bursitis
  • Tenosynovitis
  • Bursitis

Dosage of Short Wave Diathermy

A therapeutic dosage of shortwave diathermy can be estimated according to the following criteria:

Individual patient’s thermal sensations during the treatment

  • The dosage I – athermic, slightly below the heat-perception threshold
  • Dosage II – oligothermic, very mild thermal sensations
  • Dosage III – thermic, nice thermal sensations
  • Dosage IV – hyperthermic, strong but not unpleasant thermal sensations

Type and location of the pathological process

  • The traditional rule is that in acute or subacute stages of a disease, mild dosages (I or II) are used, whereas in chronic pathologies, stronger dosages (III or IV) can be applied.

Treatment duration

  • Usually from five to 20 minutes depending on indications and dosage. Treatments can be done on daily or every other day. The traditional course of treatments consists of 15 to 20 sessions and can be repeated after one week.

References

Short Wave Diathermy; Types, Uses, Dosage, Methods

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Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
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Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
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Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

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This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

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Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
  • X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
  • MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

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Care roadmap for: Short Wave Diathermy; Types, Uses, Dosage, Methods

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

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