is a means of producing

therapeutic heat by
absorption & conversion of
EM radiation in the
microwave band of
frequencies

 Microwave diathermy (MWD), is a form of

electromagnetic radiations (part of electromagnetic

spectrum), lying between shortwave and infrared
waves. The microwaves diathermy gives superficial
heating where energy is first absorbed at the
surface of the body (skin) and a part of it penetrate
and absorbed in deep tissues.

 Electromagnetic radiation which lies between the shortwave

and the infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Frequency of microwave is 300 30000 MHz
The wavelength is 10mm 1m.
Frequency and wavelength used for therapeutic purposes
Frequency

Wavelength

2450

12.2

915

32.8

434
69.1
2450 MHz is the frequency that is widely available for

therapeutic purposes.
Effective penetration of it is about 30mm
But the lower frequencies have the ability to penetrate
more.

SWD

MWD

Frequency of

Frequency of

10 t0 100 MHz
Wavelength
of 3 to 30 m

300 to 30,000
MHz
Wavelength of
10 mm to 1 m

SWD

Frequency

of 27.12
MHz and
wavelength
of greater
than 11 m

MWD
Frequencies of

2450, 915 and

433.9 MHz with
a wavelengths
of 122.5, 330
and 690 mm
respectively

SWD

Machine

circuit
(produce HFC
and amplify
its intensity)
Patient
circuit

MWD

Magnetron (a

diode valve that

produces Hi-fi
AC)
Transducer
circuit (with
antenna &
reflector)

A= Power Switch
B=Timer
C=Output Meter (indicates relative output in watts)
D= Power Output Level Knob
E= Amber Light-Warming up / Red Light- Ready

High frequency current is fed to a device called

magnetron.
Magnetron is a special type of thermionic valve
characterized by centrally placed cathode,
which is surrounded by a circular metal anode.
Primary function of the magnetron is to
generate oscillating currents directly from high
velocity electron motion.

These currents are passed to the

antenna that emits microwaves.

The antenna is a piece of wire that
is mounted in front of a metal
reflector which emits the waves in
one direction.
Output of the microwave energy
can be controlled by varying the
power supply to the magnetron.
The frequency produced depends
on the structure of the magnetron
and it is therefore fixed.

There are different shapes of directors used in

microwave applications:
Large circular field director: the effective
diameter is 200mm. The heating pattern is
more intense around the outer portion than
the centre. The power output range is up to
250 watts.

Small circular field director: the effective

diameter is 100 mm. the heating pattern is

more intense around the outer portion than in
the center. The power output is up to 25 watts

Longitudinal director: the effective treatment

area is 500mm by 100mm. the heating

pattern tends to be more concentrated in the
center of this area. The power output is up to
250 watts

Heat production in the tissues is the

prominent effect.
Water containing tissues such as muscles
absorb more rays than the tissues like fat and
bone.
Skin is heated up to a greater extend than the
other tissues. However, 50% of rays are
reflected from the air-skin surface.

SWD
Electrostati

c and
Electromagnetic

MWD
Electro-

magnetic

 SWD
Water

content
spacing
size of the
condenser

MWD
water

content
frequenc
y
distance

SWD
deep, up

to 50 mm
or 5 cm

MWD
more

superficial
than SWD,
up to 3-4
cm.

Techniques of Application: MWD

Large Circular
Longitudinal
Diameter
200 mm
heating
pattern

out > center

power
output

250 watts

Small Circular
100 mm
outer > inner
25 watts

500x100 mm
center > outer
250 watts

Pain
Muscle spasm
Chronic inflammation
Delayed healing
Chronic infection
Fibrosis

Disorders of musculoskeletal conditions

Sprains
Strains
Capsular lesions
Degenerative joint disease
Chronic rheumatoid arthritis
Stiffness in superficial joints
Haematoma

Superficial inflammatory or

infective conditions
Tenosynovitis
Bursitis
Synovitis
Carbuncles

 Over malignant tissues

Over ischemic tissues
Moderate and excessive

oedema
Over wet dressings and
adhesive tapes
Metallic implants
Pace makers
Over growing bone
Haemorrhagic areas
Tuberculous jointsImpaired
thermal sensation
Unreliable patients

The eyes
Recent radiotherapy
Hypersensityvity to heat
Acute infection or

inflammation
Obesity
Analgesic therapy
Venous thrombosis or
phlebitis
Pregnancy
Menstruation
Acute dermatological
conditions
Severe cardiac conditions
Blood pressure abnormalities

 Duration: 20 minutes is the most favorable

treatment time.
Intensity: Only safe measure is the sensation of

warmth described by the patient.

Frequency of treatment: treatment may be

given daily or on alternative days. It is most

beneficial if given once or twice daily.

Variation in the application

depends on the size and

the heating pattern of the
emitter 9 director/
transducer/applicator/radiat
or).

The patient should be positioned in well

comfortable manner with adequately

exposing the part to be treated.
Explain the procedure to the patient.
Check for contraindications.
Localize the site to be treated.
Test the skin for hot and cold sensation.
Pair of microwave goggles should be given
to the patient.
Select the type of director and fix it to the
machine.
Check all the connections.

Emitter should be position to get a beam

of radiation which strikes the skin at right

angles. Emitter- skin distance is about 2
cm.
Test the machine by placing the therapists
hand under the director.
Switch on the machine after setting the
timer
Instruct the patient to not to look at the
applicator and warn him regarding the
burns.

Simplicity of application and operation of

machine
Accurate localization of heat.
Low frequency microwaves causes
selective heating in muscles.
Deep structure cannot be heated.
It can heat only one aspect of a joint.
Skin burns may develop rapidly.