Short Wave Dithermy (SWD)

Short Wave Dithermy (SWD) is a treatment that uses electromagnetic energy to produce deep heating in joints and soft tissues. This form of heat can be applied to deeper structures than other forms of heat treatment.

What is Short-Wave Dithermy?

Dithermy is a therapeutic modality that is most commonly used for joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The term dithermy refers to the creation of heat using electrical pulses. In dithermy, 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 dithermy can be used in medicine for treating damaged tissues and relaxing muscles.

The electric pulse of Short-Wave Dithermy creates heat deep inside a targeted tissue, reaching areas as deep as two inches from the skin’s surface. While the dithermy machine doesn’t apply heat directly to the body, the current created by the machine allows the body to generate heat within the targeted area itself.

It is when the heat of the area increases, that blood flow is improved along with improvements to flexibility in stiff joints and connective tissue making it a good choice to use for patients with arthritis.

The main benefits for decreased pain and inflammation is it allows patients to gently increase their range of motion allowing them to move with more ease and participate in rehabilitation with more comfort.

Dithermy isn’t just used in rehabilitation. Dithermy can be used in surgical procedures where when the electrode can be applied to a blood vessel. The heat generated by dithermy in the vessel will cause the blood to coagulate allowing the vessel to be cauterize(seal).

Dithermy can also be used to remove abnormal growths, such as tumors, especially in procedures where traditional techniques are impractical. For example, surgical dithermy can be used to address issues in the prostate, bladder, cervix, brain, ovaries, bowels, eyes, and tonsils.

What Conditions Can Short-Wave Dithermy Treat?

• Arthritis
• Back pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Muscle spasms
• Myositis
• Neuralgia
• Sprains and strains
• Tenosynovitis
• Tendonitis
• Bone injuries
• Bursitis