Mettler Electronics Auto Therm 395, Instruction Manual

Page: 17 / 30

Auto*Therm 395, Shortwave Diathermy
17
4 Indications, Contraindications and Precautions for Shortwave
Diathermy
4.1 Indications
Shortwave diathermy delivers energy in the radio band of 27.12 MHz to provide deep heating
therapeutic effects to body tissues. When shortwave diathermy is delivered to the body at intensities
capable of generating a deep tissue temperature increase, it can be used to treat selected medical
conditions such as:
1. Relieving pain
2. Reducing muscle spasm
3. Increasing range of motion of contracted joints using heat and stretch techniques.
4. Increasing blood flow to tissues in the treatment area.
4.2 Contraindications
1. Diathermy must not be applied over areas of the body which may contain metal (implants, surgical
staples, etc.) for heat will become concentrated in that area increasing the possibility of tissue
damage and deep burns.
2. Any patient with an implanted electronic device such as a cardiac pacemaker, bladder stimulator,
spinal cord stimulator or electrodes for a myoelectric prosthesis, or implanted metallic leads, must
not be treated with shortwave diathermy and should not be in the vicinity of the Auto*Therm
®
395
when it is in operation.
3. Do not treat on a metal treatment table, mattress with metal springs, wheel chair or a metal stool.
Make sure that the patient cannot come into any contact with metal during treatment.
4. Remove clothing from the treatment area. Any metal contained in the clothing, such as zippers,
bra hooks or rivets may cause burning. In addition remove jewelry and watches during treatment.
5. Remove hearing aids and watches during treatment to prevent interference with or damage to
these devices.
6. Do not treat over the pelvic or low back area when an IUD is present.
7. Shortwave diathermy should not be applied over the pregnant or potentially pregnant uterus.
Therefore, shortwave diathermy should not be applied over the uterus unless specific assurance
can be attained from the patient that she is not pregnant.
8. Shortwave diathermy should not be applied to the eye.
9. Neoplastic tissues or space occupying lesions should not be exposed to shortwave diathermy.
10. Shortwave diathermy should not be applied to the testes to avoid increases in temperature.
11. Do not treat ischemic tissues in individuals with vascular disease where the blood supply would be
unable to follow the increase in metabolic demand and tissue necrosis might result.
12. Shortwave diathermy should not be applied over the epiphyseal areas (bone growth centers) of
the bones of growing children.
4.3 Precautions
1. Shortwave diathermy should not be applied in areas of reduced sensation or circulation. Patients
having reduced sensation will not be able to notify the practitioner of discomfort if the intensities
are too high. Patients with compromised circulation may have an excessive heat buildup in the
treatment area.