BETWEEN RADIOWAVES AND

INFRARED
WAVE LENGTHS BETWEEN 1m & 1cm
FREQUENCY BETWEEN 300MHz to
Frequency Wavelength
30GHz (MHz) (cm)
2450 12.245
915 32.79
433.9 69.14
 Fan and cathode Reflector
Heater control
circuits

Power
supply
from Magnetron
Antenn
mains
a

Emitter
Coaxial cable
Intensit
Main y
s
Production of MW
 Wireless waves are caused by high
frequency currents
 Special valve called magnetron is
used
 Standby switch to provide to use
the machine betw patients without
disconnect current to the valve
intensity
 Current from the valve is carried by a coaxial
cable which contain a central wire with outer
metal sheath separated with a an insulating
material
 Wire and sheath run parallel
 Coaxial cable carry current to the aerial from
which the microwave is emitted
 The aerial is mounted in a reflector which is
packed with some material which transmits
the waves into the tissue
 Its called the emitter, director ,applicators.
 Pt does not form a part of the circuit
The physiological effects
of Microwaves on the
tissues
 When electromagnetic energy of
Microwave radiation is absorbed in
the tissues it provokes ionic
movement, rotation of dipoles and
electron orbit distortion which
leads to heating
 The propagation characteristics of
microwaves are first determined
by the wavelength and frequency
Tissue composition and
Microwave Absorption
 Microwave energy has a tendency to penetrate tissue with low
electrical conductivity and be absorbed in tissues with high
conductivity
 High electrical conductivity equates with high fluid content
(typically blood vessels, muscle, moist skin, internal organs
and eyes)
 There is greater rise in muscle temperature (muscle tissue)
when microwave diathermy is used
 Therapeutic microwave radiation is largely absorbed in the
first few centimeters of tissue traversed.
 The approximate half value depth of penetration is 3cm.
 The shape and size of the emitter influences the energy
distribution into the tissues
 Good transmission to the skin can be achieved with contact
emitters.
 The frequency of the microwaves produced depends on the
structure of the magnetron.
 Therapeutic Effect
 The different effects of heating are
the consequence of such factors as
 The volume of tissue absorbing the
energy
 The composition of the absorbing tissue
 The capacity of the tissue to dissipate
heat-largely a factor of blood supply
 The temperature to tissue is raised.
 The rate of rise of temperature
 Microwave irradiation increases skin
and tissue temperature and blood flow
 Enhances rate of tissue heating and
infection control by increasing the
metabolic activity of the phagocytic and
reparative cells.
 Improves joint range of movement by
decreasing stiffness and improving
extensibility of contracted soft tissues.
 Subacute stage of arthritis- improves
circulation and resists the resolution of
oedema and hemorrhage
 Pain relieving effects
 Muscle guarding
 Degenerative joint disease
 Bursitis
 Sacroiliac strains
 Ankylosing spondylitis
 Increased extensibility of collagen
tissues
Principles of
Application
 Preparation of patient
 Preparation of apparatus
 Preparation of part to be treated
 Setting up- emitter should be positioned
so that radiations strike the surface at
right angles
 Instruction and warning
 Application
 Termination
Dosage

 20 min for vascular adjustment

 If significant heating required 30
min would be reasonable
Hazards of Microwave

 All electrotherapy equipment should be

handled with care and be regularly
maintained and serviced
 Frayed leads and improperly functioning
safety leads are not used
 Microwave units should be regularly
tested by the physiotherapist
 The presence and distribution of the
microwave field can be tested by using
an appropriate fluorescent tube
Contraindications
 Diminished thermal sensation
 Defective arterial circulation
 Acute inflammation
 Recent hemorrhage
 Metal in area under treatment
 Malignancy
 Implanted cardiac pacemaker
 Intrauterine devices
 Eyes and testes
 Pregnant uterus
 EFFECTS OF METAL
EFFECTS OF SURFACE MOISTURE
CARDIAC PACEMAKERS
EYES
TESTES
PREGNANCY
GENERAL SAFETY WITH
MICROWAVE