Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek physical therapy, and it can affect the lower (lumbar), middle (thoracic), or upper (cervical) back. While manual therapy, exercise, and stretching are essential components of rehabilitation, certain modalities like diathermy can significantly enhance outcomes by addressing deep tissue pain and inflammation.
At [Your Clinic Name], we incorporate diathermy therapy into personalized treatment plans to support healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility—especially in cases of chronic or stiff back pain.
Diathermy is a therapeutic technique that uses high-frequency electric currents to produce deep heating within body tissues. Unlike surface-level heating pads, diathermy targets deeper muscle layers, joints, and connective tissue without causing discomfort or burning the skin.
There are two primary types used in physical therapy:
Shortwave Diathermy (SWD) – Uses electromagnetic energy
Microwave Diathermy (MWD) – Uses microwave energy for more superficial heating
Shortwave diathermy is most commonly used in clinical settings for treating back pain and musculoskeletal conditions.
Diathermy works by increasing circulation, metabolic activity, and tissue extensibility, all of which help in healing and pain reduction. It plays a supportive role in managing pain in the low, mid, and upper back as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
By stimulating blood flow and heating tissues, diathermy helps:
Reduce muscle spasms
Desensitize nerve endings
Minimize stiffness and discomfort
Increased circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach the affected area, helping tissues heal from:
Sprains and strains
Chronic inflammation
Postural dysfunction
Soft tissue injuries
Heat allows muscles and connective tissues to stretch more easily. This is especially helpful when:
Preparing for manual therapy or stretching
Treating post-surgical stiffness
Addressing restricted thoracic or lumbar spine mobility