It has no contraindications. However, patients may become fatigued during treatment, and BP may fall. For application, it uses capacitor plates or inductive coil applicators. Contraindications include malignancy, hemorrhagic conditions, peripheral vascular disease, loss of sensation, and nonremovable prostheses, pacemakers, or electrophysiologic braces. Microwave diathermy is simpler to apply and more comfortable than short wave diathermy and has more accurate output measurement.
Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation.
Microwave diathermy is a form of heat therapy. Indications and contraindications are the same as for short wave diathermy. Indications for ultrasound treatment are listed in Table 291-3. Ultrasound should not be used to treat ischemic tissue, hemorrhagic diathesis, malignancies, anesthetized areas, or areas of acute infection. Also, it should not be used over the eyes, brain, spinal cord, ears, heart, reproductive organs, brachial plexus, or healing bones.