RT Book, Section
A1 Post, Robert
A1 Nolan Jr., Thomas P.
A2 Bellew, James W.
A2 Michlovitz, Susan L.
A2 Nolan Jr., Thomas P.
SR Print(0)
ID 1180666938
T1 Electromagnetic Waves—Laser, Diathermy, and Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields
T2 Modalities for Therapeutic Intervention, 6e
YR 2016
FD 2016
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9780803645639
LK fadavispt.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1180666938
RD 2024/04/23
AB The  understanding  of  electromagnetic  theory  in  the  19th  century  led  to  the  development  of  the  wireless  telegraph  and  eventually  to  the  development  of  radio,  television,  and  cell  phones.  A  whole  new  world  of  communication  evolved  that  has  profoundly  changed  the  world  we  live  in.  The  use  of  electromagnetic  radiation,  or  waves,  for  therapeutic  purposes  began  in  the  early  20th  century  when  physicians  began  using  high-frequency  currents  to  heat  muscles  and  joints.1  The  penetration  of  electromagnetic  waves  through  body  tissues  enabled  deeper  heating  than  superficial  heating  devices  (such  as  hot  packs  applied  to  the  skin).  Eventually,  the  development  of  devices  that  produce  electromagnetic  waves  popularized  what  became  known  as  diathermy.  Originally  diathermy  included  "ultrasonic"  therapy  (ultrasound);2  however,  the  therapeutic  effect  of  ultrasound  is  produced  by  mechanical  vibrations,  not  electromagnetic  waves  (see  Chapter  4).  Today  diathermy  includes  only  therapeutic  devices  that  produce  electromagnetic  waves  from  the  microwave  and  radio  frequency  sections  of  the  electromagnetic  spectrum.