Effects of Repetitive Shortwave Diathermy for Reducing Synovitis in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: An Ultrasonographic Study

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Shortwave (SW) diathermy can be used to improve vascular circulation and reduce inflammation and pain for patients with osteoarthritis. However, reduction in synovial inflammation has never been explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether repetitive SW diathermy, using ultrasonographic examination, could reduce synovitis in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Subjects and Methods. Thirty subjects with 44 osteoarthritic knees participated in this study. Eleven subjects received SW, and 10 subjects received SW and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Nine subjects received no treatment and served as a control group. Synovial sac thickness superior, medial, and lateral to the patella was measured using ultrasonography. The sum of these 3 measurements was taken as the total synovial sac thickness. Subjects in the treatment groups underwent ultrasonographic examination before and after 10, 20, and 30 treatments, whereas control subjects underwent ultrasonographic examination before the experiment and then once every 2 or 3 weeks for a total of 3 follow-up measurements. Results. After 10 SW diathermy treatments, the total synovial sac thickness in both treatment groups was significantly less than the initial thickness, and the synovial sac continued to become significantly thinner with 20 sessions of treatment. These observations were not made in the control subjects. Discussion and Conclusion. The results indicate that SW diathermy in patients with knee osteoarthritis can significantly reduce both synovial thickness and knee pain. Such reductions of synovial sac thickness and pain index continue over treatment sessions. [Jan MH, Chai HM, Wang CL, et al. Effects of repetitive shortwave diathermy for reducing synovitis in patients with knee osteoarthritis: an ultrasonographic study. Phys Ther. 2006;86:236 -244.]

Pulsed Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Therapy: A Potential Novel Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

“…PRFE therapy has shown to be beneficial in the treatment of neck pain (10,15). The treatment of osteoarthritis with PRFE has been reported to improve joint mobility and decrease pain and stiffness (16)(17)(18). Recently, there has been a focus on PRFE therapy and its application in controlling postoperative pain and in promoting the healing of chronic wounds.…”

Short wave diathermy in the symptomatic management of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease pain: A randomized controlled trial

“…The favourable symptomatic pain and adjunct anti‐inflammatory effect of SWD in the management of PID as reported in the present study could be associated with the effect of SWD in dilation of arterioles and capillaries that result in an increased flow of blood to the pelvic region, the dilation of capillaries also increases the exudation of fluid into the tissues followed by increased absorption these assist in the removal of waste products. These effects also help to bring about the resolution of inflammation (Goats, 1989; Rennie and Michlovitz, 1996; Haggerly and Ness, 2006; Jan et al, 2006). Chronic PID is associated with chronic pelvic pain as a result of inflammatory processes in the pelvis (EAU, 2007).…”

“…Application of SWD to the involved tissues may increase vascular circulation any changes are likely as a result of increasing tissue temperatures, which directly results in vascular dilatation, increase in pain threshold, and a decrease in pain and swelling (Hecox, 1994; Rennie and Michlovitz, 1996). Such vascular improvement also encourages resolution of the inflammatory processes by increasing nutrition, oxygen supply and by removing metabolic and waste products (Tindall, 1987; Goats, 1989) and in turn promotes natural resistance to infection (Tindall, 1987; Jan et al, 2006).…”

Short Waves‐induced Enhancement of Proliferation of Human Chondrocytes: Involvement of Extracellular Signal‐regulated Map‐kinase (Erk)

“…Short‐wave diathermy is used widely by physiotherapists to alleviate certain symptoms 2 such as hampered hamstring flexibility 3 and ankle range 17 . However, the exact action of short‐waves at the cellular level is unclear.…”

“…Short‐wave diathermy (SWD) is a form of radiofrequency radiation, operating at 27.12 MHz, that is used therapeutically by physiotherapists 1–4 . For example, it is shown that hamstring flexibility can be greatly improved when SWD is used in conjunction with prolonged stretching 5 .…”