UHF therapy is a therapeutic method that is used to treat many serious diseases. It is based on the use of electromagnetic fields characterized by ultra-high frequencies. The heat resulting from such exposure penetrates into organs and functional tissues.
To perform UHF therapy, special equipment is used. The technique is allowed to be used even if the patient’s history includes recent fractures, gynecological problems or acute infectious pathologies. The latter circumstance is the main advantage, since most physiotherapy procedures cannot be performed in this case.
The popularity of UHF therapy in medicine is due to its high efficiency, safety, minimal number of restrictions and accessibility. Thanks to this method:
- the structure of functional tissues changes;
- thermal energy is generated.
Biological fluids and internal organs, penetrated by a large number of blood vessels, conduct electric current well. Vibrating particles at a certain frequency causes them to be quickly absorbed. As a result, thermal energy is accumulated.
Bone, nervous, connective and adipose tissues have much less conductivity. In this case there are no ohmic losses. After using the device, molecules are formed that can change their orientation with respect to the poles. The result of this is the occurrence of a bias current. The existing losses are called dielectric.
Ultrahigh-frequency exposure is one of the most popular physiotherapeutic procedures among patients. UHF therapy can be performed both in the clinic and at home. The latter became possible after the creation of portable equipment. UHF therapy is most often carried out in combination with other physiotherapy and drug treatment. With transcerebral UHF therapy, the zone of influence becomes the brain.
Indications
UHF therapy was developed about 20 years ago. Initially, it was used only to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Subsequently, pathological changes localized in the area of the digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems were considered direct indications for UHF therapy. They must be treated in full accordance with the therapeutic regimen prescribed for the patient.
Significant reasons for prescribing UHF therapy are:
- chronic diseases (bronchitis, sinusitis);
- inflammatory diseases accompanied by purulent complications;
- trophic ulcers, furunculosis, purulent wounds, panaritium;
- disruptions in the reproductive system (in women and men).
This list is supplemented by neuralgia, menopause, myalgia, myositis, radiculitis and osteochondrosis. High frequency therapy may be prescribed if a person has suffered due to a mechanical injury.
UHF therapy reduces the likelihood of developing negative consequences resulting from fractures, dislocations or sprains. UHF therapy is often done during the rehabilitation period after surgery (appendicitis removal).
UHF therapy indications
Indications for UHF therapy may be the following:
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
— the procedure reduces pain, has an anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates tissue healing, and also improves intestinal motility. UHF therapy helps with diseases such as:
- Pancreatitis
- Ulcer
- Enteritis
- Cholecystitis
- Viral hepatitis
Diseases of the ENT organs
— the procedure inhibits the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms. At the same time, physiotherapy strengthens the immune system and has an analgesic effect, accelerates the healing process of affected tissues and minimizes the likelihood of complications. UHF therapy helps with diseases such as:
- Bronchitis
- Frontit
- Otitis
- Sinusitis
Eye diseases
— the UHF procedure reduces allergies and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Also, under its influence, phagocytosis increases, due to which damaged tissues are restored faster. UHF therapy helps with diseases such as:
- Blepharitis
- Uveitis
- Glaucoma
Skin diseases
– the UHF procedure strengthens the body’s defense system, accelerates the process of epithelization and has a desensitizing effect. UHF therapy helps with diseases such as:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Phlegmon
- Herpes
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
– during this physiotherapy, the tissues are heated, due to which the blood vessels dilate and, as a result, blood circulation increases. This improves cell nutrition and accelerates their regeneration. UHF therapy helps with diseases such as:
- Dislocations
- Fractures
- Bruises
- Radiculitis
Postoperative rehabilitation
– the UHF therapy procedure reduces the risk of tissue infection and complications. In addition, it accelerates the regeneration process, relieves pain and strengthens the body's defenses.
Contraindications
Despite its relative safety, UHF therapy is not prescribed to everyone. This physiotherapeutic technique cannot be included in the general complex if the following factors are present:
- Malignant and benign neoplasms.
- Poor blood clotting.
- Congenital diseases (heart defects).
- Pregnancy.
- Lactation period.
- Thyrotoxicosis.
- Acute vasculitis, leukemia, lymphoma, hemophilia, thrombophilia.
- Damage to the skin in the area to be treated.
- Injuries caused by thermal exposure.
- Hyperthermia (high body temperature).
- Hypotension (persistent decrease in blood pressure).
- Heart failure (acute, chronic).
- Myocardial infarction.
Ultrahigh-frequency therapy is not performed if the patient has metal implants (crowns, pacemaker). In any case, self-medication is strictly prohibited. UHF therapy should be prescribed by the attending physician according to direct indications. It is recommended to carry out the procedure in a hospital setting. A physiotherapist prescribes a referral for UHF. At the same time, he must take into account the patient’s contraindications.
UHF therapy contraindications
UHF is not performed a month before the planned operation; it has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before use. It cannot be used in the following cases:
- intolerance to UHF waves,
- suppuration,
- risks of bleeding,
- diseases of the pancreas,
- during pregnancy,
- circulatory failure (at stage 3),
- malignant formations,
- myocardial infarction (acute stage),
- diabetic retinopathy (grade 4),
- cardiac ischemia with angina pectoris,
- stroke,
- blood diseases,
- implanted electrical stimulators,
- wet gauze and plaster bandages,
- foreign bodies made of metal that are located near blood vessels and nerves.
Goals of the methodology
Thanks to ultra-high-frequency therapy, a noticeable improvement in the patient’s well-being can be achieved. With the help of UHF therapy it is effective to:
- Accelerate the process of restoration of damaged tissues.
- Relieves swelling and spasms.
- Normalize blood circulation.
- Eliminate pain syndrome.
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Destroy harmful microflora.
- Strengthen the proliferative activity of the connective tissue apparatus.
- Improves metabolic metabolism at the cellular level.
- Stops foci of inflammation.
- Stabilize the state of the central nervous system.
Indications for shock wave therapy (SWT)
- Calcific supraspinatus tendinosis (supraspinatus syndrome) is a disease of the supraspinatus tendon, accompanied by its calcification.
- Syndrome of the apex and proper patellar ligament, traumatic injury to the ligamentous apparatus of the knee.
- Trochanteroperiostosis is a disease of the capsule and tendon of the hip joint, trochanteritis is inflammation of the hip joint.
- Achilles' tendonitis, Achilles tendon pain and inflammation.
- Dupuytren's syndrome is a chronic traumatic overstrain of the muscles and tendons of the anterior edge of the tibia.
- Radial epicondylitis, inflammation of the head of the radius at the site of attachment of muscles and ligaments.
- Heel spur".
- Humeral periarthrosis is a disease of the periarticular soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons) of the shoulder joint.
- Deforming osteoarthritis is a degenerative-dystrophic (age-related) disease of the joints.
- Post-traumatic arthrosis.
- Sprains and micro-tears of muscles.
- Ligamentoses (ligament diseases) of various localizations.
- SIJ (sacroiliac joint) blocks.
- Trigger and muscle-tonic pain in osteochondrosis.
- Delayed consolidation of fractures.
- Muscle contractures in cerebral palsy.
- "Diabetic foot"
Contraindications for UVT include pregnancy, the patient having a pacemaker, the patient taking anticoagulants, and acute infections.
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Necessary equipment
Special equipment is used to carry out UHF therapy. This is a device that consists of emitters, a generator, inductors and electrodes. The equipment can be stationary or portable. Stationary equipment is installed in medical institutions, in rooms intended for physiotherapeutic procedures. Portable equipment can be purchased for performing therapy at home.
When purchasing equipment, they usually focus on the principle of operation and power. Taking into account the last indicator, there are three types of equipment power for UHF therapy:
- small (less than 30 W);
- medium (from 30 to 80 W);
- large (from 80 to 350 W).
During UHF therapy, electromagnetic radiation reaches the affected area without loss. If the equipment of the mechanism is used correctly, the risk of burns for the patient is minimal.
UHF therapy (ultra-high frequency therapy) at the Paracelsus clinic, Sergiev Posad
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UHF therapy (ultra high frequency therapy)
- is a physiotherapeutic treatment method that uses ultra-high frequency electromagnetic fields. UHF therapy is a kind of heat treatment that, using special equipment, penetrates human tissues and organs.
UHF therapy is based on the action of an ultra-high frequency electromagnetic field on the pathological focus. During the procedure, the patient feels warmth, and the energy that is absorbed by the body tissues helps improve microcirculation at the site of treatment.
The main rule of success in the treatment of any disease is complexity. The more necessary techniques the treatment regimen combines, the faster the recovery. UHF therapy protects the source of inflammation from healthy tissue and helps the body fight infection by enhancing the phagocytosis reaction. That is, it helps the immune system resist foreign bacteria.
UHF with renewed vigor triggers cellular processes occurring in connective tissues and regenerative processes in nerve tissues. That is why ultra-high-frequency therapy makes an invaluable contribution to the treatment of patients with pathologies of the nervous system. By improving the conductivity of electrical impulses through the peripheral nervous system, sensitivity at nerve endings is reduced.
The doctors of the physiotherapy department of the Paracelsus Medical Center are very attentive to the issue of providing UHF therapy to each patient. They take into account the medical history and diagnosis if the patient came to physical therapy under the direction of another doctor and prescribe an individual course of procedure to treat your disease.
How is the procedure performed?
The algorithm of action is the same. At the first stage, the device is configured for UHF therapy. The range of electromagnetic vibrations is selected based on the patient’s diagnosis and individual characteristics. UHF equipment manufactured in the Russian Federation operates at 40.68 Hz.
Devices manufactured abroad are used by setting the frequency at 27.12 Hz. It is also necessary to decide on the type of low-intensity vibrations. Electromagnetic influence can be carried out in a continuous or impulsive manner.
While the specialist adjusts the equipment, the patient takes the appropriate position. He can sit or lie down. It depends on which area of the body will be exposed to radiation.
Then the doctor will attach the plate elements to the desired places on the patient’s body. A gauze or cloth napkin is placed between them and the skin directly. Ignoring the doctor’s recommendations and the instructions listed in the instructions can result in a burn.
The duration of one session of UHF therapy does not exceed 15 minutes. To achieve improvement, it will take from 5 to 20 procedures. The duration of the treatment course is determined individually for each patient by the doctor. The furniture in the physiotherapy room should be wooden.
Mechanism of action of UVT
For more than twenty years, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy has been successfully used in the treatment of urolithiasis. Just as shock wave energy causes the destruction of kidney stones, exposure to damaged tissue accelerates reparative processes, causing revascularization and triggering other regeneration mechanisms.
There are several theories about the mechanism of the analgesic effect of shock wave in the treatment of chronic pain syndromes:
- changes in biochemistry in tissues with an increase in the production of substances that inhibit pain mediators;
- destruction of cell membranes of pain receptor cells that generate pain impulses;
- stimulation of pain receptors, which causes the production of high-frequency impulses. The retrocession of these pain impulses, which is entirely dependent on external stimulation, is thus inhibited (according to the "gate control" theory);
- stimulation of the release of endorphins, which in turn lead to a decrease in sensitivity to pain in tissues.
All these theories currently need confirmation in clinical studies. To date, these theories have not yet been confirmed. Perhaps a symbiosis of pathogenesis mechanisms actually occurs. However, up to 80% of the effectiveness of using a shock wave is noted.
Effects of UVT on fabric:
- Increased metabolism in target tissues
- Destruction of calcium deposits and further resorption (around the inside of the tendons)
- Reducing the activity of inflammatory processes
- Reducing pain
- Increased fabric strength
The ability of cells to regenerate after exposure to a shock sound wave depends on the power of the generated wave and the degree of its absorption by tissues.
When the wave energy is sufficiently high, tissue cell nuclei are destroyed. In osteotherapy, in order to achieve an osteoneogenetic effect, the shock wave must be powerful enough to affect bone structures. In our Center, treatment is carried out using the Swiss DolorClast device, which generates a shock wave using a pneumatic method, propagating in the patient’s body to a depth of 35 mm.
Are there any negative effects
Ultrahigh-frequency therapy increases the permeability of vascular walls. The risk of developing negative consequences for the patient is minimal. Side effects most often occur when performing UHF therapy at home. Not all patients know by what rules this technique works. They are at risk of harm when using a portable UHF therapy machine.
Possible damage to the body includes:
- thermal skin damage;
- bleeding (warming tissue increases the likelihood of complications after surgery);
- the appearance of scars;
- electric shock.
A course of UHF therapy can be completed at any clinic in Moscow. The price of one session depends on its duration and the equipment used.
Contraindications to treatment with the UHF method
When treating with the UHF method, it is necessary to take into account that any method of treatment has contraindications. The dangers of self-medication with this method have already been discussed above, but there are also a number of serious indications due to which radiation treatment is extremely undesirable or completely impossible. Main contraindications to UHF therapy:
- the presence of pus in a closed area (before its opening);
- pneumosclerosis;
- pneumofibrosis;
- female diseases - oncology, fibroids or mastopathy;
- cardiovascular system - heart attack and heart failure;
- high pressure;
- temperature.
It is also important to follow safety rules, because the slightest mistake, such as using a damp cloth instead of a dry one, can lead to very severe burns. This should be monitored not only by the doctor, but also by the patient himself. This method should not be used on areas where there are postoperative sutures - this may adversely affect the scars. If the patient has metal implants (heart pacemaker or dental crowns), then this should be reported to the doctor before the procedure.
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The devices “UHF 60” and “UHF 80” are used in the department for conducting sessions of ultra-high frequency therapy (exposure to an ultra-high frequency electric field of 30-300 MHz).
UHF therapy is a common physiotherapeutic procedure that many have probably encountered. UHF therapy (ultra-high frequency therapy) is used in physiotherapy and is based on the use of ultra-high frequency electromagnetic fields. Essentially, this is heat treatment that penetrates deep into organs and tissues using special equipment. One of the significant advantages of this method is that the use of UHF therapy is possible for fresh fractures and acute inflammatory processes. These conditions are a contraindication to most physiotherapeutic treatments. UHF promotes: acceleration of regenerative processes, including healing of fractures and tissue damage; reducing swelling; activation of central and peripheral circulation; reducing pain sensitivity; inhibition of the activity of pathogenic bacteria; elimination of inflammatory processes; strengthening of proliferative processes of connective tissue elements; increasing the efficiency of immunological reactions. Ultra-high frequency electromagnetic fields were first used as a treatment method in Germany in 1929. The invention of the apparatus and method was prompted by complaints from radio station personnel about the negative effects of radio waves on health.
The mechanism of action of the procedure is based on two effects:
oscillatory, characterized by changes in the biological structure of cellular elements at the molecular and physicochemical levels; thermal, leading to heating of tissues when ultra-high frequencies of the EM field are converted into thermal energy. When interacting with the electromagnetic field generated by the physiotherapeutic device and the patient’s body, 2 types of electric current are generated. In anatomical structures characterized by high electrical conductivity (lymph, blood, urine and tissues with good blood supply), charged particles oscillate with the frequency of a given field and a conduction current arises in the tissues. Since particles vibrate in a viscous medium, energy absorption develops, which is associated with overcoming the resistance of this medium. Energy absorption is called ohmic loss. The energy absorbed by tissues is released as heat. In tissues that are close in their electrical properties to dielectrics (nervous, fatty, connective, bone), dipoles are formed - polar molecules that change their orientation with the frequency of vibration of the high-frequency field. The rotation of dipole particles in dielectrics leads to the formation of a displacement current, and the losses that are associated with the particles overcoming a viscous medium are called dielectric losses. When exposed to UHF, the displacement current predominates - the field penetrates deeply, almost without loss, into tissues that do not conduct electric current well. The main heat release is realized due to conduction currents. A classic UHF therapy device is equipped with a high-frequency generator, electrodes, which are an electrical conductor, inductors that create a magnetic flux, and emitters. The devices are stationary (“UHF-300”, “Impulse-2”, “Impulse-3”, etc.) and portable (“UHF-30”, “UHF-66”, “UHF-80”, etc.). All of them are classified by power: low power up to 30 W, medium - UHF up to 80 W and high power up to 350 W.
The procedure is performed in the physiotherapy department. There is a separate cabin with a wooden daybed. The patient is in a lying or sitting position, depending on the location of the affected area and general condition. You don’t have to take off your clothes - electromagnetic fields easily penetrate fabric and even plaster. Electrodes are selected individually depending on the area of the diseased area of the body. Capacitor electrodes come in two types: plate-discs, made of metal and coated with an insulating material; rectangular soft plates with an area of up to 600 cm. The plates are installed in special holders, treated with a disinfectant solution and brought to the site of exposure. Installation of electrodes is carried out in two ways: transverse; longitudinal. With the transverse installation method, the electrodes are placed opposite each other, with one plate installed on the projection of the diseased area, and the second on the opposite side. This arrangement of the electrodes ensures the penetration of the electromagnetic field through the entire body of the patient. Those. In addition to the local, there is also a general effect. The distance between the body and the electrode should not be less than 2 centimeters. With the longitudinal installation method, the electrodes are applied only to the diseased part of the body. This method is most relevant in the treatment of superficial diseases, since in this case the electromagnetic fields do not penetrate very deeply. The space between the electrodes and the body should be no more than 1 centimeter. As for the installation of electrodes relative to the diseased area, the principle is this: the closer the plate is to the affected area, the stronger the thermal effect will be. It is also important to follow safety rules - if the electrodes are placed incorrectly, burns can occur. After the electrodes are installed on the body, the device (generator) is turned on and a certain electric current power is set, at which the patient receives a therapeutic dose of UHF. The electromagnetic field power is adjusted using a special regulator located on the generator control panel. The patient's sensations and effect depend on the dose rate: Thermal dose (100-150 W). A provocative effect in which a person feels pronounced heat in the area where the electrodes are installed. Oligothermic dose (40-100 W). Cellular nutrition, blood circulation and metabolism improves. Thermal sensations are insignificant. Athermic dose (15-49 W). Pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. The patient does not feel any thermal effects. Depending on the selected dose of UHF fields, the following changes develop in the body, which we wrote about above (increased phagocytic activity of leukocyte cells, activation of fibroblast function, stimulation of metabolic processes, and others). The duration of the session for adult patients is 10-15 minutes. The course includes 5 to 15 procedures, which are performed every other day or daily.
The procedure is prescribed for the following pathologies:
ENT organs and respiratory system: bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, pansinusitis, otitis media, laryngitis and tonsillitis; cardiovascular system: hypertension stages 1 and 2, obliterating endarteritis, cerebral circulatory disorders, varicose veins; musculoskeletal system: radiculitis, arthritis and polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, dislocations, bruises, bone fractures, osteomyelitis; digestive organs: gastritis, esophagitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, pancreatitis, viral hepatitis, hepatocholecystitis, cholecystitis, enterocolitis, colitis, constipation, paraproctitis; genitourinary system: nephritis, epididymitis, pyelonephritis, salpingitis, cystitis, endometritis, oophoritis, salpingoophoritis, prostatitis, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis; nervous system: neuralgia, neuritis, migraine, phantom pain, insomnia, plexitis, sciatica, spinal cord and brain injuries, encephalitis, causalgia, Raynaud's disease, polyneuritis; skin: boils, carbuncles, abscesses, streptoderma, neurodermatitis, herpes simplex, trophic ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, acne, hidradenitis, dermatitis, felon, burns, frostbite, phlegmon, wounds, including purulent, bedsores; organs of vision: glaucoma, conjunctivitis, eyelid abscess, burns, uveitis, barley, scleritis, blepharitis; in dentistry: gingivitis, alveolitis, ulceration of the oral mucosa, periodontitis, periodontitis, burns, injuries; in the postoperative period: postoperative infiltrates and wounds; rehabilitation after injuries and illnesses.
Among the absolute contraindications to the procedure:
blood clotting disorder; cardiovascular failure; myocardial infarction; IHD; hypertension stage 3; persistent angina; fever; malignant tumors; the patient has a pacemaker; venous thrombosis; foreign metal bodies in the body more than 2 cm (for example, an implanted joint prosthesis).
Relative contraindications
Benign tumors, hyperthyroidism and the presence of metal objects no more than 2 cm (metal dentures) are considered eligible for therapy.
