TMJ Velvet - Diathermy
What is it…
Diathermy is a treatment that uses electric currents (radio and sound waves) to generate heat deep within your skin. The term "diathermy" means "deep heating." This treatment helps relax muscles and joints, reduce inflammation and swelling, and improve blood circulation.
Will this machine help my TMD?
It helps with the following:
TMJ INTRACAPSULAR DYSFUNCTIONS
reducible condyle-disc-temporal clicking or incoordination, reducible condyle-disc-temporal lock or incoordination, degenerative processes (arthrosis, reactive arthritis), inflammatory pathologies (synovitis, capsulitis, inflammation of bilaminar ligament)
TMJ EXTRACAPSULAR DYSFUNCTIONS
Subluxation, muscle tension masticatory muscle pain, facial trauma with mandibular involvement inflammatory pathologies (temporal tendinitis, coronoid inflammation)
How Do Electric Currents Generate Heat?
Electric currents are created by the flow of electrons between atoms. Though we can't see these currents because atoms are so tiny, they make up everything in the universe, from us to our cell phones.
The movement of electrons from one atom to another generates heat. Think of it like a relay race where atoms pass electrons like a baton. This "running" of electrons creates energy, which warms things up, much like how physical activity heats up your body.
Who Can Benefit from Diathermy?
You might benefit from diathermy if you:
- Experience chronic pain.
- Want to improve blood flow in a specific area.
- Have stiff, tense muscles or muscle spasms.
- Suffer from inflammation.
- Want to heal faster after a sprain or strain.
Consult your healthcare provider to see if diathermy is a safe option for you.
How does it feel?
The application feels warm-hot. We use a cream on you skin to allow for the smooth flow of the handpiece. The procedure usually take 10-30 minutes per side treated. Post treatment you will feel like you’ve had a hot water bottle of your face that actually works in reducing your symptoms!
Is Diathermy Safe for Everyone?
Diathermy might not be safe for everyone. It's not recommended if you:
- Have metal in your body (like sutures, pins, pacemakers, or intrauterine devices).
- Have cancer.
- Have infections or open wounds.
- Have broken bones.
- Have severe conditions like heart or kidney disease.
- Are pregnant.
- Have a chronic bleeding condition.
Your healthcare provider will review your health history to ensure diathermy is safe for you.
Risks of Diathermy
The main risk is burns from the diathermy machine if the heat stays in one place too long. Your provider will monitor the treatment to keep you safe. Electric currents in your body during treatment can also cause a painful shock if you touch something metal, so it’s important to let your provider know if you have any metal in your body.
Recovery Time:
You can usually return to your normal routine immediately after a diathermy session. You might need multiple treatments, and your provider will discuss your treatment plan with you.
