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.
When is a UHF device used?
High frequency facial treatment is used by estheticians to treat and prevent acne, reduce enlarged pores and the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles. The device can also stimulate collagen, elastin and improve cell renewal. High frequency treatment can counter puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes.
A professional facial uses a machine that delivers alternating current and produces a thermal effect to help stimulate blood circulation. The UHF device increases cell metabolism, improves oxygenation and absorption of skin care products, and exfoliates dead cells.
Its action is classified as antiseptic (it can coagulate and heal open wounds on the body, thereby preventing infections). The primary effect of high-frequency current is thermal (heat generation) and is characterized by high oscillation speed. Due to the rapid speed of vibration, the high frequency does not cause muscle contractions - instead it works on the principle of toning the skin.
The device is also indispensable in the treatment of the following diseases:
- acute inflammatory diseases;
- chronic diseases;
- purulent diseases;
- obliterating endarteritis;
- polio (in the early stages);
- ulcers, wounds;
- frostbite of any degree.
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.
UHF Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy is the effect on the body of an ultra-high-frequency electromagnetic field in which the electrical component is predominant. This method of electrotherapy is successfully used in dermatology, neurology, gynecology, cardiology, therapy, surgery and other branches of medicine.
During the procedure, the area of the body exposed to the electric field is placed between two capacitor plates, leaving a gap between the body and the electrodes. The principle of operation of the UHF electronic field on the human body is the absorption of energy by tissues and its conversion into thermal energy.
The UHF field has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect by stimulating blood movement, promotes tissue regeneration and activates the body's defenses.
Therapy using the UHF-60 device is indicated for the following diseases:
- acute (especially purulent) inflammatory processes in the skin;
- traumatic diseases of joints, muscles and bones;
- sinusitis, tonsillitis;
- dental diseases
- vascular diseases of the extremities;
- diseases of the female genital area (adhesions in the pelvis).
The procedure is contraindicated in the presence of malignant neoplasms, stage III hypertension, pregnancy, mastopathy, and uterine fibroids.
In the medical department you can undergo treatment of diseases using a UHF-60 device. The average duration of a session is 10-15 minutes, the number of sessions and the power of exposure is determined by the doctor.
Ultrasound therapy (UHF) is a universal remedy that has its own indications and helps with various pathologies of organs and systems.
The operating principle of ultrasound is that mechanical vibrations are transmitted to tissues, causing micromassage, and mechanical energy is converted into thermal energy with deep heating. A local increase in temperature and micromassage cause physiological processes such as improved blood circulation, which leads to improved metabolism in the pathological area, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles and reduces pain. This is important for diseases of the spine, especially if there is protrusion or intervertebral disc herniation.
It should also be mentioned that ultrasound therapy provides better penetration of the medicinal components included in the ointments deep into the tissues. This is called phonophoresis.
Ultrasound therapy is used quite widely. Among the main indications the following should be noted:
- treatment of spinal diseases;
- treatment of joints (arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, treatment of joint arthrosis);
- ligament injuries, soft tissue bruises;
- ankylosing spondylitis
- tendovaginitis of inflammatory and traumatic origin, hygroma;
- knee pain
- post-traumatic contractures;
- treatment of spinal osteochondrosis;
- pinched sciatic nerve;
- figure correction, ultrasonic peeling technique, lifting, massage;
- skin diseases, scar-adhesive processes;
- diseases of the genitourinary system.
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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