Microwave resonance therapy is a method of physiotherapy, on tissues and organs in which an electromagnetic field with a wavelength of 12.6 cm with a frequency of 2375 MHz acts. The principle of this technique, the effects that it has on the body when it is prescribed and, conversely, is contraindicated, as well as the technique and apparatus for various diseases will be discussed in today's article.
Wave effects
The waves come from the emitter. Gather in parallel beams. Further, spreading, they have a direct effect on the affected area. Due to the short wavelength, it does not penetrate very deeply (up to 4 cm into the body), while it has its effects on tissues located within this depth. Namely, subcutaneous fatty tissue, skin, lymph, blood, muscles, joints and others.
The bulk of the radiation is absorbed by those tissues that contain a large volume of water. Some of it from the interface between the media and the skin surface is reflected - a standing wave is formed , which can be the cause of overheating of these structures. Due to this effect, this method is not used to treat diseases of organs that are deep enough.
The functioning of the organs of the endocrine system is activated under the influence of these centimeter waves - the pancreas, thyroid glands, as well as the adrenal glands are working. Because of this, the level of hormones that they produce (thyroxine, insulin, etc.) in the blood increases, and the activity of the immune cells is inhibited.
So, microwave therapy has the following effects:
- anti-inflammatory;
- local analgesic (pain intensity decreases);
- metabolic (metabolic processes are accelerated);
- trophic (blood flow in tissues, in addition, the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to them improves);
- secretory (the rate of synthesis of various biologically active substances increases).
Microwave therapy: indications and contraindications
Therapy is used successfully in the complex treatment of such diseases:
- humeroscapular periarthritis;
- nerve diseases outside the period of exacerbation (neuralgia, neuritis, neuropathy);
- bursitis;
- rupture of ligaments of the joints;
- osteoarthrosis;
- tenosynovitis;
- hydradenitis;
- osteochondrosis;
- chronic bronchitis and other non-specific chronic lung diseases ;
- boils and carbuncles;
- cystitis and pyelonephritis;
- salpingitis, adnexitis;
- iridocyclitis, iritis, conjunctivitis;
- prostatitis
- stomatitis and gingivitis;
- sinuites (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis).
It is also worth considering a number of diseases in which microwave therapy is contraindicated. These include:
- inflammatory diseases in the acute stage with edematous expressed syndrome;
- the presence of metal objects in the affected area;
- angina pectoris class III;
- thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism);
- gastric ulcer, which is complicated by pyloric stenosis;
- the first 3 months after myocardial infarction;
- malignant neoplasms;
- antral gastritis;
- blood coagulation system diseases;
- epilepsy.
Microwave therapy on the affected area causes hyperemia, which persists for a long time. Therefore, in order to avoid high bleeding before a diagnostic puncture or a planned operation, this procedure is not used.
Equipment
What microwave therapy apparatus to use for this type of treatment? For this, various devices are used, which we will consider in the article below. There are 2 main methods of therapy - this is remote (the emitter is located at a certain distance from the patient’s body), as well as contact (in this case, the emitter is adjacent to the body). The first technique is available on Luch-58-1 and Luch-11 devices, all other devices work in contact.
Luch-4, Luch-3
These are portable devices. They are equipped with cylindrical emitters, which are filled with ceramics (it does not heat up during the procedure), as well as one emitter without filling. The radiator during the procedure is placed on the necessary part of the body in contact. The complete set also has 2 emitters - rectal and vaginal. They are disinfected by boiling before administration, after which they are “dressed” in rubber special covers.
Devices are subject to operation in simple conditions - when using them, additional protection is not required. The intensity of exposure to them varies depending on the model used.
Luch-58-1
With this stationary device, microwave therapy is also carried out. It includes three emitters of cylindrical shape and 1 rectangular. To do this, expose the affected area, cover it with a napkin and place the emitter above it at a distance of 5 cm. This device is operated in a special cabin equipped with a special protective screen (this prevents radiation exposure to workers).
Luch 11
This stationary device is equipped with three emitters created in the shape of a cylinder. It has eight power adjustment levels. It is worth noting that the operation of this device takes place in a separate office, in a room fenced with protective special material. At the same time, the emitter is fixed at the end of the holder with the required diameter, it is set 5 cm from the body.
Radarmed 650+
It is the next modern therapy device. In the configuration, it has three types of emitters - oblong, round and cup-shaped. The first is used to treat extended areas of the body. An interesting characteristic of this device is the possibility of low-dose therapy of tissues located deep.
Mirta-02
This unit is low-power - only up to 4 watts. It is used for pulsed microwave reflexology. Moreover, the course of such treatment is generally 10 procedures, each lasting 10 minutes. If necessary, the course of treatment can be repeated after a couple of months.
Methodology
The method of microwave therapy varies depending on the disease. We will talk about the features of some of them further.
With tonsillitis
Microwave therapy for this disease is possible. The devices “Luch-4” or “Luch-3” are used for this. The patient throws back his head. The doctor places the emitter in contact under the lower jaw. The treated person holds it with his hand. Furthermore, the radiation power is 1-3 watts. The procedure is carried out for 6 minutes, and if necessary, irradiation of two tonsils - alternately up to 16 minutes. The frequency of these procedures is every day or every 2 days with a course of treatment of 12 exposures.
With pathology of the maxillary (maxillary) sinus
In the treatment of sinusitis and other diseases of the maxillary sinus, a small diameter emitter is used. They place it directly on the skin over the sick sinus. Furthermore, the radiation power is 5 W with a duration of 10 minutes. If both sinuses are included in this pathological process, they are irradiated alternately. It is worth noting that the total duration of this procedure is 12 minutes. Such irradiation is carried out once a day for 10 consecutive days. The patient feels pleasant soft warmth upon exposure.
For joint diseases
For the treatment of articular pathology, a cylindrical emitter is used. It is placed over the affected joint, directly on the skin. The doctor can fix the device around the joint with straps, in addition, offer the sick person to independently provide his immobility, holding the emitter by the handle. Mostly used radiation power of 15 watts. The procedure lasts 15 minutes. In this case, the course of treatment is 10 sessions.
Chronic colitis therapy
Apply for this "Ray-11." In this case, the patient is on his back. A cylindrical emitter is installed remotely over the necessary abdomen. In this case, they are exposed to medium intensity radiation. The frequency of these procedures is every day or every two days.
Pathology of the rectum and prostate
The patient is on his side, his legs are bent at the knees and pulled up to his stomach. The rectal emitter is disinfected, “put on” in a special rubber cover, Vaseline is applied to the tip, and then injected slowly into the rectum. Its maximum penetration depth is 7 cm. Duration - 15 minutes with a course of 10 exposures every day or every two days.
Microwave therapy: reviews
After reading the reviews on this procedure, it becomes clear that this is one of the most effective methods of physiotherapy, which has many positive effects on the human body. Although some effects can affect it negatively. Therefore, be sure to warn your doctor about all the diseases that you have, this will protect you and the risk of developing negative consequences of the procedure will be minimized. Therefore, be careful about yourself and your health!