Electromagnetic diathermy: A critical review

Electromagnetic diathermy is a physical technique widely used for the treatment of those pathologies in which the therapeutic benefits of heat have been demonstrated. Nonetheless, the clinical results obtained with this technique are probably well below those potentially achievable, partly due to the inadequacy of the technical means, partly to the difficulty in evaluating the clinical response to this type of therapy. This work originated from the experience of researches on applied electromagnetics, from that of medical physicists engaged in clinical dosimetry, and that of clinicians involved in physical rehabilitation. The main purpose is that of rationalizing electromagnetic thermotherapy, by: (1) a better understanding ot the physical limitations of the existing diathermy devices; (2) the achievement of procedures for quality assurance of the physical apparatus; (3) the determination of measurable quantities useful for an objective evaluation of the treatments, and finally (4) the definition of a clinical protocol.