What is an UHF apparatus. UHF therapy is a method of combating various diseases. Impact of treatment on various systems and functions of the body

Complex therapy of various diseases of the ENT organs includes carrying out physiotherapy procedures. One such method is UHF - treatment with ultra-high frequency waves, which has been used by doctors for several decades to strengthen the effect of drugs and accelerate the patient's recovery. The procedure is indicated for many diseases and is performed in a special office. by doctor's prescription.

Theoretically, it can be done at home with the appropriate apparatus, but in practice it can be dangerous, so doctors do not recommend doing it yourself. Thanks to UHF therapy improves blood circulation and decreases the inflammatory process in the diseased organ without the introduction of drugs and heating.

What is UHF?

Thanks to stationary devices and the help of a specialist, UHF therapy is considered safer than when carried out at home. But not all patients are aware of how this procedure is performed. What is UHF? Thanks to the interpretation of this abbreviation, it can be understood that this is the effect of ultra-high frequency current.

Improper use of the device makes the procedure dangerous, since it uses a high-frequency current generator, from which two capacitor plates extend, through which the patient's organs and tissues are exposed. Under the influence of current, ions oscillate in these plates, creating a thermal effect. That is why many patients call this procedure warming up.

How is UHF therapy performed? The patient takes a comfortable sitting or lying position. The plates of the apparatus are positioned from its body 1-2 centimeters... To do this, use a dry cotton cloth. This clearance is necessary to prevent burns. An insulating material is used to cover the plates. Their position can be longitudinal or transverse, depending on the location of the procedure or disease.

In places such as limbs, the plates are opposite each other, between which the patient's body is located. This makes the effect of frequencies more effective, which is important if the foci of inflammation are located rather deep. If it is necessary to act on areas that are close to the surface of the body, then the plates are placed longitudinally.

The current strength should also be chosen correctly. In inflammatory processes, it should be low, and to accelerate tissue regeneration, on the contrary, a more pronounced heat generation is required. UHF therapy lasts from 5 to 15 minutes and depends on the age of the patient and the disease. The number of procedures is determined by the doctor and can range from 10 to 15.

Indications and contraindications

UHF therapy activates the body's immune forces and restores damaged tissue at the cellular level. Electromagnetic waves are effective in the inflammatory process of any location. This procedure is prescribed both at the beginning of the disease and in its final stage.

Most frequent indications for UHF therapy:

• myalgia, neuralgia, arthritis, myositis, radiculitis, osteochondrosis;
• diseases of the female genital organs, climacteric syndrome;
• gastritis, intestinal spasms, pancreatitis, cholecystitis;
• violation of cerebral circulation, varicose veins, vascular spasms, thrombophlebitis;
• skin diseases: trophic ulcers, festering wounds, furunculosis, panaritium;
• vegetative dystonia;
• purulent inflammatory processes;
• at complex therapy tonsillitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, viral and colds;
• conjunctivitis, sinusitis, otitis media;
• bronchial asthma, bronchitis.

The indications for this procedure are also fractures, sprains, dislocations.

But UHF therapy may have contraindications. These include:

• pregnancy;
• high temperature;
• heart failure and acute heart attack;
• low blood pressure;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• blood diseases, a tendency to bleeding;
• myoma, mastopathy, oncological neoplasms.

In addition, if a patient has metal implants in his body, for example, pacemakers or crowns, then it is necessary to warn doctors about this, because this may become a contraindication to the procedure.

Application in ENT practice

Diseases such as frontal sinusitis and sinusitis often require the appointment of UHF therapy. This procedure is carried out in conjunction with drug treatment.

The device for UHF therapy provides the following actions:

• expands capillaries, improves lymph flow and blood circulation;
• reduces the release of fluid in the focus of inflammation;
• improves the permeability of the walls of blood vessels, which increases the absorption of drugs;
• phagocytic activity increases, and the protective apparatus begins to fight infection more effectively.

Before the procedure, the nasal passages are cleaned of mucus. If there is evidence, then vasoconstrictor agents are instilled. Treatment with an UHF apparatus is carried out only in case of a good outflow of pus and mucus from the sinuses. For the procedure, a stationary device of imported or domestic production (such as "Impulse" or "Screen") is used. For bedridden patients use a portable device UHCh-30 or UHCh-66. The classic apparatus consists of a generator, emitters, inductors, capacitor plates.

Side effects

Undesirable reactions from the procedure can be avoided if the doctor takes into account all indications and contraindications, and also selects and adjusts the device correctly for a particular patient. Otherwise, the following side effects may occur:

• burns - if you accidentally touch the metal plate during the procedure;
• bleeding - arises from the expansion of blood vessels or heating of tissues, therefore, contraindications must be taken into account;
• scar formation - arises as a result of the development of connective tissue, which begins to limit the focus of inflammation and prevents the spread of infection;
• electric shock - as a result of non-compliance with safety measures.

Thus, UHF therapy helps to cope with various diseases in a short time, but on condition that the procedure is used correctly, taking into account the indications and contraindications for each individual patient. The effect of the procedure comes pretty quickly.

As a rule, patients ask themselves the question: what is it - UHF, when they receive a referral from the attending physician for physiotherapy procedures. Ultra-high frequency therapy or UHF is based on exposurehigh-frequency electromagnetic field on the human body. UHF treatment has been practiced for more than a dozen years for various diseases. Indications for use are:

• acute inflammatory processes in various systems and organs, including acute forms of all types of sinusitis;
• sciatica and spinal cord injury;
• neuralgia;
• polio;
• encephalitis.

How does this method work and who can use it with sinusitis to get rid of the disease? The answer to this question can be given not only by ENT.

UHF as a physiotherapy procedure

During UHF therapy, an ultra-high frequency electromagnetic field is created using a physiotherapeutic apparatus. Therefore, the patient feels warmth, and the energy absorbed by the tissues of the body contributes to the improvement of microcirculation at the site of exposure.

This method of treatment has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, eliminates hypersensitivity, due to which:

• the state of the nervous system and the work of the endocrine glands improves;
• blood and lymph circulation is stimulated;
• metabolism accelerates;
• the vital activity of pathogenic bacteria decreases;
• absorption of toxic substances from the focus of inflammation slows down.

UHF procedure procedure

During a procedure such as UHF physiotherapy, the patient is in a sitting position on a wooden chair or lying on a couch. It all depends on the type of procedure and the patient's condition. The session takes some time, so it is necessary that the patient takes a comfortable position for himself.

For the session, two plates are used, with the help of which an alternating current is supplied to the patient's problem area. They can be located longitudinally, transversely or at an angle with respect to the surface of the body.

Their placement depends on what impact is required:

• if necessary, treatment of the disease in deeper tissues - transversely;
• when the focus is on the body surface - longitudinally.

Angle placement is rarely used. The most widely used is transverse fastening.

The plates are placed at a distance of not less than their diameter relative to each other. In addition, there must be a gap between the plate and the body, which is achieved by stacking cotton fabrics or perforated felt. Dry gauze or plaster bandages are not an obstacle to the procedure.

We must not forget that UHF can be harmful if there are wet dressings or wounds with abundant discharge. In this case, there is a considerable likelihood of burns.

Often you can hear from the patient that the doctor has prescribed UHF heating. However, this statement is not always true. There are three dosages for such procedures:

• thermal or thermal;
• low heat or oligothermal;
• not heat or athermal - skin receptors are not perceived and does not cause a feeling of warmth.

The desired effect is achieved by the dosage of the electric field power: the smallest is used for athermal and oligothermal doses. If the patient still feels warmth, then the air gap is increased within acceptable limits so that the procedure does not cause any sensations.

Equipment for UHF therapy

For UHF therapy, the device can be used both portable and stationary. This equipment is different in power, requires grounding, and is connected to a 220V AC network.

The devices are supplied with special plate-electrodes. They can be:

• disc metal coated with insulating material - rubber, plexiglass, plastic;
• rectangular flexible soft, having an area of \u200b\u200b150, 300, 600 cm 2.

The most commonly used disk. Depending on what area needs to be covered during the procedure, plates No. 1, 2, 3 are used. Their diameter is 4, 8, 11 cm for portable devices, and 6, 11, 17 cm for stationary devices.

The use of UHF for sinusitis

Diseases such as sinusitis cannot be left untreated. In addition, getting rid of these ailments often requires an integrated approach. Therefore, quite often the ENT prescribes UHF for sinusitis and other inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

The procedure belongs to anti-inflammatory therapyand is effective only in combination with drug treatment. The effect of UHF therapy in the treatment of sinusitis is as follows:

• exposure to ultra-high frequencies is absolutely painless and, unlike other procedures (rinsing, punctures) performed for sinusitis, do not cause discomfort. After all, UHF therapy is a kind of "cell massage": electric field affects atoms, ions and molecules of tissues. As a result, the following effect is noted:
• capillaries expand - the flow of lymph and blood accelerates;
• improves the permeability of the vascular wall, therefore, the susceptibility to drugs is significantly increased. Therefore, the dosage of such agents can be reduced;
• the activity of phagocytes increases, that is, these protective cells are more intensively fighting infection in the body.

It is possible to improve the results of sinusitis treatment only if the procedures are used correctly. For example, before visiting a physiotherapy room, it is imperative to clear the nasal passages of mucus.

Vasoconstrictor nasal drops or spray can be used. Such manipulations are required in order to ensure a better drainage of the discharge from the sinuses. If the desired result cannot be achieved, then it is better to postpone the procedure for several days.

For inflammation of the paranasal sinuses during UHF therapy, capacitor plates are placed parallel to the wings of the nose. The optimal air gap in this case is 0.5-1 cm. Depending on the degree and form of the disease, the impact power is determined. Sessions are scheduled daily or every other day, manipulation lasts no more than 15 minutes. The course is 5-15 procedures.

It should be remembered that UHF at elevated temperatures, even slightly, is contraindicated. Otherwise, the patient may experience a strong, persistent fever.

UHF in the treatment of children and pregnant women

Despite the characteristic contraindications UHF physiotherapy, nevertheless, children can be prescribed from birth. The only difference is that the power of exposure directly depends on the age of the baby. The duration of the session is also reduced. It takes 5-10 minutes.

Little fidgets are hard to keep in one position. Meanwhile, the air gap must be observed. Therefore, felt or flannel circles of the required thickness are placed and fixed between the electrode plates and the skin.

There is a ban on the use of UHF during pregnancy. However, in rare cases, such therapy can be used to treat sinusitis and other sinusitis. Since taking most antibiotics and other medicines is also undesirable for women in a position.

In this case, you need to understand - UHF physiotherapy - what is harmful? Undesirable effects of an electromagnetic field on the fetus. Therefore, after weighing all the "pluses" for the mother and the "minuses" for the child (and prolonged sinusitis can also negatively affect its development), after consulting with a gynecologist and a geneticist, it is possible that the ENT will decide on UHF therapy.

Contraindications

As well as other physiotherapy procedures, UHF therapy has quite extensive contraindications. It is prohibited to conduct sessions if the patient has:

• systemic blood diseases;
• predisposition to bleeding;
• constantly low blood pressure;
• malignant neoplasms;
• aortic aneurysm;
• myocardial infarction.

Therefore, be sure to inform your doctor about your chronic diseases. Perhaps, if they are available, you will not have to ask the question - what is this - the UHF procedure. With the expedient appointment of sessions the effect will not keep you waitingand it will be possible to get rid of the disease in a fairly short time.

Update: October 2018

UHF therapy is a common physiotherapy procedure that many have probably encountered. In this article, we will tell you what it is, when it is prescribed, how it works for a particular disease, and who cannot use this method for treatment.

UHF therapy (ultra high frequency therapy) is used in physiotherapy and is based on the use of ultra high frequency electromagnetic fields. In fact, this is a treatment with heat, which 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 with fresh fractures and acute inflammatory processes. These conditions are a contraindication for most physiotherapy treatments.

UHF contributes to:

• acceleration of regenerative processes, including the healing of fractures, tissue damage;
• reduction of edema;
• activation of central and peripheral circulation;
• decrease in pain sensitivity;
• oppression of the vital 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 facilitated by complaints from radio station personnel about negative influence radio waves to health.

Mechanism of action and equipment for the procedure

The mechanism of action of the procedure is based on two effects:

• oscillatory, characterized by a change in the biological structure of cellular elements at the molecular and physicochemical levels;
• thermal, leading to heating of tissues when the ultrahigh frequencies of the EM field are converted into thermal energy.

When interacting with the electromagnetic field generated by the physiotherapeutic apparatus and the patient's body, 2 types are formed electric current.

1. In anatomical structures characterized by high electrical conductivity (lymph, blood, urine and tissues with good blood supply), charged particles vibrate with the frequency of this field, and a conduction current arises in the tissues. As the 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. Energy absorbed by tissues is released as heat.
2. 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 the high-frequency field oscillation. The rotation of dipole particles in dielectrics leads to the formation of a displacement current, and the losses associated with overcoming a viscous medium by particles are called dielectric losses.

Under the action of UHF, the displacement current predominates - the field penetrates deeply, almost without loss, into tissues that conduct electric current poorly. 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. Devices are stationary ("UHF-300", "Impulse-2", "Impulse-3", etc.) and portable ("UHCh-30", "UHCh-66", "UHCh-80", etc.). All of them are classified by power: low up to 30 W, medium - UHF up to 80 W and high power up to 350 W.

Procedure parameters

When conducting UHF therapy, two ranges of electromagnetic waves are used:

• 40.68 MHz. This range is working for most of the domestic devices, and is also found on foreign equipment;
• 27.12 MHz. This range is most commonly used in Europe.

The current power is selected depending on the area of \u200b\u200bthe intended impact. When installing electrodes on the cervical region or on the face, a power of 20 to 40 W is used, in the therapy of the pelvic organs and joints - 70-100 W.

The frequency of electromagnetic oscillations during the UHF procedure is of 2 types:

• continuous oscillation - impact on the affected area in a continuous mode;
• pulse oscillation - a series of pulses is produced, the duration of each is from 2 to 8 ms.

Methodology

The procedure is performed in the physiotherapy department. There is a separate cubicle with a wooden couch. The patient is in a lying or sitting position, depending on the location of the affected area and general condition. You don't need to take off your clothes - electromagnetic fields easily penetrate the fabric and even through plaster.

The electrodes are selected individually, depending on the area of \u200b\u200bthe diseased area of \u200b\u200bthe body. There are two types of capacitor electrodes:

• plate discs made of metal and covered with an insulating material;
• rectangular soft plates with an area of \u200b\u200bup 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:

1. transverse;
2. longitudinal.

In the transverse installation method, the electrodes are placed opposite each other, with one plate being 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 action. The distance between the body and the electrode should not be less than 2 centimeters.

With the longitudinal method of installation, 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 placement of electrodes in relation to the affected area, the principle is as follows: the closer the plate is to the affected area, the stronger the thermal effect will be. It is also important to observe safety rules - if the electrodes are placed incorrectly, burns may occur.

After the electrodes are installed on the body, the device (generator) is turned on and a certain power of electric current is set, at which the patient receives a therapeutic dose of UHF. The power of the electromagnetic field is controlled by a special regulator located on the generator control panel.

The patient's sensations and effect depend on the dose rate:

1. Thermal dose (100-150 W)... Provocative impact, in which a person feels a pronounced warmth in the area where the electrodes are installed.
2. Oligothermic dose (40-100 W)... Cellular nutrition, blood circulation and metabolism are improved. Heat sensations are insignificant.
3. Athermic dose (15-49 W). Pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. The patient does not feel heat.

Depending on the selected dose of UHF fields in the body, the following changes develop, which we wrote about above (an increase in the phagocytic activity of leukocyte cells, activation of the function of fibroblasts, stimulation of metabolic processes, and others).

The duration of the session for adult patients is 10-15 minutes. The course is prescribed from 5 to 15 procedures, which are performed every other day or daily.

Features of UHF for children

The procedure can be performed for children of any age, including newborns a few days after birth, but no more than 2 courses per year. Most often, the indication for UHF is diseases of the upper respiratory tract and upper respiratory tract - it is prescribed for sinusitis, sinusitis and other inflammatory processes. During the session, devices with low power and low thermal dosage are used:

• children under 7 years old - dose rate not more than 30 W;
• children 7-16 years old - dose rate no more than 40 W.

For children under 5 years old, electrodes are installed on the affected area, and instead of an air gap between the electrode and the skin, a special bandage gasket is placed to prevent the occurrence of burns.

• 0-6 months: up to 5 minutes;
• 6-12 months: up to 7 minutes;
• 12 months - 7 years: up to 8 minutes;
• children from 7 years old: 10 minutes.

Indications for UHF procedure

Treatment prescription, parameters and duration of the procedure depend on:

• the age of the patient;
• the stage and course of the existing disease;
• general condition;
• concomitant diseases;
• the presence of restrictions and contraindications for the procedure.

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;
• the cardiovascular system: hypertension 1 and 2 tbsp., obliterating endarteritis, circulatory disorders of the brain, varicose veins;
• musculoskeletal system: radiculitis, arthritis and polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, dislocations, bruises, bone fractures, osteomyelitis;
• digestive organs: gastritis, esophagitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, pancreatitis, viral hepatitis, hepatocholecystitis, cholecystitis, enterocolitis, colitis, constipation, paraproctitis;
• genitourinary system: nephritis, epididymitis, pyelonephritis, salpingitis, cystitis, endometritis, oophoritis, salpingo-oophoritis, 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, hydradenitis, dermatitis, panaritium, 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, trauma;
• in the postoperative period: postoperative infiltrates and wounds;
• rehabilitation after injuries and illnesses.

The mechanism of action in the treatment of various pathologies

• As mentioned above, UHF is applied in acute inflammation. With the development of an inflammatory process at the site of the focus, an inflammatory infiltrate is formed due to the accumulation of blood cells and lymph. The procedure is aimed at resolving the inflammatory infiltrate. During the session, the concentration of calcium ions increases in the area of \u200b\u200bthe procedure, which leads to the formation of connective tissue near the focus of inflammation and prevents further spread of the infection. An increase in the permeability of the capillary walls leads to an increase in the flow of immune bodies and protective cells of the reticuloendothelial system into the inflammation focus. But in the presence of purulent inflammation, the technique is permissible only if there are conditions for pus to drain from the affected area.

• During treatment infectious processes of the upper and lower respiratory tracta depressing effect on the vital activity of microbes is noted. The analgesic and immuno-strengthening effect develops, favorable conditions are formed for the regeneration of the affected tissues and the risk of complications decreases. The expansion of capillaries and a significant improvement in the permeability of the vascular wall leads to an increase in the body's susceptibility to drugs. Activation of phagocyte cells helps to actively fight infection.
• In therapy cardiovascular pathologies the procedure is prescribed primarily for the development of a vasodilating effect. Leads to an improvement in central and peripheral blood circulation. There is an improvement in myocardial contractile function. A decrease in the increased tone of the vascular wall leads to a decrease in indicators blood pressure... Amelioration of the venous outflow occurs, and the capillaries also expand significantly. After the procedure, tissue edema associated with dysfunction of the cardiovascular system decreases.
• Application for diseases digestive organs provides a general strengthening effect on the body, reducing pain and eliminating spasms. An anti-inflammatory effect is realized and tissue healing processes are accelerated, which are relevant in the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers. After the procedure, there is an increase in motor and secretory functions - improvement of intestinal motility and bile secretion.
• Procedure indicated in the adjunctive treatment of diseases urogenital area, leads to the elimination of the inflammatory reaction, reduction of edema, improvement of blood circulation and healing of the affected tissues.
• In the treatment of diseases of the nervous system, an analgesic effect develops due to inhibition of the development of pain in the brain. Blood circulation improves, which leads to accelerated healing and regeneration of nerve tissue. Improvement in conductivity is noted nerve impulses... The tone of the sympathetic nervous system decreases and the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system increases.
• When treating eye diseases, microcirculation in the mucous layer of the eyes and eyelids improves. Antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effect is realized, phagocytosis reactions are enhanced, which accelerates the processes of tissue regeneration and recovery.
• During treatment gum diseasean improvement in blood circulation is noted, the viability of bacteria is inhibited. Painful sensations are significantly reduced.
• UHF for fractures it is used from 2-3 days after the application of the plaster, has an analgesic effect, helps to reduce tissue edema, accelerates the formation of primary callus and regeneration bone tissue generally. Helps eliminate muscle spasm.
• The procedure is of particular importance in the rehabilitation period after operations and diseases: microcirculation improves and a network of collateral vessels is formed, which leads to an acceleration of the regeneration process of the affected tissues. UHF therapy reduces the risk of infection of a postoperative wound, since it inhibits the vital activity of pathological microorganisms that can cause suppuration. In general, the procedure helps to activate the body's defenses, has an analgesic effect, which facilitates the healing process.

The effectiveness of treatment with UHF depends on the stage and severity of the disease, the duration of exposure and the range of electromagnetic waves, the location of the procedures, the individual sensitivity of the patient and the use of other treatment methods.

Contraindications to the UHF procedure

Among the absolute contraindications to the procedure:

• blood clotting disorder;
• cardiovascular insufficiency;
• myocardial infarction;
• hypertension 3 tbsp;
• persistent angina pectoris;
• 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).

Expectant mothers are interested in whether UHF is possible during pregnancy. The answer is unequivocal - no, this is an absolute contraindication to the procedure.

Benign tumors, hyperthyroidism and the presence of metal objects no more than 2 cm (metal dental prostheses) are considered relative contraindications to therapy.

Side effects

After carrying out UHF, the following adverse reactions may develop:

• Skin burn. Thermal damage can develop due to the use of a damp tissue pad during the procedure, as well as if the metal plate of the electrode touches the skin.
• Bleeding. Using this treatment before surgery increases the risk of bleeding during surgery. The electromagnetic field heats the tissue and, causing redness in the affected area, can lead to increased bleeding.
• Scar formation... One of the therapeutic effects of UHF therapy is to accelerate the development of connective tissue, which forms a protective barrier during inflammatory processes and prevents the spread of infection throughout the body. But in situations where there is a risk of scar tissue development (especially after abdominal surgery), UHF is not recommended.
• Electric shock... A rare occurrence that is possible in case of violation of safety rules, if the patient touches the bare parts of the device that are energized.

Safety rules and special instructions

The use of medical equipment requires caution:

• use stationary devices only in shielded rooms;
• if the procedure is carried out in a ward using a mobile device, the patient is placed at a safe distance from grounded and metal objects;
• before starting the procedure, carefully examine the wires, check their integrity. If bare wires are found, the procedure is unacceptable. It is impossible for the wires to come into contact with each other, directly with the patient's body and metal objects;
• the technical and therapeutic circuits are tuned into resonance with each other.

If the patient has metal prostheses, such as crowns, the dose should be reduced.

Before diagnostic punctures and surgical interventions, UHF therapy is not used, since the resulting hyperemia in the area of \u200b\u200bthe procedure leads to a risk of bleeding.

It is also undesirable to treat the right and left ear at the same time, because overexcitation of the respiratory and vasomotor centers of the medulla oblongata may develop, which is fraught with the development of a severe outcome.

Due to the fact that the formation of connective tissue is stimulated, it is impossible to carry out UHF for a long time with pneumonia - the risk of developing pneumosclerosis increases. A similar situation is possible with orchiepididymitis (duct hardening) and after surgery (development of adhesive disease).

If the plaster cast is still fresh (the first 2-3 hours), there is a wet bandage on the wound, the procedure is also not performed.

Ultra-high-frequency therapy is one of the physiotherapy techniques. As the name implies, the method is based on the action of electromagnetic fields, each of which has waves of different lengths. This method has many indications for use, however, in addition to them, UHF physiotherapy has contraindications, which we will discuss below.

UHF device

The benefits of ultra-high frequency therapy

The use of UHF electromagnetic fields helps to get rid of inflammatory processes, to achieve an analgesic and desensitizing effect. In a clinical setting, this therapy is most often used in a continuous pulse mode.

Ultra-high-frequency therapy helps to relieve inflammation by significantly improving microcirculation in capillaries and lymphatic vessels. With the help of waves, the formation of the production of inflammatory fluid is reduced. They help to stimulate cellular processes that take place in connective tissues. Thanks to this, the focus of inflammation can be reliably separated by a powerful capsule.

The anesthetic effect rendered by UHF fields is invaluable. This therapy is mainly used to treat patients suffering from neurological abnormalities and diseases of the nervous system. UHF helps to speed up the regeneration processes occurring in nerve tissues... By improving the conductivity of electrical impulses along the peripheral nervous system, the sensitivity on the nerve endings can be significantly reduced.

UHF procedure

Indications for use

In various cases: both for chronic diseases and for one-time inflammatory processes, UHF physiotherapy can be prescribed by the attending physician. It has contraindications only in some cases. As for the indications for the use of UHF therapy, they are given even to young children in cases of diseases:

• nervous system;
• musculoskeletal system;
• ENT organs;
• inflammatory type;
• respiratory tract and organs, as well as in many other cases.

Contraindications to ultra-high frequency therapy

In some situations, doctors prohibit UHF therapy. How harmful and negative its use can end, you can ask your doctor. So, for example, UHF cannot be used when:

• malignant tumors;
• tuberculosis;
• pregnancy;
• serious diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• bleeding;
• the presence of pacemakers;
• availability of self-powered implants
• fever of unknown etiology;
• deep disturbances of sensitivity
• a state of alcoholic or drug intoxication;
• individual intolerance.

Content

The principle of operation of an electromagnetic field with a high frequency of electromagnetic oscillations is used in medicine as physiotherapy, for a simpler explanation, UHF therapy - what it is, you can use the concept of "heating". Heat treatment is effective as an auxiliary or independent therapy for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, inflammatory processes occurring in the tissues of the body and internal organs. However, for all its usefulness, this procedure is not suitable for everyone and has certain contraindications.

What is UHF therapy

For the first time, the therapeutic effect of a pulsed electric field was recorded in Germany in the 30s of the XX century. To understand what UHF therapy is, the decoding of this term will help: ultra-high-frequency therapy. The use of specialized equipment during physiotherapeutic methods of influencing the patient's body is aimed at creating 2 types of electric current (conduction and displacement).

The result of such manipulations is an increase in the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and the flow of cells of the reticuloendothelial system to the inflammatory focus. The thermal effect of ultra-high-frequency therapy is manifested due to the peculiarities of the body tissues, which resist the penetration of electric current. The procedure during which the apparatus for UHF therapy is used is called EWT therapy (stands for eddy current electrode).

Mechanism of action

The main element of the device for conducting UHF therapy is an ultra-high-frequency generator that reproduces ultra-high-frequency waves. For carrying out physiotherapy, both stationary and portable equipment are used. Adjustment of the power of exposure is carried out according to the patient's heat sensations (indication occurs according to the glow intensity of a neon lamp placed in the UHF field and the deflection of the milliammeter boom).

To supply electromagnetic waves to the patient, capacitor electrodes are used, which are metal discs in an insulating sheath connected to a generator. The dosage of heat in ultra-high-frequency therapy is calculated according to the instructions, based on the goal of treatment pursued, and is of the following types:

Dose (intensity of heat sensation during UHF therapy)	Output power for portable devices, W	Output power for stationary devices, W	Application of therapy
Athermic (no)			Against inflammation
Oligothermic (lung)			Improving cell nutrition
Thermal (distinct)			Normalization of metabolism
Expressed			Provocative effect

Benefit and harm

Knowing the principle of operation and understanding UHF therapy - what it is, we can conclude that UHF treatment methods have a beneficial effect on the human body. Ultra-high frequency current can influence the processes occurring in nerve tissues, bones, tendons and joints. The effectiveness of the application of a field with a high frequency of electromagnetic waves is used to treat acute inflammatory diseases, neuroses, metabolic disorders, and problems with the spine.

The effect of such a physiotherapeutic procedure may turn out to be exactly the opposite of what is expected if you do not adhere to the basic rules of its implementation. Too heat between the capacitor plates can cause skin burns. The danger to the patient's health with UHF is the intense heating of the inflamed area, due to the fact that the reproduction of pathogenic cells is enhanced by heat. The feeling of discomfort during such a procedure should be the reason for the physiotherapist to reduce the frequency of oscillations of electromagnetic waves.

Indications

The referral for the procedure should be written by a qualified doctor who is familiar with the patient's medical history, knows the patient's body reactions to stimuli. Physiotherapy UHF is carried out as part of a course of treatment for such problems:

• inflammatory diseases;
• spinal and peripheral nerve injuries;
• radiculitis;
• eye diseases;
• poliomyelitis;
• thrombophlebitis;
• diseases of the digestive and genitourinary systems;
• ENT diseases;
• skin diseases;
• exacerbation of bone inflammation (in dentistry).

Contraindications

UHF therapy can be dangerous for the body of patients with pacemakers, implants and other foreign metal objects. In addition, doctors do not prescribe UHF in the following cases:

• diagnosed with blood diseases, thyrotoxicosis;
• there are neoplasms;
• during a febrile state;
• the patient suffers from cardiovascular insufficiency;
• during pregnancy;
• in the history of the disease there is uterine myoma, mastopathy, orchiepididymitis;
• before surgery;
• low sensitivity to electromagnetic waves.

Side effects

• an increase in temperature during therapy or immediately after it;
• deterioration in health;
• burn of the skin;
• internal bleeding.

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UHF treatment

Before starting UHF therapy, the specialist selects the size and shape of the plates depending on the location of the area to be affected. The electrode holders are treated with an alcohol-based solution and brought to the patient. The furniture on which the patient is placed must be wooden. Continuous or pulsed UHF therapy is used depending on the frequency of wave oscillations. The heat dosage is set based on the readings indicated in the direction.

With sinusitis

Acute and chronic sinusitis and sinusitis respond well to high-frequency waves. UHF for sinusitis is the final stage of the treatment course and is carried out for 10-15 days (depending on the depth of the location of purulent formations in the maxillary sinus). The duration of one procedure is from 10 to 15 minutes. The positive effect of UHF therapy is achieved by reducing edema under the influence of diadynamic current.

With bronchitis

Treatment of diseases of the bronchopulmonary system with the help of UHF is aimed at strengthening the walls of the alveoli, arresting inflammatory processes. The procedure consists in placing the plates of the UHF apparatus on the chest parallel to the patient's body (as in the photo). The distance between the electrodes is not less than the diameter of the plate, matched to the size of the patient's lungs. The UHF course for bronchitis lasts from 6 to 12 sessions twice a day, lasting from 5 to 20 minutes.

With otitis media

The UHF procedure for otitis media should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, in view of the fact that the electromagnetic field can provoke the production of fluid in the middle ear cavity. To track the body's response to UHF exposure, a course of physiotherapy for initial stage is no more than 6 procedures for 5 minutes. In the absence of pathologies, the duration of treatment is increased to 10 days. The location of the electrodes during UHF therapy is as follows: one plate is at the mastoid process of the temporal bone behind the ear, the other is in the temple area.

How to replace UHF at home

If it is not possible to carry out physiotherapy in a hospital, you can purchase a portable device with which UHF therapy is carried out at home. Before doing warming up, it is necessary to ensure the safety of using the home appliance. It should be remembered what the UHF procedure is and that it involves interaction with high frequency current. It is better to seek help from relatives in order to correctly install the electrodes with a gap of 3 cm. Self-medication should be done carefully, and only after consulting a doctor.

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Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can diagnose and give recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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