Thermal effect of diathermy compared with ultrasound is that heat is retained how long?

Thermal effect of diathermy compared with ultrasound is that heat is retained how long?

• A. Three times longer
• B. The same duration
• C. Twice as long
• D. Shorter than ultrasound

Answer: (A)

Heat retention after treatment differs because diathermy deposits energy electromagnetically to produce deeper, bulk tissue heating, and that heat dissipates more slowly once the unit is off. Ultrasound heats mainly by mechanical energy and tends to warm tissues more superficially, with heat dissipating quickly when the energy stops. As a result, the warmth from diathermy lasts longer—typically about three times longer than the after-effect of ultrasound.

Heat retention after treatment differs because diathermy deposits energy electromagnetically to produce deeper, bulk tissue heating, and that heat dissipates more slowly once the unit is off. Ultrasound heats mainly by mechanical energy and tends to warm tissues more superficially, with heat dissipating quickly when the energy stops. As a result, the warmth from diathermy lasts longer—typically about three times longer than the after-effect of ultrasound.