What is Diathermy Therapy?
Diathermy therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-frequency electromagnetic energy to generate deep heat within the body’s tissues. This deep heat promotes circulation, accelerates healing, and helps relieve pain, making it a popular choice for those recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions. At Knobbs Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, we integrate diathermy therapy into our treatment plans to help patients experience faster recovery and long-lasting relief.
As an active and growing city, Colorado Springs is home to athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals dealing with musculoskeletal pain from daily activities or injuries. Whether you’re recovering from a hiking injury from Garden of the Gods or experiencing chronic pain from long work hours, diathermy therapy can provide effective relief.
How Diathermy Works
Unlike surface heat treatments like heating pads or hot packs, diathermy penetrates deep into muscles, joints, and soft tissues. It uses radiofrequency, microwave, or shortwave energy to stimulate circulation and tissue repair. This controlled deep heating:
- Increases blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues
- Reduces stiffness and muscle spasms
- Enhances cellular metabolism to speed up healing
- Helps break down scar tissue and adhesions
The heat generated by diathermy does not cause discomfort, making it a soothing, pain-free option for many patients seeking relief from musculoskeletal pain.
Conditions That Benefit from Diathermy
Diathermy therapy is effective for treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
1. Chronic Pain & Stiffness
Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and joint stiffness respond well to diathermy, as it helps loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility.
2. Sports & Overuse Injuries
Athletes and active individuals recovering from muscle strains, ligament injuries, and tendinitis can benefit from the increased circulation and accelerated tissue repair that diathermy provides. Colorado Springs’ active community, from runners to CrossFit athletes, can find relief and faster recovery with this therapy.
3. Back & Neck Pain
For patients with chronic lower back pain or neck tension, diathermy offers a safe and effective way to reduce discomfort without relying on medications. Many professionals in Colorado Springs, from military personnel to office workers, experience back pain due to their daily routines, making diathermy an excellent solution.
4. Post-Surgical Recovery
After surgery, proper healing is essential to restore function. Diathermy can reduce inflammation, minimize scar tissue formation, and help restore mobility more quickly.
5. Sprains, Strains, and Joint Injuries
Diathermy is commonly used to treat ankle sprains, knee injuries, and shoulder issues by reducing swelling and enhancing tissue repair. Whether you’ve twisted your ankle on a trail or strained your knee skiing, diathermy therapy can aid in recovery.
The Benefits of Diathermy Therapy
1. Speeds Up Healing
By increasing circulation and cellular activity, diathermy shortens recovery time for injuries, allowing patients to return to their daily activities faster.2. Pain Relief Without Medication
Many patients prefer diathermy as a drug-free alternative for pain management. The deep heat relaxes muscles and soothes nerve pain, reducing the need for painkillers.3. Improves Joint Mobility
Patients struggling with stiffness and restricted movement can benefit from diathermy’s ability to increase tissue elasticity and reduce tightness.4. Non-Invasive & Comfortable
Diathermy requires no needles, incisions, or downtime. Treatments are painless and typically last between 15-30 minutes, making it easy to incorporate into a busy schedule.5. Supports Chiropractic Adjustments
By relaxing tight muscles and improving circulation, diathermy enhances the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments, making adjustments easier and more effective.What to Expect During a Diathermy Session
At Knobbs Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, we ensure each diathermy session is tailored to your specific needs. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation & Assessment – Our chiropractor will assess your condition and determine if diathermy is right for you.
- Electrode or Applicator Placement – The diathermy device is positioned over the treatment area, with protective padding used if necessary.
- Gentle Deep Heating – You will experience a warm, soothing sensation as the heat penetrates deep into the tissues.
- Post-Treatment Recommendations – Depending on your condition, we may combine diathermy with chiropractic adjustments, stretching exercises, or other therapies for optimal results.