Which statement is true about diathermy effects?

Which statement is true about diathermy effects?

• A. It can penetrate deeper than some modalities
• B. It never warms tissue
• C. It only affects surface tissue
• D. It is always painful

Answer: (A)

Diathermy heats tissue by using high-frequency electrical currents, causing tissue warming through resistance. That energy can reach deeper layers, such as muscles and joints, compared with many surface-focused modalities. Because of this ability to deliver heating to deeper structures, the statement that diathermy can penetrate deeper than some modalities is the accurate one. It still warms tissue, so saying it never warms tissue is incorrect. It isn’t limited to surface tissue, so that option doesn’t fit. And while some patients feel only a comfortable warmth, diathermy is not inherently painful for everyone.

Diathermy heats tissue by using high-frequency electrical currents, causing tissue warming through resistance. That energy can reach deeper layers, such as muscles and joints, compared with many surface-focused modalities. Because of this ability to deliver heating to deeper structures, the statement that diathermy can penetrate deeper than some modalities is the accurate one. It still warms tissue, so saying it never warms tissue is incorrect. It isn’t limited to surface tissue, so that option doesn’t fit. And while some patients feel only a comfortable warmth, diathermy is not inherently painful for everyone.