UHF therapy after surgery. UHF therapy: indications and contraindications, children, adults. Rules for conducting physical therapy

For a complete and most effective treatment of a wide variety of pathological processes affecting the human body, an integrated approach is required. One of the ways to combat diseases is physiotherapy, which includes several separate techniques.

One of the most common and effective methods in physiotherapy is UHF therapy. Many doctors resort to this method of fighting diseases.

The abbreviation UHF stands for ultra-high frequency therapy. This is one of the methods of physiotherapeutic influence on humans in order to combat diseases.

The physiotherapy procedure involves the use of ultra-high frequency electromagnetic fields that freely penetrate through solid matter, affecting the tissues of the body. If we ignore complex terminology, the technique is based on thermal action. Due to the influence of the electromagnetic field that the equipment emits, not only tissues are affected, but even internal organs.

The main advantage of the UHF procedure is its complete painlessness. Moreover, the use of electromagnetic waves is appropriate on any part of the body and even with pathologies such as fresh fractures or active inflammation, no matter how deep they are.

Mechanism of therapeutic effect

To understand the full effectiveness of UHF treatment, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of action of this type of physiotherapy on the body.

To begin with, it is worth saying that doctors distinguish two main effects of the mechanism of action:

1. Thermal - in this case, heat is produced due to the high frequency of electromagnetic oscillations. Internal tissues of various types are heated (soft, cartilaginous and bone, mucous membranes, etc.), organs, even blood vessels are affected. The therapeutic effect consists of converting particles of the electromagnetic field into thermal energy.
2. Oscillatory – the mechanism of physiotherapy involves physico-chemical as well as molecular changes. All formations are biological in nature, the impact occurs at the cellular level.

The human body is capable of transmitting and even generating electric current; there are two more types of UHF influence on the body. As soon as the electromagnetic field generated by the device affects the body, two more effects are observed:

1. Ohmic losses - the process occurs in tissues and biological substances of the body with high current conductivity. These are urine, blood, lymph and other tissues that provide increased blood circulation. Due to high vibrations of electromagnetic field particles, a conduction current appears in the mentioned biological structures. At the same time, these molecular vibrations occur in a viscous medium, where, due to increased resistance, excess energy generated is absorbed. It is the absorption process that is called ohmic loss, and heat is generated in the structures.
2. Dielectric losses - now the impact is on other types of tissue structures, fatty, connective, nerve and bone (they are called dielectrics). Under the influence of an electromagnetic field, dipoles are formed in these tissues. They tend to change their polarity depending on the frequency of oscillations created by the UHF device. Due to the oscillations of the dipoles, a displacement current is formed in the mentioned tissue structures. In this case, the action also occurs in a viscous medium, but now absorption is called dielectric.

The described mechanism of complex effects seems complex. What you really need to understand is that all vibrations have an effect at the molecular level. Thanks to this, blood circulation and healing of affected tissues improve, metabolic processes are activated, etc.

Equipment for the procedure

The device for UHF therapy is a special mechanism consisting of several parts. The structure of the device is as follows:

• A generator that creates high-frequency electromagnetic waves.
• Electrodes - they act as an electronic conductor.
• Inductor – creates a flow of magnetic particles.
• Emitter.

It is important to know that all devices are divided into stationary and portable. Typically the first type can produce much more power, up to 350 watts. A striking example of a portable device is the UHF 66. Portable devices are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility, for example, a doctor can perform the procedure at home.

A feature of modern devices is the ability to operate in two modes:

• Continuous exposure.
• Pulse exposure - the duration of each pulse varies in the range from 2 to 8 seconds.

In addition, depending on the area of ​​the body where UHF therapy is applied, a certain power is set on the device. For example, if you need to influence the neck, throat or face area, the power does not exceed 40 watts, the minimum threshold is 20 watts.

If the pelvic organs are treated, the electrical power is set in the range from 70 to 100 Watts. If you purchase a UHF device for home use for independent use, consult your doctor about the methods of its use and the required power. And also specify where the electrode plates are attached depending on the nature of the pathological process.

How does the procedure work?

Despite the possibility of performing UHF procedures at home, it is still recommended to undergo treatment with a doctor.

As for the methodology for the UHF procedure, the course of treatment is carried out in the therapy department. During the session, the patient lies down or sits on the couch; there is no need to undress.

The procedure used depends on the location of the pathology and the extent of the lesion. The electrode plates are made of metal coated with an insulating material, or are soft; their area can reach 600 centimeters.

The principle of carrying out procedures is divided into 2 types:

1. Transverse installation - the first electrode is placed in the affected area, the second is placed opposite. For example, if treatment is needed in the chest area, 1 electrode is placed on the chest, 2 on the back. This method allows you to achieve maximum effect, since the electromagnetic field penetrates the body completely.
2. Longitudinal installation - electrodes are applied only to the affected area. To treat external otitis, the plate is placed on the ear so that the distance to the skin does not exceed 1 centimeter. The longitudinal method is best used to treat superficial diseases, since in this case the waves penetrate shallowly.

Once the electrodes are installed, the device is set to the required power, the procedure is carried out in this range for 10–15 minutes.

The treatment time (duration of the course) depends on the type and nature of the disease, the degree of its progression, as well as some individual factors.

How often can you do it

There are no strict restrictions on how often procedures can be done. They are usually carried out daily or every other day.

Indications for UHF therapy

The treatment method of ultra-high-frequency therapy is widespread and is used for a huge number of diverse pathologies. The need to use UHF, the specific settings of the device and the duration of therapy are determined by the doctor. It all depends on the type, nature, degree of development of the disease, age, general condition of the patient, etc. Diagnostic methods and symptoms play a decisive role in making a diagnosis.

UHF therapy indications are as follows:

This list goes on, because UHF is also used in dentistry, eye treatment, and as a restorative therapy after surgery. The electromagnetic field helps reduce inflammatory processes, improve blood circulation, normalize metabolic processes throughout the body, etc.

Contraindications

Despite the benefits of this method of physiotherapy, there are situations when UHF cannot be used. Let's consider for which pathologies contraindications come into force:

• Cardiovascular failure, myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease.
• Hypertension of the third degree.
• Oncology, especially malignant tumors.
• Problems with blood clotting, thrombosis.
• Metal components in the body larger than 2 cm (prostheses, implants).
• Severe increase in body temperature, leading to fever.
• UHF should not be used during pregnancy, especially in the early stages.

Side effects

UHF therapy devices, despite the high level of safety for the human body, can still leave some side effects:

• A burn on the skin is a rare case, permissible only in case of negligence. This can occur if the electrode plate is wet during the procedure or if the integrity of the insulating material is damaged.
• Scar - exposure to ultra-high frequency rays stimulates the growth of connective tissue, the presence of which in the body is due to the inflammatory process. This means that if there is a risk of scarring, which is identified through diagnostics, UHF is not prescribed.
• Bleeding – only the factor of using UHF before surgery is taken into account. Physical therapy before surgery makes it more difficult to stop bleeding on the surgical table.

Of course, UHF also causes harm in cases where this method of treatment is used in the presence of the previously described contraindications.

Safety rules and special instructions

Responsibility for compliance with safety rules falls on the shoulders of the doctor involved in treatment. But just in case, it will also be useful for the patient to know these rules:

• Procedures are always carried out in specially equipped rooms where screened barriers are created.
• The patient must be at a safe distance from the device. This means that for a while it is important to prevent human contact with any metal objects and electrical power cords of the device.
• Before using the UHF drug, the physician must check the integrity of all wires (power supply, electrodes, etc.). If breaks or damage to the insulating layer on the wires or electrodes are detected, the procedure is impossible.
• Particular care is required when treating pneumonia and other severe inflammatory processes, as they are accompanied by connective tissue formations. The duration of the procedure in such cases is reduced.

Due to its ultra-high frequency vibrations, which have a positive effect on the human body, UHF therapy has found wide application in medicine.

It is used in the treatment of ENT organs, diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems, genitourinary and nervous systems, in dentistry, and during the rehabilitation period.

Ultra-high-frequency therapy has also shown good results in cosmetology, where it is used to slow down the aging process of cells, thereby giving facial skin firmness, elasticity and a healthy appearance. What is UHF therapy and how does it work? Let’s figure it out together.

Liquid is the main component of the human body, which contains various ions. Thanks to cellular pores, ions move from tissue fluid to the cell and back. These movements are ordered, which helps in regulating the transmission of impulses throughout the nerve fiber for muscle contractions, cell nutrition, etc.

The influence of an aggressive external environment and other negative factors affects the improper distribution of electrical charges, which leads to poor functioning of the pores in the cell.

Because of this, the cell itself suffers from a lack of nutrients, and the liquid that should be in it begins to linger in the intercellular space.

The result of this entire disrupted ionic system is dry skin, premature wrinkles, bags and swelling under the eyes, and weak vascular walls. Also, together with the fluid, toxins begin to accumulate in the intercellular substance, and because of this, new problems appear, such as seborrhea or acne. The purpose of using UHF therapy is to expose tissue to ultra-high purity pulses. Most often, in therapy, this frequency is 40.68 MHz.

When a magnetic field is created under the influence of UHF, heat begins to form in tissues due to eddy currents, blood circulation improves, the number of leukocytes increases, and regulatory functions in the nervous system increase. Ultrahigh-frequency therapy exhibits a pronounced regenerating and analgesic effect on tissue.

Application in the field of beauty

In cosmetology, these procedures use currents of low strength and low frequency, which makes it harmless, comfortable, and most importantly, effective. The use of UHF allows cell membranes to change their electrical potential, which is why the cell itself is revitalized, opening membrane channels and activating metabolism.

Under the influence of microcurrents, DNA synthesis and the transport of amino acids, lipids and proteins, which are so important for the life of the cell, begin to increase.

Microcurrents also activate the rapid production of elastin and collagen, which has a positive effect on smoothing out fine wrinkles, giving the skin elasticity and firmness.

In cosmetology, this therapy is carried out to achieve goals such as:

• correction of facial contour avoiding surgical intervention;
• prevention and treatment of lymphostasis and edema;
• to eliminate chronic or acute pain;
• for post-operative rehabilitation purposes;
• in the treatment of rosacea and rosacea;
• to increase muscle tone;
• improve skin condition (smoothing wrinkles, sagging, hypersensitivity);
• to reduce skin oiliness.

Immediately after the procedure, the patient feels the lifting effect. This is explained by the influence of microcurrents, which have a restorative effect on the tone of the facial muscles. In addition, the resulting currents have a positive effect on the muscles of the lymphatic and blood capillaries, thereby stimulating the contraction or relaxation of the fibers.

This helps in the fight against seborrhea, acne, swelling and slagging. Stagnant spots are resolved and the manifestations of rosacea are reduced (laser removal of blood vessels under the skin is also possible).

Before prescribing UHF therapy, factors such as:

• presence of existing diseases (their stages of development and course);
• age and general condition;
• the presence of general contraindications to the procedure.

It is also considered important in the use of UHF that the procedures can be carried out with the presence of inflammatory diseases that are in the active stage.

The only condition for this is that there is a waste for the purulent contents that will flow from the affected area.

Positive aspects

The advantages of this procedure include:

Indications

Diseases of the respiratory system and ENT organs:

• pneumonia;
• bronchitis;
• asthma;
• rhinitis;
• laryngitis;
• otitis;
• sinusitis.

Favorable conditions are created for the rapid healing of damaged tissues and the risk of possible complications is reduced. There is an inhibitory effect on microorganisms and their vital functions.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system:

• endarteritis;
• varicose veins;
• circulatory disorders;
• hypertension;
• Raynaud's disease.

Thanks to its vasodilating effect, it leads to improvements in central and peripheral circulation. Reduced tone of the vascular walls helps reduce swelling and lower blood pressure.

Digestive system diseases:

• gastritis;
• ulcers;
• hepatitis;
• pancreatitis;
• enterocolitis;
• constipation, etc.

It has an analgesic, restorative and anti-inflammatory effect. Has an antispasmodic effect. After the procedures, the secretion of bile and motility of the entire intestine improves.

Diseases of the genitourinary system:

• cystitis;
• oophoritis;
• pyelonephritis;
• endometritis;
• prostatitis;
• candidiasis.

The inflammatory response is reduced and there is an effect that reduces swelling. Affected tissues heal due to improved blood circulation.

Skin diseases:

• boils;
• abscesses;
• eczema;
• herpes;
• psoriasis;
• dermatitis;
• carbuncles, etc.

UHF therapy has a bactericidal effect on affected tissues. Relieves the inflammatory process and activates the work of immune cells.

Dentistry:

• injuries;
• periodontitis;
• alveolitis;
• gingivitis;
• ulceration of the mucous membrane.

Under the influence of an electromagnetic field, blood circulation in the gums improves. The viability of bacteria decreases and the growth of bacteria stops. Painful sensations are reduced.

UHF therapy is also successfully used for diseases of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, eye diseases and during the rehabilitation period.

Contraindications

Contraindications may include:

• significant disturbances in blood clotting;
• hypertensive and hypotensive diseases in the 3rd stage;
• the presence of a malignant tumor;
• pregnancy;
• myocardial infarction or persistent angina;
• the patient has a pacemaker;
• cardiovascular failure and venous thrombosis.

Relative contraindications include:

• hyperthyroidism;
• tumors with a benign course;
• the body contains metal objects whose size does not exceed 2 cm (for example, dentures)

All detailed information about the procedure, the essence of the method, is in a separate article.

You can see photos before and after the bikini area photoepilation procedure.

How to remove pigment spots on the face with laser, what are the prices of the procedures, you will find all the details.

What goes with it?

Combining ultra-high-frequency therapy with other cosmetic products only improves the result. In cosmetology, these procedures are often combined with thread lifting, laser, contouring and chemical peels.

Combining these procedures can significantly reduce skin healing time, smooth out wrinkles, restore elasticity, eliminate age spots, improve complexion and much more. The combination also makes it possible to reduce the number of procedures and increase the duration of the positive result.

In conclusion, watch the video of the UHF therapy procedure:

UHF therapy (ultra-high-frequency therapy; synonymous with ultra-short-wave therapy) is a treatment method that involves exposing the body to an ultra-high-frequency electric field (UHF ep), often with an oscillation number of 40.68 MHz (wavelength 7.37 m), which is applied to to the patient through capacitor plates (electrodes). When exposed to ep UHF pulses (2-8 μsec), alternating with long pauses, the method is called pulsed UHF therapy.

The therapeutic factor of UHF therapy is the UHF ep energy absorbed by the tissues of the body. The therapeutic effect of UHF EP is determined not only by the formation of heat in the tissues, but also by a number of physicochemical processes in the tissues of the body, which underlie local and general physiological reactions. UHF therapy has a beneficial effect on the functional state of the nervous system, endocrine glands, blood and lymph circulation, and helps improve metabolism. This treatment method has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, desensitizing, antispastic effect, stimulates the body's defenses and improves tissue.

When carrying out UHF therapy procedures, the capacitor plates are placed parallel to the surface of the patient’s body (Fig.). The distance between the small plates when they are tangential (i.e., on the same plane) must be no less than their diameter. The total gap size (i.e., the distance between the patient’s body and the capacitor plate) for the first and second electrodes is no more than 6 cm. With small gaps, the field density is greater in superficial tissues compared to deep ones. For a more uniform effect on superficial and deep tissues, the gap is increased.

The device is carefully tuned to resonance. The dimensions of the plates must correspond to the size of the organ or body area exposed. Procedures lasting from 5 to 20 minutes. or more are carried out twice a day, daily or every other day, for a course of treatment of 6 to 12 procedures, if necessary, the course of treatment is repeated after 3-4 weeks. UHF therapy is carried out with the patient sitting or lying on a wooden chair or couch through the patient's clothing. The presence of dry plaster or gauze dressings is not an obstacle to the use of UHF therapy. The gap is created using dry cotton fabrics, felt or fixing the plates in a given position with electrode holders. The method of conducting UHF therapy for some diseases is presented in the figure.

UHF therapy is dosed according to the patient’s feeling of warmth in the area of ​​treatment, as well as according to the readings of the device on the device. There are three doses: without the patient feeling warm, with a slight feeling of warmth and with a distinct feeling of warmth. The technique for performing pulsed UHF therapy procedures is the same. Incorrect placement of the capacitor plates, exposure to moist skin or through wet dressings may result in burns.

Indications: acute, subacute and long-term inflammatory diseases, including purulent ones (in the infiltrative phase and the suppuration phase in the presence of conditions for the outflow of pus); some diseases of the peripheral nervous system, obliterating, starting from the early period of the disease, progressive muscular dystrophy, causalgia, long-term non-healing ulcers, frostbite of I, II and III degrees.

Contraindications: neoplasms, cardiac failure with symptoms of decompensation, pronounced atherosclerosis and bleeding, pregnancy, with widespread lesions and the danger of causing hemoptysis.

For UHF therapy, stationary devices Ekran-1, Ekran-2 and UHF-300 and portable UHF-4, UHF-66 (40-80 W), as well as UHF-62 and UHF-30 (15 and 30 W) are used. The UHF-300 device should be located in a shielding cabin, others - in a regular room in the physiotherapy department. When conducting UHF therapy, the same measures must be observed as during inductothermy (see). See also.

UHF therapy is one of the main methods of physiotherapy, which is based on the effect on the patient’s body of high-frequency magnetic waves and a length of no more than 10 meters. As a result, microcirculation improves at the site of action of these waves, as a result of which regeneration in tissues is accelerated and inflammatory processes are reduced.

UHF therapy is carried out by placing capacitor plates directly near the organs and tissues of the body. Moreover, the placement method can be either longitudinal or transverse, or at an angle to the desired organ.

Capacitor electrodes can be of two types. They can be disc-shaped metal plates coated with insulating material and soft rectangular plates with a diameter of no more than 600 cm 2.

UHF device

The transverse method of applying plates is used in the case of a deep location of the diseased organ. This is due to the fact that in this position magnetic waves penetrate all tissues of the body. Whereas when the plates are placed longitudinally, the force lines have only a superficial effect, so this method is used in the treatment of pathologies that are not deep in the body.

The current power during treatment is set in accordance with the area of ​​influence. Face and neck area, small joints – 20-40 W; pelvic organs, thoracic and abdominal cavities, large joints - 70-100 W.

The therapeutic effect of this method of physiotherapy lies in the constant movement of charged ions and dipole molecules, which, when colliding with each other, create friction, due to which heat is created in the tissues of the body, and this, in turn, has a beneficial effect on microcirculation, metabolism, enzyme activity and etc.

The impact of treatment on various systems and functions of the body

• Nervous system. The tone of the sympathetic nervous system decreases and the activity of the parasympathetic system increases. Also, this type of therapy in some cases can affect the condition of the pituitary gland, which makes it possible to use it in bitemporal UHF therapy.
• Cardiovascular system. Treatment with a UHF therapy device helps to dilate capillaries, improve venous outflow, and reduce vascular tone, which in turn leads to a significant decrease in blood pressure.
• Gastrointestinal tract. After exposure to e.p. UHF, there is a decrease in spasms of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulation of the motor and secretory functions of the intestines, increased secretion of bile, improved metabolism, etc.
• In addition to the above, the following processes occur in the body under the influence of UHF treatment: the number of pathogenic bacteria decreases, and therefore the absorption of their waste products from the affected area decreases. The formation of a protective barrier from connective tissue increases, and phagocytosis increases.

Physiotherapy technique

Before starting the procedure, the capacitor plates are treated with a disinfectant solution and their integrity is checked. The patient sits in a chair or lies on a couch. Bottom part

Electrophoresis apparatus "Potok-Br"

the patient's body is placed between the electrodes, and they are located at a short distance from his body, i.e. A so-called air gap is created. With the transverse method of laying the plates, the gap should be at least 2 cm, and with the longitudinal method, no more than 1 cm. The air gap is maintained throughout the entire UHF treatment procedure.

Safety rules during treatment

• The use of stationary devices should only be carried out in shielded rooms.
• If therapy is performed in a hospital room, the patient should be kept as far away from grounded objects and metal objects as possible.
• Before starting treatment, it is necessary to carefully inspect the wires - there should be no uninsulated areas, touching them can cause burns.
• The oscillatory circuits (technical and therapeutic) must be tuned into resonance with each other.
• The wires that come from the UHF therapy device should not touch each other, nor touch the patient and any metal, otherwise the resonance discussed above will be disrupted.
• If there are metal crowns, prostheses or splints in the patient’s body, then this is not an absolute contraindication to treatment, but it is necessary to reduce the dose of exposure

• • Side effects of physical therapy

• Burns that can occur if the fabric pad is not dry enough, or if the skin comes into contact with a metal plate.
• Electric shock when exposed parts of the body come into contact with bare wires.

Indications for treatment

• Vegetovascular dystonia
• Menopause with pronounced climacteric syndrome.
• Diseases of the respiratory system (bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis)
• Wounds that do not heal for a long time, bedsores
• Various vascular diseases (thrombophlebitis, endarteritis, etc.)
• Lesions of the central nervous system (neuralgia, phantom pain, etc.)
• Chronic otitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis
• Diseases of the female reproductive system
• Purulent inflammatory processes in the body.

Absolute contraindications

• Bleeding, hemophilia
• Oncological neoplasms, especially malignant ones
• Focal purulent processes
• II and III trimester of pregnancy
• Low blood pressure
• Impact on the area of ​​the implanted pacemaker
• Increased body temperature

Relative contraindications

• Benign tumors
• Presence of metal in the patient’s body (dental bridges, crowns)
• Wet

• Treatment of children

• The duration of the procedure is determined based on the child’s age: from birth to six months – a maximum of 5 minutes; up to a year – 7 minutes; up to 7 years – 8 min. and for children over 7 years old – 10 minutes.
• Treatment can be carried out several days after the birth of the child.
• It is necessary to use devices with low power (max – 40 W)
• The capacitor plates are bandaged to the body, and the air gap is created using fabric or foam pads.
• Procedures are carried out only in low-heat dosages.
• The course of treatment is a maximum of 12 procedures 2 times a year.

UHF therapy (ultra high frequency therapy) is a physiotherapeutic treatment method that uses ultra-high frequency electromagnetic fields. UHF therapy is a kind of heat treatment that, using special equipment, penetrates human tissues and organs.

UHF electromagnetic fields contribute to:

• healing of wounds and fractures;
• reduction of edema;
• stimulation of peripheral and central blood circulation;
• pain reduction;
• reduction of inflammatory processes.

In 1929, ultra-high frequency electromagnetic fields were used for the first time in Germany as a treatment method. The invention of UHF therapy was facilitated by complaints from people who worked at radio stations, who stated that they felt some kind of negative influence from radio waves.

Mechanism of therapeutic action

UHF therapy has the following effects:

• oscillatory effect, which is characterized by a change in the biological structure of cells at the physicochemical and molecular level;
• a thermal effect that results in heating of body tissue by converting ultra-high frequencies of an electromagnetic field into thermal energy.

Device structure

The classic UHF therapy device is equipped with the following components:

• high frequency generator ( device that produces ultra-high frequency energy);
• electrodes in the form of capacitor plates ( electrical conductor);
• inductors ( responsible for creating magnetic flux);
• emitters.

There are two types of UHF devices:

• stationary;
• portable.

The following stationary devices are used for UHF therapy:

• "UHF-300";
• "Screen-2";
• "Impulse-2";
• "Impulse-3".

The following portable devices are used to carry out UHF therapy:

• "UHF-30";
• "UHF-66";
• "UHF-80-04".

Devices operating in pulse mode are also popular.

Among the Russian pulsed UHF therapy devices, the following are distinguished:

• "Impulse-2";
• "Impulse-3".

Among the foreign UHF therapy devices, the following are distinguished:

• "Ultraterm";
• "K-50";
• Megapulse;
• "Megatherm".

The following ranges of electromagnetic waves are used in UHF therapy:

• 40.68 MHz ( Most UHF devices in Russia and the CIS countries operate on this range);
• 27.12 MHz ( this range is mostly used in Western countries).

The frequency of electromagnetic oscillations is of two types:

• continuous oscillation, in which there is a continuous electromagnetic effect on the affected area;
• pulse oscillation, which produces a series of pulses that last from two to eight milliseconds.

Carrying out the UHF procedure

Wooden furniture is used for UHF therapy. During the procedure, the patient is usually in a sitting or lying position, depending on the location of the affected area, as well as the general condition of the patient. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to take off your clothes, since UHF exposure can penetrate through things and even plaster casts. After the patient has taken a comfortable position, the preparation of the capacitor plates is carried out ( type of electrode).

To begin with, the patient is selected with the optimal size electrodes in relation to the affected area of ​​the body. Then the plates are attached to the holders and, after wiping with an alcohol-containing solution, they are brought to the sore spot.

There are the following methods for installing electrodes:

• transverse method;
• longitudinal method.

Transverse method
This installation method means that the electrodes must be located opposite each other. In this case, one plate should be directed towards the diseased area of ​​the body, and the other - on the opposite side. Due to this arrangement, electromagnetic fields penetrate through the entire body of the patient, thereby exerting a general effect. The distance between the electrode and the body should not be less than two centimeters.

Longitudinal method
With this method, electrodes are applied only to the affected side. This installation method is used in the treatment of superficial diseases, since electromagnetic fields in this case penetrate shallowly. The space between the electrode and the body should not exceed more than one centimeter.

UHF therapy electrodes are installed at a certain distance. The closer the plate is located to the affected area, the stronger the thermal effect ( If placed incorrectly, it can lead to burns.).

After installing the electrodes, the medical worker sets a certain power of electricity at which the patient receives the required UHF dose. The power of electromagnetic fields is adjusted using a special regulator, which is located on the generator control panel. Depending on the existing disease and the doctor’s indications, different dosages of the sensation of heat are used during UHF.

UHF heat dose	Power	Mechanism of action	Patient's feelings
Thermal dose	from 100 to 150 W	used for provocative purposes	the patient experiences pronounced thermal sensations
Oligothermic dose	from 40 to 100 W	improves cellular nutrition, metabolism and blood circulation	characterized by slight thermal sensations
Athermic dose	from 15 to 40 W	produces an anti-inflammatory effect	the patient does not feel warm

Depending on the dose of exposure to UHF fields, the following changes may be observed in the human body:

• increased phagocytic activity of leukocytes;
• decreased exudation ( release of fluid into tissue during inflammatory processes);
• activation of fibroblast activity ( cells that form connective tissue in the human body);
• increased permeability of vessel walls;
• stimulation of metabolic processes in tissues.

The advantage of UHF therapy is that its use is possible in acute inflammatory processes and fresh fractures. Typically, these disorders are a contraindication to various physiotherapeutic treatments.

As a rule, the duration of the UHF therapy procedure for an adult is from ten to fifteen minutes. On average, a course of treatment includes from five to fifteen procedures, which are usually carried out daily or every other day.

Features of UHF for newborns and children:

• UHF therapy can be used only a few days after the birth of the child;
• low-thermal dosage is used;
• devices with low power are used; so children under seven years of age are shown a power of no more than thirty watts, and school-age children - no more than forty watts;
• For children under five years old, electrodes are bandaged to the required area, and instead of an air gap between the plate and the skin, a special bandage pad is inserted ( to avoid burns);
• UHF therapy is used no more than twice a year;
• It is recommended to perform an average of five to eight treatment procedures ( no more than twelve).

The duration of the UHF procedure depends on the age of the child.

Indications for UHF procedure

When prescribing UHF, the following factors are taken into account:

• patient's age;
• the course and stage of the existing disease;
• general health of the patient;
• presence of concomitant diseases;
• presence of contraindications for the procedure.

UHF is one of the methods of physiotherapy that can be used for inflammatory diseases that are in the active phase.

During the inflammatory process, an inflammatory infiltrate is formed at the site of the lesion due to the accumulation of blood and lymph cells, which can resolve under the influence of UHF. During the procedure, the saturation of calcium ions in the affected area increases, which leads to the formation of connective tissue around the inflammatory focus and prevents the further spread of infection. However, it should be noted that this method of treatment is used only in cases where there are conditions for drainage of purulent contents from the affected area.

UHF is used in the treatment of:

• diseases of the respiratory system and ENT organs ( ear, throat, nose);
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• diseases of the genitourinary system;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• eye diseases;
• dental diseases;
• in the postoperative period.

System name	Name of the disease	Mechanism of action of UHF
Diseases of the respiratory system and ENT organs		In the presence of infectious processes ( for example, pneumonia, sore throat, otitis media) produces an inhibitory effect on the vital activity of microorganisms. Has an analgesic and immunostrengthening effect. Favorable conditions are created for the healing of affected tissues, and the risk of complications is reduced.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system	hypertension of the first and second stages; obliterating endarteritis; cerebral circulatory disorder ( for example, with atherosclerosis).	It has a vasodilating effect, which leads to improved peripheral and central blood circulation. Produces a positive effect on myocardial contractility. By reducing the increased tone of the vascular wall, it helps lower blood pressure and also reduces tissue swelling.
Digestive system diseases	viral hepatitis;	It has a general strengthening effect on the human body. For diseases accompanied by pain, it produces an analgesic effect. Also has an anti-inflammatory effect ( for example, with cholecystitis, colitis) and accelerates the tissue healing process ( for example, with stomach and duodenal ulcers). With spasms of the stomach, gall bladder, and intestines, it produces an antispasmodic effect ( relaxing effect). Also, after the procedure, intestinal motility and bile secretion improve.
Diseases of the genitourinary system		The inflammatory reaction decreases, an anti-edematous effect occurs, blood circulation and healing of affected tissues improves.
Skin diseases	carbuncles; herpes simplex; phlegmon; trophic ulcers; bedsores; wounds.	In case of skin diseases, it prevents the process of wound suppuration. If the infectious-inflammatory process is in the active phase, this procedure has a bactericidal effect ( inhibits the activity of bacteria). Stimulates the skin's protective system, in which the work of immune cells such as lymphocytes, Langerhans cells, mast cells and others is activated. Microcirculation in the affected area also improves, which helps accelerate the epithelization process ( recovery) fabrics. In the presence of allergic diseases, it has a desensitizing effect on the body ( antiallergic) action.
Nervous system diseases	phantom pain; plexitis; inflammation of the sciatic nerve ( sciatica); spinal cord injuries; causalgia; brain and spinal cord injuries ( contusions, concussion, compression of the brain or spinal cord).	Produces an analgesic effect by inhibiting processes in the central nervous system, and also helps reduce muscle spasms. Also, at the site of exposure, blood circulation improves, which leads to an acceleration of the healing process of nervous tissue. In diseases accompanied by impaired conduction of nerve impulses, it helps to restore them.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system	phagocytes are special cells in the body that destroy pathogenic microorganisms), which accelerates the process of healing and tissue regeneration.
Dental diseases	alveolitis; periodontitis; ulceration of the oral mucosa; burns; injuries.	During exposure to an electromagnetic field in the gums, blood circulation improves, growth stops, and the viability of bacteria is inhibited. Pain is also effectively reduced.
Rehabilitation period	postoperative wounds; postoperative infiltrates; rehabilitation after injuries; rehabilitation after illness.	By improving microcirculation and creating collateral vessels, the process of regeneration of affected tissues is accelerated. The risk of wound infection is significantly reduced, since the ultra-high-frequency electric field has a detrimental effect on pathological microorganisms that can cause suppuration of the postoperative wound. During the rehabilitation period, this procedure helps to increase the body's defenses and also has an analgesic effect, which speeds up and facilitates the recovery process.

The effectiveness of UHF treatment may depend on the following factors:

• stage and severity of the disease;
• range of electromagnetic vibrations;
• duration of the procedure;
• place of impact;
• use of additional treatments;
• individual sensitivity to the influence of electric current.

Contraindications for UHF

There are absolute and relative contraindications for UHF therapy.

The following absolute contraindications exist:

• blood clotting disorder;
• stage 3 hypertension;
• malignant tumors;
• feverish conditions;
• hypotension;
• the patient has a pacemaker;
• pregnancy;
• Bleeding. Using UHF before surgery increases the risk of bleeding. The electromagnetic field, heating the tissue and causing hyperemia in the affected area, can subsequently lead to bleeding.
• Scar. One of the therapeutic effects of UHF is aimed at the development of connective tissue, which, for example, during inflammatory processes creates a protective barrier, preventing the spread of infection throughout the body. However, in some cases where there is a risk of developing unwanted scar tissue ( for example, after abdominal surgery), UHF is not recommended.
• Electric shock. A side effect that may occur in rare cases if safety rules are not followed, if the patient comes into contact with exposed live parts of the device.