ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the concept of thermal therapy, its history, and its three main categories, as well as the underlying physical principles and engineering aspects of therapeutic mechanisms. It discusses possible side effects of diathermy therapy including cellular responses and immunological and carcinogenetic implications have been extensively. The concept of diathermy influenced the incorrect belief that the biological effects of electromagnetic (EM) fields were limited only to thermal effects. While there are several types of EM therapeutic techniques, they all derive from common basic mechanisms for delivering heat energy to the body. Diathermy is therapeutically used by physiotherapists to decrease pain, enhance metabolic functions, increase deep tissue temperature, promote bone formation after fractures, and treat osteoporosis, as well as in rehabilitation practice in general. Cardiovascular strain and heat-related disorders are quite common, especially in people unaccustomed to heat. EM therapeutic applications are becoming more acceptable as a minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of some illnesses.
