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Advances in shortwave therapy

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Blashy MRM · 1970

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Medical shortwave therapy proves EMF can have beneficial biological effects, highlighting the complexity of EMF health science.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1970 medical research examined advances in shortwave therapy, a treatment method that uses radiofrequency electromagnetic fields to heat deep tissues for therapeutic purposes. The study focused on diathermy applications, where controlled EMF exposure generates therapeutic heat in muscles, joints, and other tissues. This represents early medical documentation of intentional high-power EMF exposure for healing purposes.

Why This Matters

This research captures a fascinating paradox in EMF science. While we debate the health risks of low-level EMF exposure from phones and WiFi, medicine has deliberately used high-power radiofrequency fields for decades to treat patients. Shortwave diathermy typically operates at 27.12 MHz with power levels far exceeding everyday consumer devices. The science demonstrates that EMF effects are highly dependent on frequency, power, and exposure duration. What makes this particularly relevant today is that these therapeutic applications prove EMF can have biological effects - the question isn't whether EMF affects living tissue, but at what levels and under what conditions those effects become harmful versus beneficial.

The reality is that medical diathermy exposes patients to EMF levels thousands of times higher than your smartphone, yet it's considered safe when properly administered. This doesn't mean all EMF exposure is safe, but it does highlight how oversimplified our public discourse about EMF has become. Understanding these therapeutic applications helps us better evaluate the relative risks of everyday EMF exposure.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 600 pulses/sec exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 600 pulses/secPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: 15 minutes per session, typically 2-5 sessions per day for 9-17 days total

Study Details

To demonstrate the effectiveness of shortwave therapy, particularly using Diapulse apparatus, in treating bacterial infections, especially those resistant to antibiotics, and to show its advantages over traditional antibiotic therapy.

Clinical case studies of 40 patients with bacterial infections treated with Diapulse apparatus. Trea...

Treatment resulted in complete healing in over 90% of cases. Acute infections responded in 7.5 treat...

Shortwave therapy using Diapulse apparatus is highly effective for treating bacterial infections, particularly antibiotic-resistant cases, with no danger to living tissue. The therapy works through electromagnetic energy rather than heat, offering a safe alternative to antibiotics with no side effects or risk of further deterioration of patient condition.

Cite This Study
Blashy MRM (1970). Advances in shortwave therapy.
Show BibTeX
@article{advances_in_shortwave_therapy_g6641,
  author = {Blashy MRM},
  title = {Advances in shortwave therapy},
  year = {1970},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

Shortwave diathermy uses radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (typically 27.12 MHz) to generate therapeutic heat deep within body tissues. It's commonly used to treat muscle pain, joint stiffness, and promote healing in physical therapy settings.
Shortwave diathermy devices typically operate at 100-400 watts, exposing patients to EMF levels thousands of times higher than cell phones or WiFi. These high-power exposures are considered safe when properly administered by trained professionals.
The 1970s marked important advances in understanding how to safely control and apply therapeutic EMF exposure. This period saw improved equipment design and better protocols for maximizing healing benefits while minimizing risks.
Yes, shortwave therapy demonstrates that EMF can produce measurable biological effects including increased blood flow, tissue heating, and pain relief. This proves EMF interacts with living tissue under appropriate conditions.
Therapeutic shortwave EMF is intentionally high-power and controlled, unlike the low-level, chronic exposures from consumer devices. The frequency, duration, and power levels are specifically designed for beneficial heating effects.