Define near field and far field electrotherapy for 3 marks

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near field far field electrotherapy definition physiotherapy

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near field far field electrotherapy physiotherapy shortwave diathermy definition wavelength

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Near Field and Far Field Electrotherapy

Near Field Electrotherapy

In near field electrotherapy, the patient's tissues are placed within the electromagnetic field generated by the applicator (i.e., the treatment distance is much less than one wavelength of the radiation used). The electromagnetic field in this region is non-propagating and dominated by inductive and capacitive (reactive) effects. The electric and magnetic fields behave independently and do not form true travelling waves. Energy is transferred directly to the tissues by conduction currents and displacement currents rather than by radiated waves. The field strength decreases rapidly with distance. Short wave diathermy (SWD) - both the capacitor plate (condenser field) and inductive coil (inductothermy) methods - operates in the near field.

Far Field Electrotherapy

In far field electrotherapy, the patient is positioned at a distance much greater than the wavelength from the applicator (r >> 2λ), placing them in the true radiation zone. In this region, the electromagnetic energy propagates outward as coupled, plane-like travelling waves (electric and magnetic fields are in phase and perpendicular to each other). Field strength decreases as an inverse square of distance. Energy is absorbed by tissues as the propagating wave enters them. Microwave diathermy (MWD) is the classic example, where the director/applicator is held several centimetres from the skin surface and the microwave beam travels through space before being absorbed.

Key Distinction (Summary)

FeatureNear FieldFar Field
Patient positionWithin the field (r << λ)At a distance (r >> 2λ)
Field natureReactive, non-propagatingPropagating (travelling waves)
E and H fieldsCan exist independentlyCoupled, in-phase
Energy transferInduction / capacitanceRadiated wave absorption
Clinical exampleShortwave diathermy (SWD)Microwave diathermy (MWD)
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