Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine — MCQs

Q: Which of the following modalities is considered superficial heat therapy?

Infrared lamp. ### Explanation In physical medicine, heat therapy is classified into **superficial** and **deep** heating modalities based on the depth of tissue penetration. **1. Why Infrared Lamp is Correct:** Infrared (IR) therapy is a form of **superficial heat**. It utilizes electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 750 nm and 400,000 nm. The energy is absorbed primarily by the epidermis and dermis, penetrating to a depth of only **1–3 mm**. It works via the principle of radiation to increase local blood flow and relieve pain in superficial structures. Other examples of superficial heat include Hot Packs, Paraffin Wax Bath, and Hydrotherapy. **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Shortwave Diathermy (SWD):** Uses high-frequency electromagnetic current (27.12 MHz) to produce heat via molecular oscillation. It is a **deep heating** modality, reaching depths of **3–5 cm**. * **Microwave Diathermy (MWD):** Uses higher frequencies (2450 MHz) than SWD. It provides **deep heat**, primarily targeting tissues with high water content like muscles. * **Ultrasonic Therapy (UST):** Uses high-frequency sound waves (1–3 MHz) to produce thermal and non-thermal effects. It is the **deepest** heating modality, effectively reaching the bone-muscle interface (up to **5 cm or more**). **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Depth Rule:** Superficial heat (<1 cm); Deep heat (3–5 cm). * **Contraindication:** Never use deep heat (SWD/MWD) in patients with **metallic implants** or cardiac pacemakers due to the risk of burns and interference. * **UST Speciality:** It is the treatment of choice for **tendonitis** and **plantar fasciitis** due to its ability to focus energy on dense collagenous tissues. * **Paraffin Wax Bath:** The modality of choice for small joints of hands/feet in **Rheumatoid Arthritis** (chronic stage).

Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine — MCQs

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