Electromagnetic Therapy provides a non-invasive, safe and easy method to treat pain with respect to musculoskeletal diseases. It is a therapeutic technique that consists of applying artificial magnetic fields on an affected part of the human body, controlling intensity and frequency.

Magnetic field therapy was applied to promote bone healing, treat osteoarthritis and inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It also helps to alleviate pain, enhance healing of ulcers and reduce spasticity. This kind of therapy is delivered to the patients in two different forms. They are

1. Non-Stationary pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF): it works only when connected to an electric source. In this setup, a pulsed generator is connected to a coil which produces a magnetic field allowing current flow through the tissues. Its can be of 6 to 10 sessions with duration of 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Stationary (Permanent magnets): are fully charged with electric current and remain permanently magnetized. Such as earrings, bracelets, necklace or even pellets.

Indications: –

1. Spondylosis, Muscle spasm
2. Osteoporosis, Osteomyelitis,
3. Dysmenorrhea
4. Depression & Migraine
5. Epicondylitis, Sciatica
6. Gouty arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and osteo arthritis.

Contraindications:-

1. Acute infections
2. Hemorrhagic focus cardiac pacemaker
3. Pregnancy
4. Tumor
5. Diabetes etc.

Paraffin Wax Therapy is the application of molten paraffin wax over the body parts.

The composition of material used for Wax Therapy is as follows.

• Solid Wax: Liquid paraffin: Petroleum jelly is 7:3:1.
• Or Solid Wax: Liquid Paraffin / mineral Oil is 7:1.

Wax bath therapy provides about six times the amount of heat available in water because the mineral oil has low specific heat which enhances the patient’s ability to tolerate heat from paraffin better than that from water at the same temperature.

The mode of transmission of heat from paraffin to the patient’s skin occurs through superficial heating by the means of conduction. It increases the local circulation to the area, increases the pliability of the skin and reduces stiffness and thus helps in reducing pain.

Indications

1. Rheumatoid arthritis
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Joint Stiffness, adhesions.
4. Post immobilization stiffness, scars on the skin etc.

Contraindications:

1. Open wounds
2. Skin rashes
3. Allergic conditions.
4. Impaired skin sensations.
5. Defective arterial supply, etc.

The part that is to be treated should be cleaned with soap and water. Moisture is to be soaked with towel. Position the patient in such a way that the part to be treated comes in close proximity with the wax bath. Warm wax is applied over to the body part by various techniques such as

Direct Pouring – Molten Wax is poured directly by a mug or utensil over to the affected site and wrapped with a towel.

Brushing method – Several coats of wax is applied over to the affected part using Brushes of various sizes and wrapped with cloth.

Direct immersion / Dipping method – The affected body part is directly immersed into the container of paraffin wax and then taken out. Once wax solidifies the part is immersed again to make another layer, and finally wrapped with cloth.

Toweling / Bandaging method – A towel or a roll of bandage is immersed in molten paraffin wax and then wrapped around body parts.

Time for therapy:

About 10 to 20 minutes.