Shortwave diathermy (SWD), a modality that uses electromagnetic energy through radio waves, is often used as an intervention for various musculoskeletal disorders. SWD can produce both thermal and non-thermal effects to modulate pain and edema, promote tissue healing, and increase tissue extensibility. When used for its thermal effects, SWD is used to assist with creating a deep heat in body tissues to prepare them for therapeutic stretching, by manipulating the crossbridges of collagen fibers. This project is a literature reviewthat elaborateson the efficacy of shortwave diathermy on tissue elongation coupled with therapeutic stretching. Investigation of applicable parameters of SWDwill be explained and expanded if SWD is found efficacious when used in conjunction with therapeutic stretching.
