Local Hyperthermia / INDIBA

The INDIBA machine represents a pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic field (PRFE) device, which sends out radiofrequency waves of 448 KHz. Once these waves penetrate the tissue energy is absorbed and heat is generated. The electromagnetic field frequency determines how deep the radiofrequency waves penetrate into the tissue; the penetration depth increases with decreasing frequency. The mechanisms of PRFE are physiological responses to heat induction within the tissues by increasing the tissue’s temperature by more than 1°C and are related to ordinary reactions in the body’s natural thermoregulation. There are two ways to treat the body with PRFE.

Each of these possibilities has a different physiological effect. Meanwhile one method uses metal electrodes (resistive system) the second method relies on insulated electrodes (capacitive system). In the first case heat is generated by a flow of electric loads from the active electrode to the neutral-electrode, penetrating the tissue and structures in between. This deep effect reaches more solid structures as tendons and bones with the same impact as it has to soft tissue. In the second case the physical principle is based on polarization of molecules within an electromagnetic field created between a ceramic electrode (insulated) and the neutral-electrode. There is no flow of electric loads created but an electromagnetic field being responsible for the polarization of organic molecules within the tissue.

Once a pulsed shift in direction of the electromagnetic field happens, the polarized molecules will hit each other producing frictional heat exclusively in the deeper layers of the tissue. An external source of heat (sun, fire, hot water bag, diverse radiant elements, etc.) acts by conduction; it dries and dehydrates the skin favoring the development of varicose veins and reducing the level of blood and lymph circulation. medical@mirador.ch The Indiba system doesn’t show any of these inconveniences, because the heat is not conducted by a direct system, but rather deals with a transformation of electromagnetic energy into heat to the deeper tissue and therefore creates a limited deep hyperthermia within those cells that are reached by the electromagnetic field. Each cell of the tissue acts as if one were dealing with a small electrical resistance when the current passes, increasing its temperature and producing a so called “local fever”. Fever is a natural reaction of the organism to activate its natural defence system against infection and alterations. It’s a physiological reaction and therefore should be automatically produced.

Depending on the patients individual capacities this treatment can help to assist activating the body’s defence system more efficiently by creating heat in the deeper layers and thus increasing this body’s part blood supply. This intense reactivation of the blood and lymphatic microcirculatory systems provides a very deep and highly stimulating therapy. To achieve the optimal treatment temperature the therapist depends on the patient’s feedback in regards to the heat production within the deeper layers. The main focus of the treatment is: managing pain and its causes as well as rehabilitation. It is complimentary to manual therapies providing a number of vital benefits, including:

• Pain reduction
• Accelerated healing
• Enhanced blood flow and metabolism
• Increased oxygenation
• Cell regeneration