Introduction: Thermotherapy is the therapeutic application of heat to the body, leading to an increase in tissue temperature. It is usually classified as superficial and deep. Diathermy is one of the methods of deep thermotherapy. It uses radiofrequency radiation to operate, which occupies frequencies from 3 kHz to 300 MHz in the electromagnetic field. Although pulsating short-wave diathermy is most commonly used in practice, with an operating frequency of 27,12 MHz, other forms of diathermy are also available that operate at significantly lower radiofrequency ranges. One of them is capacitive and resistive monopolar radiofrequency, which uses electric currents in the frequency range between 300 kHz and 1 MHz to heat deep tissues. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma work was to present the effectiveness of the use of capacitive and resistive monopolar radiofrequency in physiotherapy, based on the review of scientific literature. Methods: We used a descriptive method in this diploma work. Literature search was conducted through PubMed and Cochrane library databases. Results: Eleven studies were included in the literature review. Seven studies examined the effects of therapy in healthy subjects and four in specific pathologies. The frequency of therapy used was in the vast majority 448 kHz, differing in only two studies. In the first, a frequency of 485 kHz was used, and in the second, a frequency range between 450 and 600 kHz. The researches in included studies have shown that the therapy used by effectively raising and maintaining temperature in deeper tissues achieves improved blood flow and increased hemoglobin saturation in the blood, helping to speed tissue healing, reduce pain, improve soft tissue extensibility, and improve function. Discussion and conclusion: It can be said with certainty that the use of capacitive and resistive monopolar radiofrequency plays an important role in physiotherapy practice, although the number of studies investigating the effects of therapy, especially in various pathologies, is not large. The scale of the frequencies used in therapy is also small, which would require more quality research.
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