Exposure of physiotherapists to microwave radiation during microwave diathermy treatment

Power density was measured during several microwave diathermy treatment sessions in order to determine levels to which the physiotherapist might be exposed during normal practice. Measurements were made at a distance of 30 cm from the patient. In half the cases investigated readings were less than 10 mW cm-2, the maximum permissible level for continuous exposure during an 8-hour working day. In the other cases levels exceeded 10 mW cm-2 at some sites. The results indicate that physiotherapists are unlikely to be exposed to radiation levels which would be considered harmful, provided reasonable care is taken.