Market Trends of Diathermy Equipment Industry
The Shortwave Diathermy Equipment Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
Shortwave diathermy is an alternative to ultrasound therapy machines to treat damaged tissues and relax muscles. It uses electric pulses to generate heat deep within a targeted tissue, reaching up to two inches below the skin's surface. When the area's temperature rises, blood flow improves, as does flexibility in stiff joints and connective tissue, making it a good choice for arthritis patients.
Also, shortwave diathermy, different from ultrasound and microwave diathermy, sends high-frequency waves into a patient's body to target affected tissues. These energy waves come from condenser plates on either side of the treatment area. Shortwave diathermy machines usually have 11-meter wavelengths and operate at 27.33 MHz frequencies.
The benefits of shortwave diathermy equipment are projected to boost segmental growth during the forecast period. For instance, the data published in the International Journal in January 2024 stated that shortwave diathermy is associated with potential therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory, pain-reducing effects, improving regeneration, trophicity, and tissue elasticity capabilities. Such benefits are projected to drive the adoption of shortwave diathermy equipment among patients, thereby influencing segmental growth.
Hence, due to the abovementioned factors, the shortwave diathermy equipment segment is expected to grow significantly in the upcoming years.
North America is Expected to Dominate the Diathermy Equipment Market
North America is expected to dominate the market owing to factors such as the high prevalence of osteoarthritis and obesity, the growing geriatric population, and technological advancements leading to improved products, increased efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting millions of Americans. The rising prevalence of obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and sports-related injuries contribute to the increasing incidence of osteoarthritis, creating a larger patient pool for treatment. For instance, according to a report updated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in June 2023, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in the United States. Osteoarthritis was estimated to OA affects over 32.5 million adults in the country. Therefore, the high prevalence of osteoarthritis in the country drives the demand for treatment, thereby contributing to the market growth in the region.
Moreover, the growing geriatric population is expected to increase market growth during the forecast period. For instance, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) 2023 statistics update, 9% of the population was 65 years and above in 2023 in Mexico. With the aging population, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis generally increases, which drives the demand for osteoarthritis treatments. Consequently, the demand for diathermy equipment will likely rise during the forecast period.
In addition, obese individuals are more prone to develop osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like hips and knees. Obesity places excess weight on the musculoskeletal system, increasing stress on joints, bones, and soft tissues. Increased incidence of osteoarthritis necessitates its treatment, which is expected to increase the demand for diathermy equipment. For instance, as per the Trust for America's Health analysis in September 2023 for the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the number of states in the United States with a high prevalence of obesity increased from 19 in 2021 to 22 in 2022. It further clarified that in these 22 states, the adult obesity rate was at or more than 35% in 2022. Thus, the increased prevalence of obesity eventually increases the demand for osteoarthritis treatment in the country, contributing to market growth.
Also, the increased initiatives to raise awareness regarding orthopedic care in Canada further drive the demand for diathermy equipment. For instance, in March 2022, the Canadian Orthopedic Association implemented the Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day to raise awareness and celebrate orthopedic care in Canada. Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day was announced to be celebrated every year on the last Wednesday of March. This increased awareness regarding treatment options in orthopedic care would drive the demand for the treatment for osteoarthritis, favoring the market growth.
Therefore, owing to the factors mentioned above, such as the high prevalence of osteoarthritis and obesity, the growing geriatric population, and increased initiatives to raise awareness regarding orthopedic care, are anticipated to drive market growth in North America.
