Autocondensation
Autocondensation is a very useful method of giving high-frequency to the entire body. It might be called an indirect diathermia. During this treatment the patient is either sitting on and leaning against a special pad in a large chair, or lying upon such a pad on a treatment couch, while holding in the hands a special electrode, unless a flat electrode, weighted to maintain closer contact, is secured over the abdomen. This latter is really a better method, since one direct effect of the treatment is to create a drowsiness which, if yielded to, will result in the dropping of the electrode from the hand, with a very unpleasant but not dangerous stinging sensation. Otherwise there is no sensation during the treatment (when not continued too long), except agreeable warmth. During the treatment, which generally lasts for twenty minutes, more or less, the wrists usually feel the warmth first, but it is soon felt appreciably in the back and arms also. Often patients become extremely relaxed and drowsy, and, if the abdominal electrode is used, will not infrequently go to sleep.