TECAR THERAPY

T RAN S FE R OF E L E C T R IC IT Y- C A PAC I T I VE AN D
R E S IS T IV E
INTRODUCTION
TECAR therapy is a non invasive form of combined contact diathermy and electrotherapy
which applies high frequency electromagnetic current to generate heat in biological tissue
thus vitalising physiological metabolism in deep tissues encouraging self regeneration.

The electromagnetic frequency applied originates from the radiofrequency spectrum,

however unlike electrotherapy it does not provoke muscle contraction. The therapeutic
wavelength spectrum ranges from 300 KHz to 1.2 MHz.
 PRINCIPLES OF TECAR
Transferred energy

Frequency

Low frequency – deeper penetration - 300 kHz frequency is more suitable for treating
coxarthrosis

High frequency - superficial level - 1 MHz frequency is used to treat a scar

Power

Based on the tissue and condition we’re treating, we will have to adjust the power.
Normally, it’s better not to increase the power in acute patients if we want to avoid a
negative outcome. Higher power is more indicated for chronic conditions, as it allows
for stimulating the tissues more intensely.

 Waveform
HOW IS TECAR ABLE TO
TRANSFER SO MUCH
ENERGY- UP TO 400W
HOW IS IT USED
This equipment contains:

1. A mobile electrode handled by the therapist - this treats the part affected by the pathology

2. A fixed electrode that is in contact with the patient's skin – this serves as a conductor

One of the main characteristics of this is the ability to use at low energy levels, and it is possible to
explore the electromagnetic interaction of fabrics with little or no thermal effect. It allows the
treatment of diseases also in acute and subacute phases, without causing an increase in the
inflammatory process that occurs due to an increase in tissue temperature

The tecar therapy can work in two modes of electric charge transfer: capacitive and resistive mode
A NOTE ON FREQUENCIES

Frequencies of around 500 KHz are definitely the most used and the lowest

frequencies (up to 300 KHz) are effective for deep treatments.

Higher frequencies, up to 1000 KHz are used for the most superficial treatments. In

fact, as the frequency is increased, the electric current tends to become principally

distributed on the surface of the conductor it passes, the so-called “skin effect”.
A NOTE ON IMPEDANCE
“Impedance in medicine is the characteristic of every tissue that allows

the passage of current”

The electric current, which is what we what we are talking about, travels around the body and

releases more energy into areas which have great impedance variation. This happens more

specifically at the interface between high and low impedance where more energy is released (e.g.

between bone and soft tissues).

The current always chooses the less difficult path (low impedance), so it will never pass inside a

bone but will release energy in the outer portion according the principles we have just explained. In

assimilating this concept it is easy to understand the difference between Resistive and Capacitive
 CAPACITIVE VS RESISTIVE
Capacitive Resistive

Covered with a layer of insulating material. This insulation constitutes Non-isolated metal electrode
the interface at a high/low impedance as a result of the intrinsic
characteristics of the material itself once it comes in contact with the
skin.

In this way it generates energy in the surface areas underlying the Tends to yield energy where it encounters a difference of impedance
electrode, regardless of the biological tissue between the capacitive
electrode and the neutral plate

Uses very high voltages (in the order of 1000 Volts) applied to the If it is below the electrode, a high-impedance tissue is immediately
electrodes. This can result in damage or wear and tear to the insulation identified (such as a bone or a large tendon) and much of the energy
film or the capacitive cable/handle in the form of major shocks or will be dissipated more on the surface; if, on the other hand, the
electrical burns both for the patient and/or operator difference between high and low impedance is identified at a greater
depth, a greater attention will have to be given to the path of the
current. This current path is determined by the position between the
plate and the electrode.
 CAPACITIVE VS RESISTIVE
Capacitive Resistive
Reactions produced by the capacitive system Reactions produced by the resistive system
are focused on tissues with higher electrolyte are focused on larger and more resistant
content, such as soft tissues and muscles tissues such as tendons, bones and
articulations
Penetrates 3 – 5cm to
Penetrates 9 – 12cm
CAPACITIVE VS RESISTIVE
CAPACITIVE VS RESISTIVE
 EFFECTIVE GEOMETRIES OF
TECAR
Geometry in Tecartherapy - the path the current takes in the patient’s body with respect to the position between the
plate and the electrode.

“Correct Geometries” which are those that see the parallel positioning between plate and electrode, where the
geometric projection of the electrode ends in the centre of the return plate. With this type of geometry the passage of
the current within the body and how the energy will be yielded is very clear. In fact, in a treatment using the resistive
system in correct geometry, we will only have to know the anatomy of the structures that are between the plate and
electrode, and according to the different features of the tissues we will know where and how the energy will be
yielded. it is therefore necessary to consider that if the geometry is also correct but the bone surface is minimal with
respect to that of the muscle present in the same regions, the current, as we know, will choose the simplest path and
therefore the muscles will produce an insignificant amount of heat in the bone/muscle interface.

It should always be remembered that the capacitive system will have an important percentage of energy seizure
directly in the first few layers under the electrode, so the position of the return plate will have minimal relevance
EFFECTIVE GEOMETRIES OF
TECAR
 EFFECTIVE GEOMETRIES OF
TECAR
When it is not possible to work in “correct geometry” it is necessary to be very careful of the path that the
current will take.

If the path between the plate and electrode is too distant there is a risk of losing energy to tissues not
directly connected to the problem and more generally a greater power is needed; It is therefore useful to
select a short path that includes the target application and takes the anatomy of the affected area of the
body into account.

In conclusion, it is useful to remember that, it is preferable that all electrodes (capacitive, resistive and
neutral) not be placed directly onto bone surfaces but onto “soft” surfaces for the benefit of the patient’s
comfort but above all for a more homogeneous diffusion of current.
 BIPOLAR RESISTIVE
ELECTRODE
The bipolar resistive electrode encloses the two active/neutral electrodes in a single structure. Featuring
movable heads that can follow the profile of the underlying body surface, it makes the application easier for
the operator, better targeted and focused, and more pleasant for the patient. This application mode enables
the treatment of surface areas of the regions of the body where it is more difficult to use the neutral plate.

For tendon pathologies of the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder and knee, its use is recommended. This electrode
is also called paravertebral, in fact its conformation and orientable heads allow for the treatment of the
muscle and tendon structures of the spine located closer to the surface.

In soft tissue-specific pathologies, especially in tendinitis, better results are obtained by limiting applications
as much as possible to the location of injury or inflammation.
BIPOLAR RESISTIVE
ELECTRODE
 BIPOLAR CAPACITIVE
ELECTRODE

This electrode allows for the application of Tecartherapy without the need to use the
return plate. It is very effective for the treatment of surface problems, especially for
the treatment of scars or lymphatic drainage work.

The bipolar capacitive electrode can also be used in combination with pre-race
massage at sporting events, the absence of the plate allows a greater simplicity of
application especially when dealing with multiple body regions and muscle groups in a
short time.
 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF
TECAR
Depending on the reached temperature, different effects are obtained:

At non-heating intensities (just for 448 kHz currents) there is bio-
stimulation.

At mild temperature increase the main action is microcirculation.

At high temperatures there is a hyperactivation effect.

 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF
TECAR

1. Chemical effect:
An inflammatory process alters cell polarity, making intracellular and extracellular exchanges more difficult. With
tecar therapy, high-frequency current is used, which normalises cell polarity, making those exchanges easier.
2. Thermal effect
Tecar therapy produces local hyperaemia through vasodilation of blood vessels. This increased local blood flow
increases the exchange of substances resulting in drainage of the inflamed area and an influx or reparative cells
meaning that the area will be supplied with blood rich in nutrients, raising the local temperature and relaxing the
muscles
3. Mechanical effect
Tecar therapy stimulates tissues not only by transferring energy but also through the electrode’s mechanical action.
TECAR is diathermy by contact, and the electrode’s direct stimulation of the tissue is its distinctive feature.
 PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF
TECAR
Together, these three effects of tecar therapy help activate a repairing and anti-inflammatory process, thanks to

a washout effect (i.e. supplying the area with blood rich in nutrients and removing toxins), cell membrane

normalisation, and mechanical stimulation.

 Stimulation of endorphin production – Promotes pain resolution

 Reduction of muscle spasms and contractures

Acceleration of hemorrhagic reabsorption

 Activation of major metabolic reactions

The above physiological effects allow for a greater acceleration of the process of reconstruction of various structures, such as

joints, muscles, tissues and cells, accelerating healing and alleviating muscle and joint pain, blocking nerve impulses in a lasting

way increase the range of motion and improve circulation.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF
TECAR
 CONDUCTIVE CREAM
Conductive cream is a fundamental element for proper and effective application; its composition is designed to ensure excellent electrical
conductivity and to maintain the right density during the course of the therapy by limiting excessive absorption by the body and softening the
skin without anointing.

During the treatment the amount of cream should always be constant as the cream’s composition promotes conductivity and hence energy
transfer.
Using insufficient or not using sufficient cream or is an incompetent error that compels you to work at higher energies and hence increases
the amount of energy applied to the patient for no apparent reason. An insufficient amount or a low quality cream can cause a non-
homogeneous supply of current (especially for capacitive treatment) with the typical and annoying “pin prick” sensation that occurs in the
part below the used electrode.

Another important element is the behaviour of the cream at high temperatures. Some creams produce an “oil effect” at the end of the
treatment, which is well appreciated by physiotherapists. Smoothness is an important element but sometimes certain creams under the effect
of electric current and heat produce chemical reactions and variations in “ph” that can damage the electrodes and perhaps even be harmful
to the health of both the patient and operator’s skin.
 INDICATIONS FOR USE
TECAR therapy is an effective therapeutic intervention in many clinical areas including:

Musculoskeletal injuries Pain management

 Joint pain  Acute inflammation
 Muscle spasm  Osteoarthritis
 Acute or Chronic injuries  Back pain
 Tears  Chronic pain
 Strains

 Sprains

 Synovitis

 Bursitis

 Tendinopathy

 Post operatively

 Repetitive strains
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR
USE
 Pacemaker or other electronic implants

 Pregnancy

 Non-intact skin (open wounds or burns)

 Thrombophlebitis (including DVT)

Devices working at 448 kHz are not contraindicated in case of metallic implants as
they have been researched.