Name: Vitalis Physiotherapy
Address: 3/58 Oldfield Road, Sinnamon Park, QLD, 4073, Australia
Telephone: 0410 559 856

You may or may not have heard about TECAR therapy and wondered what it is or how it may be of benefit to you. They are starting to pop up around the allied health arena, but is it worth it?

What is TECAR?

TECAR is an acronym for Transferencia Electrica capacitiva Resistiva or capacitive resistive electric transfer. TECAR is an energy-based device that gently heats the area with the primary purpose of the device is to increase local tissue temperature. The electrically induced heat is historically known as diathermy. Diathermy triggers a chain reaction in the body, which is responsible for many therapeutic effects, one of which is stimulating the body’s natural repair processes.

How does it help the healing process?

Haemostasis Phase

Haemostasis begins at the onset of injury; the objective is to stop any bleeding. This is done by platelets coming into contact with collagen, resulting in activation and aggregation to form a clot. These clots are either seen as bruising or a scab.

2. Inflammatory Phase

Neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, enter the wound to destroy bacteria and remove debris. Other white blood cells called macrophages secrete proteins and growth factors that attract immune system cells to the wound to begin tissue repair. This can take anywhere from 24 and 48 hours after injury.

3. Proliferative Phase

This phase of healing involves filling the wound, contracting the wound margins, and covering the wound. This can take anywhere from 4 to 24 days depending on the severity of the injury.

4. Maturation Phase

New tissues slowly gain strength and flexibility. Collagen fibres reorganise, the tissues remodel and mature, and there is an overall increase in tensile strength. This can take anywhere from 21 days to two years depending on the severity of the injury.

How is TECAR used?

The actual application of TECAR varies depending on the area you are treating, the actual injury, and what you are trying to achieve. The biggest benefit for our patients appears to be with acute or acute chronic conditions.

With my patients, I have found some amazing results on all sorts of injuries. My favourite is the neurodynamic application which I have used effectively on acutely swollen ankles, tendon sheaths, and knees with good results within the session. The neurodynamic application can also be used with movement to help improve range of motion (ROM) and flexibility. This is especially good for shoulders which are a bit awkward using the traditional plate method.

Another good tool is the fascia release tool. While not many people know about or understand the body’s fascia, it plays a vital role as a system-wide network that provides form and function to every part of your body by combining, interweaving, and interpenetrating all organs, muscles, bones, and nerve fibres. When your fascia does not slide it can restrict the movement of your muscles causing tightness and pain. The fascia release tool coupled with the thermal factors of TECAR can help free up tight areas of your body, even if they are chronic.

How does it feel?

Generally, TECAR emits a gentle heat that is pleasant and well-tolerated by most people. The neurodynamic application may be a little like a stretch as you move your limb through a range of motion. If the movement is painful your physiotherapist will ask you to move in a comfortable range. As the treatment progresses you will notice that the range improves and your pain reduces. While the fascia release tool can be a little painful. Your physiotherapist will let you know which technique they recommend and whether it will be painful.

How do I know if TECAR could benefit me?

If your injury is acute or an acute flare-up of a chronic injury then a TECAR treatment could be of benefit for your injury
If swelling is inhibiting your ROM in a joint, then TECAR may be able to help
If you have lost ROM from an old injury then TECAR may be able to help restore or improve your ROM

Book an appointment

If you believe that TECAR therapy may be a good treatment option for you then call the Vitalis Physiotherapy reception team on 0410 559 856 to book an initial consultation with our highly experienced physiotherapists.

For more information, please see our FAQs or contact the clinic.