Tecar therapy
(Termo TK)
Modern radiofrequency therapy for pain relief, tissue relaxation, and support of regeneration.
TECAR therapy uses high-frequency electrical energy that acts directly within the treated tissues. Unlike conventional surface heating, heat is generated within the tissue itself, leading to increased local blood circulation, reduced muscle tension, and pain relief.
ThermoTK – Targeted Treatment for Different Tissue Types
ThermoTK operates in two main modes, allowing the therapy to be tailored to the specific condition being treated.
Capacitive Mode
It is primarily designed for superficial and well-vascularized tissues, particularly muscles. We use it, for example, to address increased muscle tension, overuse, or when muscle relaxation is needed.
Resistive Mode
It allows us to target deeper structures, such as tendons and ligaments. This makes it possible to adapt the treatment method to the specific condition and the type of tissue we need to address.
How Does TECAR Therapy Work?
The ThermoTK device operates at frequencies of 460 and 540 kHz and allows for both continuous and pulsed application. Energy is delivered through electrodes to the treatment area, where it can generate controlled deep heating within the tissues.
The local increase in temperature leads to increased blood circulation and vasodilation. The heat itself may also help reduce muscle tension and relieve pain.
One of the key advantages of TECAR therapy is that it can be used simultaneously with movement or manual techniques. This means the therapist does not have to apply the treatment passively, but can integrate its effects directly into the physiotherapy session.
Benefits of TECAR Therapy
1. Pain Relief
The thermal and circulatory effects of radiofrequency energy may help reduce muscle tension and relieve pain in the treated area.
2. Deep Tissue Heating
The energy acts directly within the treatment area, allowing the therapist to also target deeper tissue structures.
3. Increased Local Blood Circulation
The generated heat promotes local blood circulation and vasodilation in the treated area.
4. Reduced Muscle Tension
Tissue heating may help reduce muscle tone and prepare the area for subsequent manual treatment or movement therapy.
5. Combination with Manual Therapy
TECAR can be used directly during manual treatment. This allows the physiotherapist to combine the effects of radiofrequency energy with targeted soft tissue treatment and other manual techniques.
What Conditions Can TECAR Therapy Be Used For?
ThermoTK is designed by the manufacturer for use in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and sports medicine, including the treatment of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
In physiotherapy, it can be used for conditions such as:
- back and neck pain,
- muscle overuse and increased muscle tension,
- tendon pain and overuse,
- sports injuries,
- musculoskeletal overuse,
- certain acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions,
- recovery after physical activity,
- preparing tissues for manual therapy or active exercise.
The specific treatment approach is always selected according to the nature of the condition and the patient's current clinical status.
TECAR + Manual Therapy
Combining modern technology with targeted physiotherapy treatment.
One of the key advantages of TECAR therapy is that it can be combined directly with manual therapy. Deep tissue heating and increased local blood circulation can prepare the tissues for subsequent treatment by the physiotherapist, while manual techniques allow for targeted treatment of specific musculoskeletal problems.
For this reason, we also offer a 60-minute TECAR + Manual Therapy session, during which the physiotherapist combines both approaches according to the current clinical findings and the patient's individual needs.
TECAR - 30 minutes
A standalone, targeted treatment using ThermoTK radiofrequency therapy.
TECAR + manual therapy - 60 minutes
A more comprehensive treatment combining TECAR therapy with targeted manual techniques performed by a physiotherapist.
FAQs
Is TECAR therapy painful?
No. The treatment is generally very well tolerated. Depending on the settings, patients may experience a pleasant warming sensation in the treated area. The intensity is adjusted according to each patient's individual comfort level. Thanks to this pleasant warmth and the pain-free nature of the treatment, TECAR therapy is generally well received by patients and is a popular form of device-based therapy.
What is the difference between TECAR therapy and conventional heating?
The aim of TECAR therapy is not simply to heat the skin from the outside. High-frequency energy passes through the treatment area and generates heat within the tissues, allowing for deeper heating and potentially a greater therapeutic effect.
What is the difference between Capacitive and Resistive modes?
The capacitive mode is primarily used for more superficial structures, such as muscles. The resistive mode allows us to target deeper structures, such as tendons and ligaments. The therapist selects the appropriate mode based on the treatment area and the nature of the condition. This allows for a more targeted and effective treatment compared with using a single universal mode of application.
How long does a treatment session take?
At ESTEVA, we offer a 30-minute TECAR therapy session or a 60-minute TECAR + Manual therapy session. The duration of the device application itself is adjusted according to the size of the treatment area and the specific condition being treated.
How many treatment sessions are needed?
The number of sessions varies depending on the type and duration of the condition, the current state of the tissues, and the individual response to therapy. However, patients typically experience some relief after the very first session. The physiotherapist will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan and number of sessions individually.
Is TECAR therapy better on its own or combined with manual therapy?
It depends on the nature of the condition. For the first visit, we recommend choosing TECAR combined with manual therapy, as this provides sufficient time for an initial assessment and evaluation of your condition by the physiotherapist. Based on the findings, the physiotherapist will then determine the most appropriate approach and recommend whether to continue with TECAR therapy alone or in combination with manual therapy.
TECAR therapy on its own is particularly suitable as a targeted device-based treatment during follow-up visits. The combined session allows the effects of TECAR to be integrated with targeted manual techniques or therapeutic exercise.
Is TECAR therapy suitable for athletes?
Yes. ThermoTK is designed for use in sports physiotherapy and professional sports, among other applications. For athletes, it can be used to address muscle overuse, certain musculoskeletal injuries, or as part of recovery and regeneration.