Tecar therapy has become one of the most sought-after tools in physiotherapy clinics. Behind that name lies a radiofrequency diathermy technology that accelerates tissue recovery using the body's own heat. We explain what it is, how it works, and in what cases it is applied.
What is TECAR therapy?
The TECAR therapy (TECAR: Capacitive and Resistive Electrical TransferRadiofrequency ablation is a physiotherapy technique based on the application of radiofrequency to tissues. Its objective is to stimulate the body's natural repair processes by generating... internal (endogenous) heat, without needles or drugs.
How it works
TECAR therapy is a form of radiofrequency diathermy: a high-frequency current (usually 448 kHz) passes through the tissues and mobilizes their loads, raising the temperature from withinThis controlled increase improves circulation, provides oxygen and nutrients to the area, and activates cellular metabolism, promoting repair.
Unlike an external heat source, here the heat is generated within the tissue itself, allowing deeper layers to be reached comfortably for the patient.
Capacitive mode and resistive mode
The "TE-CA-R" comes from its two forms of application:
- Capacitive (CET): It acts on tissues with higher water content (muscle, soft tissue, circulatory and lymphatic systems). Ideal for working muscles and activating circulation.
- Resistive (RET): It concentrates energy in denser, more resistant tissues (joints, tendons, ligaments, bone). Indicated for deep structures.
Combining both modes in the same session allows for a comprehensive approach to the injury.
What it's for: applications in physiotherapy
Tecar therapy is used in a wide range of situations within the physiotherapy:
- Muscle injuries: contractures, overloads, muscle fiber tears.
- Joint and soft tissue injuries: tendinopathies, sprains, ligament injuries.
- Sports recovery: It speeds up the return to activity and helps in prevention.
- Chronic pain: processes in which improving blood flow and relaxing tissue helps modulate pain.
- Post-surgical rehabilitation and edema: due to its effect on circulation and drainage.
The indication and protocol are always determined by the professional according to each case.
Benefits of tecar therapy
- Non-invasive and painless: Without needles or drugs; it feels like a pleasant warmth.
- Accelerates recovery: by stimulating circulation and tissue metabolism.
- Versatile: It is useful both in the acute phase (low intensity) and in the recovery phase.
- Combinable: It fits with manual therapy and therapeutic exercise.
RÖS'S tecar therapy: the Intradermik
At RÖS'S we manufacture the IntradermikOur 448 kHz TECAR therapy equipment for physiotherapy, also available in a desktop version (Intradermik DeskIt emits with powers of 450 VA in capacitive application and 200 W in resistive, and integrates electrostimulation to combine approaches in a single session.
In summary
Tecar therapy is now one of the leading technologies in physiotherapy due to its ability to accelerate recovery safely and comfortably. If you'd like to incorporate it into your practice, our team can advise you on the most suitable technology and training.
