Indications and contraindications for radiofrequency current therapy – TECAR
Radio frequency current therapy is commonly referred to as TECAR (Transfer Of Energy Capacitive And Resistive) therapy. It involves applying electrical energy to the human body using dedicated electrodes. This innovative method to aid joint and muscle regeneration is successfully used in:
- orthopaedics,
- rehabilitation,
- sports medicine,
- aesthetic medicine,
The article contains:
Indications for therapy application
The TECAR therapy has become a method appreciated by specialists thanks to, among other things, faster rehabilitation results and painless treatments. The list of indications for therapy is extensive, mentioning ailments such as:
- acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain of known etiology, e.g.:
- degenerative diseases of peripheral joints and spine joints
- inflammations (of joints, tendons, aponeuroses, synovial bursae, synovial membrane, joint capsule)
- enthesopathies, e.g. tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow
- post-traumatic conditions of muscles, tendons and ligaments (muscle and tendons strains, bruises, hematomas)
- functional overload of the musculoskeletal system
- peripheral neuropathies, e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome
- conditions after fracture
- post-operative therapy, e.g. lymphatic drainage, scars, acceleration of the healing process
- myofascial pain syndromes
- superficial and deep trigger points
- reduction of symptoms of female lipodystrophy, scar smoothing
Contraindications for therapy application
Unfortunately, not in every case, radiofrequency current therapy can be used. Contraindications for using TECAR therapy are:
- gestation or the suspicion of pregnancy
- neoplastic diseases or their suspicion (presence of cancer, patients undergoing radiotherapy)
- implanted and external electronic devices (e.g. pacemaker, cardioverter, insulin pump, cochlear implant)
- metal, cement or plastic implants, piercings at the site of application
- orthodontic device (treatment performed in the facial area)
- active deep vein thrombosis
- thrombophlebitis
- varices
- bleeding, bleeding tendency
- coagulopathies
- hemorrhagic diseases
- cardiovascular disturbances, heart failure
- angina pectoris
- respiratory failure,
- pulmonary embolism
- hypertension, hypotension, fluctuations in blood pressure
- skin inflammation, trophic skin lesions in the area of application, skin irritation or damage, open wounds, burns
- general body cachexia, regardless of etiology
- disturbed sensation (lack of sensation, hypesthesia or hyperesthesia at the treatment site)
- febrile conditions, regardless of etiology
- acute inflammatory conditions
- tuberculosis,
- bacterial or viral infections
- epilepsy
- temporary unpleasant sensation
- burn
- unwanted pain sensation during and after the treatment
- moderate skin irritation (e.g. redness)
- temporary low blood pressure
- exacerbation of inflammatory processes
- temporary swelling
Limitations in therapy application
What are the limitations in TECAR therapy application: Extreme care should be taken when performing the procedure in an area that has had aesthetic medicine treatments (e.g. hyaluronic acid or lifting threads). Care should also be taken when performing the procedure in diabetic patients.
Treatments should not be performed:
- over parenchymal or heat-sensitive organs,
- over endocrine glands and gonads,
- over peripheral nerves located close to the skin surface,
- on infants and young children,
- in patients unable to communicate any pain or sensation to the therapist,
- in the head area (especially on the eyes, mouth and skull),
- over large sympathetic plexuses,
- in hyposensitive areas,
- during menstruation (for treatments in the sacro-lumbar region),
- on users of intrauterine contraceptives with metal components (for treatments in the sacro-lumbar region),
- through body orifices (e.g. orally, vaginally, rectally).
- parts of the body previously subjected to treatments that locally increase tissue temperature (short-wave or microwave diathermy, infrared radiation therapy, other heat sources).
