Tecar

Tecar literally means Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer, falls within the group of therapies that are based on the thermal effect.

It is an endogenous thermotherapy in the sense that the heat is not transmitted directly from the device but occurs due to the displacement of the ions that occurs in the body (dielectric) interposed between two conductors (capacitor).

A capacitor armature consists of a firm plate resting on the skin and underlying biological tissues.

The execution of the therapy involves two phases:

in the first (called capacitive) the active electrode is coated in ceramic which becomes the high resistance medium around which the greatest thermal effect occurs: this is why in resistive mode the most important response occurs at the level of the most superficial soft tissues ( muscles especially);

in the second phase (resistive) not even the active electrode is isolated; the dielectric becomes the highest strength tissue between two metals: bone, tendons and ligaments.

The therapy requires that both phases are performed: even if you want to treat the deeper tissues, the capacitive phase is still performed first.

The active electrode is kept in motion by the operator.

It finds therapeutic application especially in the sports field by virtue of the biostimulating and thermal effect it generates. Especially in the acute and chronic phase (treatment is started at least 48 hours after the acute event) it is indicated in the case of: contractures and muscle injuries, joint trauma, ligamentous injuries, acute back pain and chronic osteoarthritis.

Contraindicated in the presence of a pacemaker or hearing aid.

In the case of metal prostheses, the capacitive mode at medium-low level can be applied; its use is not recommended in the presence of plastic substances such as polyethylene.