In the field of physiotherapy, the search for more effective and safe treatments is a constant. In this sense, tecar therapy has established itself as one of the most advanced and effective techniques in the field of rehabilitation and physiotherapy. This approach, officially known as Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer (TECAR) uses radiofrequency to promote healing and alleviate pain through different clinical applications.
Nevertheless, within the broad spectrum of tecar therapy, Capenergy stands out because of its innovative approach and cutting-edge technology, marking a before and after in this discipline.
In this article, we’ll explore in detail the origin of tecar therapy or how Capenergy’s technology has revolutionized the field.
Origin and evolution of tecar therapy
The origins of Tecar therapy go back to the beginning of the 20th century, when pioneer D’Ansorval started investigating the effects of high frequency currents on human tissues. His initial work laid the foundations for the development of devices capable of applying radiofrequency currents in a controlled way.
Subsequently, Nagelschmidt and D’Arsonval widened the knowledge on the thermal effects of these currents, as they discovered that the application of radiofrequency could have a significant biological effect on the body.
Tecar therapy is based on the application of radiofrequency by means of capacitive and resistive electrodes. Radiofrequency is transmitted through the body, turning the body into a part of the electric circuit. This generates a thermal and athermal effect that stimulates the tissues and promotes the natural recovery of the organism. The body’s capacity to act a type II conductor, using electrolytic movements, is fundamental to the working of tecar therapy.
Tecar therapy has resurfaced in the last couple of years thanks to its applications in physiotherapy, physio-aesthetics, traumatology, phlebology and sports medicine.
Capenergy’s device represent an evolution in the technology behind tecar therapy, reflexting significant advances that improve efficiency and reduce the associated risks.
Differences between tecar therapy and Capenergy’s technology
Capenergy, leading company in the electromedical sector, has taken tecar therapy as its starting point for the development of an innovative technology that overcomes the limits of traditional methods. Capenergy ‘s devices incorporate technological advances that optimize treatment efficiency and improve the patients’ experience. Next we will highlight some of the main differences between traditional tecar therapy and Capenergy’s technology.
Advanced electrodes
Capenergy has developed multiple electrodes for intracavitary pelvic floor or orofacial applications and furthermore counts with its technological distinctive which are the automatic plates with temperature sensor. This type of electrode, far superior to the conventional electrodes, allow the automation of treatments and enables a deeper penetration of the energy in the body, which translates into a bigger boost for the mobilization of body liquids (blood, lymphs, extra-cellular liquids).
Multi-channel application
A notable advance of Capenergy’s technology is its capacity to perform multi-channel applications. Starting from C200, all models allow the treatment of several body areas at the same time. This is especially beneficial for the treatment of complex pathologies, such as herniated disks with irradiation towards the lower limbs. The possibility of applying simultaneous treatments allows us to offer the patient an INTEGRAL treatment, contributing to a faster and more effective recovery.
Cross-fires
Capenergy introduces the concept of ‘cross-fires’, which combines the use of capacitive and resistive electrodes in one treatment session. This technique increases the power and efficiency of the treatment as it directs the energy directly towards the soft tissues and the less conductive tissues, such as bones and tendons. A classic example is the treatment of a shoulder tendinopathy, using the capacitive electrode on the scapular muscles and the resistive electrode on the affected tendon.
Effects of Capacitive and Resistive Electrical Transfer on the body
Through capacitive and resistive electrical transfer, tecar therapy offers significant effects on the stimulation and recovery of body tissues. These effects are achieved through the application of radiofrequency currents by means of specific electrodes, which induce both thermal and athermal biological responses in the tissues.
When radiofrequency currents are applied by means of capacitive and resistive electrodes, an interaction of electrical charges is produced inside the body. This process generates an electromagnetic field that induces profound cellular stimulation, boosting the natural healing processes. The resulting biostimulation boost several key aspects of recovery:
- Vasodilation and increase of blood flow: The application of radiofrequency causes dilation of the blood vessels, increasing the blood flow towards the treated area. This increase of circulation contributes to the significant reduction of pain and muscle tension.
- Elimination of toxins and drainage of oedemas: The activation of the lymphatic and vascular system stimulates the elimination of toxins and the drainage of the accumulated liquids, thus reducing the oedemas and enabling a more efficient recovery.
- Restoration of the electric potential of the cell membrane: The alternating current used in Capenergy’s technology generates an ion movement towards the inside of the tissues, which helps restore the electric potential of the cell membrane. This process optimizes the body’s natural repair mechanisms.
Capenergy’s technology makes use of precise frequencies of 0,8 MHz, 1 MHz and 1,2 MHz to adapt the current to the different resistances existing inside the body, including those of the blood, fat, muscle, tendon and bone. This adaptation guarantees an almost total energy absorption, maximizing the therapeutic benefits and assuring optimal results.
In general tecar therapy is a safe and innocuous technique, perfect for the treatment of a wide range of pathologies, both acute and chronic, of the musculoskeletal system. Its capacity to accelerate the recovery process, makes it a valuable tool for rehabilitation and improved wellbeing in general.
Capacitive system
In tecar therapy, the capacitive system plays an important role in the stimulation of the soft tissues, especially those with a high water content and high conductivity, such as the muscles. This system uses electrodes covered with polyamide, an insulating material, designed to assure an efficient and specific treatment.
Capenergy offers two configurations for the capacitive system: manual format and automatic plate. Each of these systems has been designed to maximize the benefits of radiofrequency according to the required type of treatment.
- Manual Electrode: This electrode focuses on subcutaneous areas and generates an additional heating effect thanks to the polyamide material that covers the electrode. This specific heating improves the penetration of the currents into the soft tissues, increasing the treatment’s effectiveness through the generation of a more profound stimulation of the muscles and other soft structures.
- Automatic Plate: The automatic plates are especially efficient for the mobilization of body liquids, boosting the activation of the lymphatic and vascular system. These plates allow for a more uniform and constant treatment, improving the drainage of oedemas and optimizing circulation in the treated area.
Both capacitive systems, manual and automatic, have been designed to offer outstanding results for the rehabilitation and treatment of different musculoskeletal pathologies. The possibility offered by Capenergy to personalize radiofrequency treatments, allows adjusting each treatment to the patients’ specific needs, promoting a faster and more efficient recovery.
Resistive system
In tecar therapy, the resistive system focuses on the treatment of those areas with higher resistance to electrical currents, such as bones, tendons and ligaments. Unlike the capacitive electrodes, the resistive ones are not covered by any material and they are designed to direct the energy towards high density and low-water-content structures.
The high resistance of bones and tendons generates more heat during the treatment. This temperature increase boosts the improvement of blood circulation in the affected areas, accelerating the recovery process and effectively reducing pain.
Capenergy’s resistive system has been designed to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment in musculoskeletal areas that require a profound stimulation. The capacity to focus energy on more resistant areas assures a deeper penetration and a more efficient treatment, optimizing the patient’s recovery and wellbeing.
Capacitive + resistive system: Cross-fire
The capacitive + resistive system, known as cross fires, represents an important innovation in tecar therapy treatments. This technique combines capacitive and resistive electrodes simultaneously, enabling a major delivery of energy in the treated area.
Advantages of the cross-fire system:
- Dual treatment: The combination of capacitive and resistive electrodes allow attacking both soft tissues and high density structures such as bones, tendons and ligaments. This strategy assures a profound and efficient stimulation of different types of tissues, optimizing the treatment results.
- Proven clinical benefits: Capenergy’s cross-fire technology speeds up the healing process and improves blood circulation in the affected area. This technique furthermore promotes the generation of collagen, which contributes to the reduction of pain and the increase of oxygenation, key factor for an efficient recovery and optimal cellular regeneration.
Unique Innovation: Capenergy is a pioneer offering this combined application, which stands out on the market because of its capacity to offer an integral treatment that boosts the therapeutic effects and significantly improves patients’ life quality.
The combination of capacitive and resistive electrodes when using the crossfires system does not only increase the treatment’s efficiency, it furthermore optimizes the body’s response to tecar therapy, thus achieving a faster and more complete recovery.
With these advances, tecar therapy continues to establish itself as an important tool in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Would you like to know more about Capenergy’s radiofrequency and how it can help you treat different ailments at your clinic? Request a free demo.
