The use of TECAR therapy in rehabilitation and sports medicine allows you to offer your patients a noninvasive, comfortable treatment with the ability to target both superficial and deep tissues for long-lasting outcomes.
The effect of TECAR is deep tissue heating, vasodilation and pain relief. The patient sensation is gentle warmth. TECAR therapy targets superficial and deep tissues. I use TECAR therapy for pain, fascial-related concerns, spasticity, trigger points and recovery. My favorite indications for TECAR are myofascial pain, chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, and helping patients experience parasympathetic relaxation.
TECAR therapy has two primary modes, capacitive and resistive, each producing distinct biophysical effects based on tissue impedance and electrode configuration.1
- Capacitive (CET) mode focuses on muscles and lymph flow. CET has vasodilatory effects that enhance nutrient delivery to spasmodic muscles. For example, you would use CET for muscle spasms and vasodilation. But if there is acute muscle inflammation (within the first 24-48 hours) use a 1-3/10 warmth scale with a convex versus a flat head applicator. That will stimulate microcirculation. To change the structure of soft tissue, such as fibrosis or adhesions, we need more temperature to stimulate vasodilation, so use a larger CET flat head applicator and a higher warm/heat number like a 4-6/10.2
- Resistive (RET) mode penetrates deeper tissues, such as the deeper fascia, tendons and bones. RET’s deeper penetration facilitates collagen remodeling in chronic cases. RET is used for mechanical stimulation to break adhesions, improve collagen alignment and enhance mobility. The RET mode is the deepest penetrating thermal effect I have seen compared to other modalities. I appreciate that I can use gentle and aggressive mobilization with RET.3
Clinical example #1
Muscle hypertonicity in the cervico-thoracic muscles (SCM, upper trapezius, levator scapula, scalenes) and rotator cuff shoulder pain related to a pickleball injury.
Key training points
Patient position: Seated
Doctor position: Standing behind, side and anterior to the patient
Inactive (grounding) plate position: The patient can hold the grounding device in the ipsilateral hand or a soft adhesive pad can be applied to the medial scapular border.
Protocol: I use a 60mm round flat head CET applicator with my mobilization intensity minimal to moderate. My rationale is CET targets superficial tissues (muscles and vessels) with gentle heating and vasodilation, primarily relaxing hypertonic fibers and improving blood flow. I start higher-level mobilization when I’m using the (deep) RET that provides the localized thermal effect and may help enhance TECAR therapy’s ability to dissolve adhesions or trigger points. This first part of the treatment is to apply CET with slow, gliding motions (e.g., effleurage) to maintain consistent contact and heat distribution. I can combine it with light stretching if tolerated, prioritize patient comfort in the 4–6/10 temperature range. Total time with CET five minutes.4
RET for rotator cuff
Mobilization intensity: Moderate to vigorous
Protocol: I use a 60mm round flat head with dynamic techniques (e.g., deep transverse friction, myofascial release, spinal, scapular and glenohumeral joint mobilizations) synchronized with RET application. I gradually increase mobilization intensity as tolerated, guided by patient feedback on pain (0–10 scale) and tissue responsiveness. My total time with RET could be 8-15 minutes.
Clinical example #2
Relaxing trapezius spasms with effleurage; loosening adhesions in pectoralis minor and healing chronic rotator cuff tears.
Key training points
Patient feedback first: Use a 0–10 temperature/pain scale to adjust intensity. For CET, aim for 4–6/10 over the trapezius and pectoralis muscles; use RET over the pectoralis minor and rotator cuff tendon attachments, 5–8/10.
Progression: Start with CET for acute spasms or sensitive patients. Transition to RET and mobilization as tissue tolerance improves.
Combination techniques: In chronic cases, alternate CET (relaxation) and RET (mobilization) within the same session.
Safety: Avoid prolonged static pressure in RET mode to prevent overheating. Hydrate patients’ pre-session to enhance conductivity and comfort.
Evidence-based support
A 2024 study demonstrated that combining RET with dynamic joint mobilization significantly improved cervical range of motion vs. manual therapy alone.5 By aligning mobilization intensity with TECAR therapy’s RET biophysical effects, you can safely and effectively address muscle spasms across acute and chronic presentations.
Final thoughts
Stimulating motor points with TECAR therapy leverages the physiological benefits of increased blood flow, tissue regeneration and pain modulation, especially useful for treating trigger points and myofascial pain. While TECAR therapy does not induce muscle contraction, its noninvasive, comfortable approach and ability to target both superficial and deep tissues make it a valuable tool in rehabilitation and sports medicine, particularly when focused on motor points.
Jeffrey Tucker, DC, is in private practice in Los Angeles, California. For more information, visit drjeffreytucker.com.
References
Raeisi M, et al. Effect of transfer energy capacitive and resistive therapy on shoulder pain, disability, and range of motion in patients with adhesive capsulitis: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. J Chiropr Med. 2022;22(2):116–122. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10280083/ . Accessed September 12, 2025.
Lupowitz LG, et al. TECAR Therapy: A clinical commentary on its evolution, application and future in rehabilitation. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2025;20(4):632–640. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11964684/ . Accessed September 12, 2025.
Sanchez, CT, et al. Application of capacitive-resistive electric transfer in physiotherapeutic clinical practice and sports. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(23):12446. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8657372/ . Accessed September 12, 2025.
Clasen R, et al. Does the application of TECAR therapy affect temperature and perfusion of skin and muscle microcirculation? A pilot feasibility study on healthy subjects. J Altern Complement Med. 2020;26(2):147–153. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7044785/ . Accessed September 12, 2025.
Bameri A, et al. The effects of manual therapy with TECAR therapy, on pain, disability and range of motion in women with non-specific chronic neck pain. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2024:38:107. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39781327/ . Accessed September 12, 2025.
