TECAR therapy — what is it and what does it help with?

TECAR therapy is a treatment in which radiofrequency current (usually in the range of approx. 0.3–1.2 MHz) flows through the tissues and heats them from the inside. It is used as a supporting treatment for muscle, tendon and joint pain and after injuries. Research suggests it may reduce pain, but there are few studies. In Rydułtowy the treatment costs PLN 150.

Below we explain how TECAR works, which conditions it is used for and what the research says, who cannot have the treatment, what it feels like and how it is combined with manual therapy.

How does TECAR therapy work?

TECAR stands for capacitive and resistive energy transfer. A high-frequency current flows between a moving electrode, which the physiotherapist glides over the skin, and a passive plate placed under the patient’s body. The resistance of the tissues turns the energy into heat. Depending on the settings, this gives gentle warming or a stronger heating effect, known as hyperthermia.

The capacitive mode acts mainly on water-rich tissues such as muscles and subcutaneous tissue. The resistive mode targets denser tissues: tendons, ligaments and joint capsules. It is assumed that heat increases blood flow and tissue elasticity, which may reduce pain and stiffness. The electrode glides over a conductive cream.

What does TECAR help with and what does the research say?

TECAR is used as a supporting treatment for chronic back pain, joint pain and stiffness, muscle and tendon overload (e.g. tennis elbow or jumper’s knee), sprains during the healing phase and increased muscle tension. Research suggests a short-term reduction in pain, but studies are few and often small, so the treatment is regarded as an addition to exercise.

A review by Beltrame et al. (2020) pointed to possible benefits for musculoskeletal pain, while stressing the small number of good-quality studies. So we do not promise any specific effect – the physiotherapist assesses your response to the treatment at subsequent visits. Examples of its use are described in our articles on tennis elbow and back pain.

When is TECAR not recommended?

TECAR is not performed on people with a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or other implanted electronic devices, during pregnancy, with cancer, venous thrombosis, blood-clotting disorders, fever or an acute infection, or with impaired sensation in the treatment area. Metal implants, skin lesions and fresh injuries with a haematoma require caution. The decision is always made by the physiotherapist after taking your medical history.

Full list of contraindications:

• pacemaker, cardioverter-defibrillator, insulin pump, neurostimulator, cochlear implant;
• pregnancy;
• cancer, especially in the treatment area;
• deep vein thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, blood-clotting disorders;
• fever, acute infections, active tuberculosis;
• impaired sensation of heat and pain in the treatment area;
• metal implants and joint replacements in the treatment area – depending on the mode and the physiotherapist’s decision;
• wounds, inflammation and skin conditions at the treatment site;
• a fresh injury with a haematoma or acute inflammation – no heating mode;
• the area around the eyes and gonads.

Before the treatment, tell the physiotherapist about all your illnesses, implants and medicines. A full overview of contraindications to physical therapy modalities can be found in our article contraindications to physical therapy modalities.

What does a TECAR treatment feel like?

During the treatment the patient feels warmth, from gentle to distinct, and the electrode gliding over the cream. The heat should not burn or hurt – if it is too intense, tell the physiotherapist straight away and they will reduce the power. After the treatment the skin may be slightly red, and you can usually go back to your normal activities straight away.

The treatment area must be uncovered, so wear comfortable clothing and remove jewellery and metal objects from the treatment area. The physiotherapist chooses the duration and parameters of the treatment individually.

Can TECAR be combined with manual therapy?

Yes, TECAR is often combined with manual therapy and exercise. Warming the tissues can make it easier to relax muscles and mobilise joints, while exercise remains the basis of treating overload. At the “W zdrowym ciele” clinic in Rydułtowy, TECAR alone costs PLN 150, and manual therapy combined with TECAR PLN 210. Prices valid from 08.2026.

Summary

TECAR heats tissues from the inside with radiofrequency current and can be helpful for chronic muscle, tendon and joint pain, although the scientific evidence is limited. The treatment costs PLN 150 (PLN 210 with manual therapy) and requires contraindications to be ruled out, including a pacemaker, pregnancy and cancer.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Beltrame R. et al., Capacitive and resistive electric transfer therapy in rehabilitation: a systematic review, International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 2020.
• Kumaran B., Watson T., Radiofrequency-based treatment in therapy-related clinical practice – a narrative review, Physical Therapy Reviews, 2015.
• Manufacturer’s operating manual and indications for the DOCTOR TECAR PLUS AVx device.