Manual therapy for musculoskeletal conditions has long been used to increase mobility, relieve pain, and support healing through hands-on methods like massage, acupressure, and joint mobilization.
However, recent advanced treatments such as TECAR and laser therapy have introduced innovative methods that impact cellular processes and enhance the body’s natural recovery mechanisms, speeding healing and easing pain.
This article will delve into the differences between these two methods, their key benefits, and which modality is the most effective in treating musculoskeletal conditions.
Manual therapy is an ancient recovery method that uses a medical practitioner's hands to perform massage, acupressure, joint mobilizations, and myofascial releases to increase flexibility and reduce pain and discomfort.
TECAR is a treatment method known as Capacitive Resistive Electric Transference. The acronym is derived from its Spanish name, Transferencia Electica Capacitiva Resistiva. It uses radio frequency energy passed between electrodes to generate heat inside the body.
It is a non-invasive, drug-free, deep-tissue thermotherapy method that uses manual therapy combined with high-frequency electromagnetic currents to promote healing, reduce recovery time, and improve muscle flexibility compared to manual therapies alone.
Laser therapies use laser beams to penetrate deep tissues, relieving pain, reducing edema, and increasing cellular metabolism in the target tissues. They are pain-free and non-invasive methods that reduce pain and promote healing, thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects and ability to promote better circulation.
There are two types of lasers commonly used. Class 3 is sometimes called a cold laser since they don’t produce any heat. On the other hand, Class 4 lasers produce some mild heat that patients typically find pleasant and provide more immediate relief than Class 3 methods.
Laser therapies are able to penetrate deep into the tissues, providing an immediate and long-lasting analgesic effect. At the same time, it also improves circulation, reduces edema, reduces inflammation, and increases tissue metabolism, which all help to promote healing. It is a pain-free and non-invasive procedure with short treatment periods and is beneficial in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders.
TECAR therapy is also a non-invasive method that uses electrothermal methods for deep tissue thermotherapy. It speeds healing and reduces recovery times by reducing muscle spasms, generating vasodilation, and improving cellular metabolism.
It reduces discomfort, improves blood circulation, and accelerates the reabsorption of hemorrhagic masses, making it valuable for treating numerous orthopedic pathologies.
While both methods are used for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, they use different techniques to achieve beneficial results. Delving into their distinct characteristics is crucial for healthcare professionals to optimize treatment methods.
Let’s summarize those differences to help you decide which treatment modality is best for your clinic; you may decide both are viable options.
|
TECAR |
Laser Therapy |
|
|
Clinical Uses |
Most musculoskeletal conditions |
Most musculoskeletal conditions |
|
Injury Stage |
Acute, subacute, chronic |
Mostly acute and subacute |
|
Contraindications |
Patients with pacemakers or other electronic medical devices, hemorrhagic gastrointestinal ulcers, deep-vein thrombosis, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary embolism, pregnant women, localized cancer, and partial or open wounds. |
It should not be used on pregnant women or cancer patients. Patients with blood clotting or thyroid problems should consult a specialist before proceeding with this treatment. |
|
Client Experience |
It produces a deep, pleasant, and lasting warmth |
Class 3 produces no immediate feeling, while Class 4 provides a mild warmth |
|
Treatment Time |
Usually 10 to 15 minutes for most conditions |
5 to 30 minutes, depending on the class of laser |
|
Result Time |
Immediate relief lasting hours to days |
It is not usually immediate and may need multiple treatments, although Class 4 may provide some immediate relief |
|
Treatment Frequency |
Usually 2 to 3 times a week |
Usually 3 to 4 times a week |
|
Practitioners |
Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, Osteopaths, Athletic Trainer, or their assistants |
Usually, Physiotherapists or Chiropractors or their assistants |
|
Hands-Free |
Available in hands-free mode |
Available in hands-free stands or robotics |
|
Mobile |
Mobile unit |
Usually, the equipment is mobile |
|
Penetration Depth |
1-10 cm, depending on the mode and frequency used |
Usually 3 - 4 cm |
|
Cellular Effect |
Improves via the diathermic effect |
Improves using photomodulation |
|
Side Effects |
It could burn the skin |
Class 4 could burn the skin, but Class 3 is cold with no side effect |
|
Coupling Agents |
Radio-frequency cream |
No coupling agent is needed |
|
Replacement Parts |
None needed |
Emitters need replacing on some models |
|
Price |
Around $10K USD |
High-intensity models over $20K |
Manual therapies are the safest methods, have very few contraindications, and don’t require any special equipment. They also offer benefits such as reducing muscle tension, inducing relaxation, and increasing mobility through passive movements. However, they cannot stimulate healing at the cellular level like other modalities.
In comparison, TECAR and laser both have some contraindications but also offer a wider variety of benefits, especially at the cellular level. TECAR offers increased cellular metabolism, activates the body’s natural repair mechanisms, improves blood flow, and reduces pain.
Laser therapies also accelerate cellular metabolism, improve blood circulation, and accelerate tissue regeneration, but they also promote the faster resorption of pro-inflammatory mediators.
So, which therapy is the most effective for muscle recovery? TECAR combined with manual therapy coordinates the healing process, providing more benefits than either method used alone. Laser combined with manual methods also has similar effects but doesn’t provide the immediate relief that TECAR combined with manual methods does.
Therefore, the most effective treatment method combines all three approaches to accelerate healing, reduce recovery time, and maintain joint mobility and tissue elasticity, providing immediate and long-lasting relief. In fact, a scientific literature review found that TECAR, combined with manual therapies and high-intensity lasers, optimized recovery of all muscle diseases compared to traditional manual therapies alone.
However, before moving on to treatment, X-rays are critical in chiropractic care to diagnose conditions and optimize treatment methods. Chiropractors use different machines to diagnose different conditions based on the patient's symptoms.
For instance, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are all used. X-rays are mostly used for diagnosing issues with the bones, while CT scans help provide 3D and cross-sectional images to provide more accurate diagnostics in bones and soft tissues. Finally, MRI excels in diagnosing soft tissue conditions like those in the joints and tendons.
In today’s therapeutic landscape, TECAR and laser therapies offer unique benefits and show great potential for enhancing muscle recovery, reducing pain, and promoting tissue repair. TECAR’s ability to generate internal heat in tissues and stimulate healing at the cellular level aligns well with manual therapies to speed recovery and provide immediate relief.
Laser therapies offer their own benefits, aiding cell repair and reducing inflammation. Combining TECAR, laser, and manual therapy maximizes recovery potential by leveraging each modality’s strengths, creating a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to rehabilitation.
If you’re looking to bring your patient care to the next level, get in touch with Maven Imaging for Chiropractic X-Ray & Medical Imaging Equipment.