Impact of TECAR Therapy on Pain and Function in Adhesive Capsulitis:

Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy is a heat therapy method that increases blood circulation at the microscopic level by generating heat in the upper and lower layers of your tissues, reduces inflammation and supports tissue regeneration. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether this treatment reduces pain and improves functioning in patients with frozen shoulder disease.

Adhesive capsulitis (AC), commonly known as "frozen shoulder," is a prevalent and painful condition resulting from the contracture of the glenohumeral capsule, which significantly impacts individuals' quality of life. While AC is self-limiting in many cases, some patients may experience long-term functional limitations if not treated promptly. One promising intervention is transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy, which has gained attention for its potential to enhance tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve pain management by generating heat in superficial and deep tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of TECAR therapy on pain and functional outcomes in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC). This prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial included 60 patients \[TECAR group: 30, (50.37 ± 13.90 years); control group: 30, (55.27 ± 10.44 years)\]. Both groups completed a 2-week tailored therapeutic exercise program, with 30-minute hot pack application and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. The TECAR group also received three TECAR therapy sessions per week, for a total of six sessions. Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional status with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and supraspinatus tendon thickness and bicipital effusion were assessed via ultrasonography. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, 1 and 3 months post-treatment.