This post comes as a result of real world experience at Rehab & Heal Bristol (https://rehabandheal.com), who use the MED7 Tecar Device. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects more than 400,000 people in the UK. Characterised by persistent joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, RA can have a profound impact on quality of life. While medication remains the often the only relief, there is growing interest in complementary therapies that can support pain management, reduce inflammation, and improve functional outcomes. One such emerging modality is Tecar therapy (Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive), which is gradually gaining traction in UK physiotherapy and rehabilitation settings.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike osteoarthritis, which is primarily degenerative, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation of the synovial membrane. This inflammation, over time, can result in joint erosion and deformity. RA is not only painful but also associated with fatigue, systemic symptoms, and significant limitations in daily activity. (find out more here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/)
Treatment typically includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and biologics, alongside physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Within the non-pharmacological sphere, therapies that promote circulation, reduce stiffness, and manage pain without exacerbating inflammation are highly valued.
Tecar Therapy: A New Frontier in RA Support
Tecar therapy uses high-frequency electromagnetic currents to stimulate cellular metabolism and promote microcirculation. It works by delivering energy in two modes: capacitive, which targets soft tissues, and resistive, which reaches deeper structures like joints and tendons. This dual-action allows tailored treatment depending on the tissue involved and the stage of the condition.
In the context of rheumatoid arthritis, Tecar therapy is not a cure—but its role is increasingly seen as supportive, helping to manage flare-ups, reduce joint stiffness, and improve mobility in a way that is gentle and non-invasive.
Clinical Rationale for Use in RA
- Pain Relief and Anti-inflammatory Effects:
Tecar therapy has been shown to encourage vasodilation and lymphatic drainage, reducing inflammation and fluid retention in joints. Many RA patients struggle with morning stiffness and persistent pain—two symptoms that respond well to increased circulation and warmth generated by Tecar. - Improved Joint Mobility:
The heating effect from Tecar therapy softens surrounding tissues and reduces joint stiffness. When used in conjunction with mobility exercises, it can enhance range of motion, particularly in the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet—areas commonly affected in RA. - Tissue Regeneration Support:
Though RA causes irreversible joint damage over time, the regenerative stimulation of Tecar may assist in maintaining healthier soft tissue structures (e.g. muscles, tendons) around the joint, helping preserve function and reducing compensation patterns. - Gentle and Well-Tolerated:
For individuals with heightened sensitivity or during flare-ups, Tecar offers a non-aggressive therapeutic option. It can be applied in a passive, pain-free manner, making it suitable even for patients with active symptoms.
Considerations for Use in the UK
In the UK, Tecar therapy is not yet widely adopted in NHS settings, but it is increasingly offered in private physiotherapy clinics and specialist rehabilitation centres. Clinicians are exploring its use not only in sports injury and post-operative recovery, but also for long-term chronic conditions like RA.
However, it’s important for practitioners to be mindful of several factors:
- Flare-up Management: Tecar should be used cautiously or avoided during acute inflammatory flare-ups where heat may aggravate symptoms.
- Multidisciplinary Integration: It should complement, not replace, pharmacological and systemic treatments.
- Tailored Protocols: Individualised plans that combine Tecar with movement therapy or joint mobilisation tend to yield the best outcomes.
Patient Perspective
Patients with RA often report a sense of helplessness during flare-ups and frustration with ongoing stiffness. For some, Tecar therapy has introduced a sense of relief and agency, offering a physical treatment that not only reduces pain but improves participation in exercise and daily function.
Looking Ahead
As the evidence base for Tecar therapy grows, there’s potential for broader recognition within the UK’s rehabilitation framework. For RA patients, especially those seeking adjunctive treatments beyond medication, Tecar represents a promising, patient-friendly option.
Further research and clinical trials are needed to establish protocols specifically tailored to autoimmune conditions. But the early signs suggest that integrating Tecar therapy into the multidisciplinary management of rheumatoid arthritis could provide meaningful support—especially in terms of pain management, mobility, and quality of life.
