The Effect of TECAR Therapy on Pain and Shoulder Function in Patients With Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Shoulder pain is one of the most common symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries; one-quarter of the general population and two-thirds of adults experience this problem at some point in their lives. Its prevalence is estimated to be between 15% and 30% of the population. The most common cause of shoulder pain is rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy. This structure surrounds the shoulder and comprises the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor muscles, as well as the long head of the biceps brachii-though some authors exclude the biceps brachii. Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a prevalent health issue characterized by chronic degeneration resulting from repetitive stress on the shoulder. This degeneration can lead to a range of clinical presentations, varying from simple tendinosis to partial- or full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Multiple factors-such as excessive tensile loading, primary and secondary subacromial impingement, and deficiencies in repair mechanisms-play a role in the development of rotator cuff tendinopathy. Rotator cuff tendinopathy also presents as a significant socio-economic issue, affecting patients' functionality, sleep, quality of life, and work performance.

TECAR therapy (Targeted Radiofrequency Therapy) is a relatively new physical therapy method. This technique aims to induce hyperthermia in deep tissues by transferring high-frequency electromagnetic energy via capacitive-resistive electric transfer (CRET). It has beneficial effects, particularly in musculoskeletal conditions, by reducing pain and improving functional status. Its efficacy has been investigated-and improvements reported-in conditions such as lower back pain, knee pain, Achilles tendon pathologies, rotator cuff tendon pathologies, pelvic floor disorders, lymphedema, and visceral pathologies like chronic constipation.

There are few studies in the literature regarding the efficacy of TECAR therapy in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, and no studies comparing it with exercise have been found. This study aims to directly compare TECAR-a relatively new treatment modality-with exercise, which is crucial in shoulder rehabilitation, by evaluating the effects of both treatments on pain reduction, shoulder function, and quality of life in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals experiencing pain in the shoulder and/or lateral deltoid region, with pain exacerbation during overhead activities.
• Individuals exhibiting tenderness upon palpation at the rotator cuff tendon insertion site on the proximal humerus and/or restricted range of motion during active shoulder flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotation upon physical examination.
• Individuals diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinosis or a partial-thickness tendon tear via imaging methods (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging).

Exclusion criteria

• Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
• Previous shoulder surgery
• Presence of other conditions capable of causing shoulder pain and loss of function (other joint pathologies, cervical radiculopathy, etc.)
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, or coagulopathy
• Pregnancy
• Infection
• Pacemaker
• Peripheral circulatory disorder
• Known concomitant malignancy or end-stage organ failure
• Intra-articular/subacromial steroid injection within the last 6 weeks or NSAID treatment within the last week.