Navigating the variety of musculoskeletal therapies demands a keen understanding of the diverse options available. Winback Tecar Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, and Laser Therapy (Class 3 & 4) stand out as distinct approaches, each offering a range of benefits and limitations. Delving into their unique characteristics is crucial for healthcare professionals seeking to optimize treatment strategies for individuals grappling with musculoskeletal issues. (The information below is general estimation after years of working with all three technologies).
TECAR (Winback 1s)
Shockwave (Radial)
Laser Therapy (Class 3 & 4)
| Modality | Tecar (WinBack 1s) | Shockwave (Radial) | Laser (Class 3 or 4) |
| Client Feeling | Pleasant & deep lasting warmth | Can be very painful | Class 3 None, Class 4 mild warmth |
| Usage | Most musculoskeletal conditions | Usually tendinopathies | Most musculoskeletal conditions |
| Injury Stage | All stages: Acute, Subacute, Chronic | Subacute or Chronic usually | Acute or Subacute usually |
| Treatment Time | 10 to 15 min usually | 5 to 10 min usually | 5 to 30 min class dependent |
| Result Time | Immediate pain reduction Last hours to days | Usually takes 4 to 8 weeks or more Usually no immediate results | Usually needs multiple sessions No immediate results |
| Frequency | Usually 2-3 times a week | Usually 1-2 times a week | Usually 3-4 times a week |
| Provider | Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Massage therapist Osteopath, Athletic trainer Can be administered by assistants | Mostly by Practitioner only Physiotherapist or Chiropractor | Usually Physiotherapist or Chiropractor Can be administered by assistants |
| Acupuncture | During Acupuncture Needling | N/A | Acupuncture probe available |
| IASTM | Available tool | N/A | N/A |
| Bracelet Mode | Energy through practitioner’s hands | N/A | N/A |
| Rehab | Can be used during rehab exercises | N/A | N/A |
| Hands Free | Available Hands Free Mode | N/A | Available stands / Robotic |
| Penetration | 1-5 cm with CET @ 500 KHz muscles 10 cm with RET @ 300 KHz ligaments | Usually 3-4 cm at 4-5 bar | Usually 3-4 cm depends on power and wavelength |
| Cellular Function | Improve by Diathermic effect | Improve by Cavitations | Improve by Photo-modulation |
| Coupling Agent | Radio-Frequency Cream | Gel | None needed |
| Aesthetic & Beauty | Radio-Frequency for Face & Body Included | Cellulite Reduction Sold Separately | N/A |
| Side Effects | Can burn skin (stop switch available) | Can bruise skin & cause intense pain (Usually noted following days) | Class 4 can burn skin Class 3 no side effect |
| Mobility | Mobile | Smaller units are mobile | Usually Mobile |
| Replacement Parts | None | Revision Kits / Applicator after 2 million shots or more | Emitters on some models |
| Warranty | Available | Available | Available |
| Support | Monthly Free Webinars International Instructors Full Support | Available Support | Available Support |
| Price | $10K USD Leasing Available | 5 bar power over $16K Leasing Available | High Intensity Class 3,4 over $20K Leasing Available |
