**12. Cautions and contraindications with the use of radiofrequency**

Over the years, a large number of contraindications to radiofrequency therapy have been identified. Some are clearly documented, others are based on assumptions. Others still depend on the dose or the location. For these reasons, the contraindications are divided into:

### **12.1 Absolute contraindications**

Pregnancy - In view of the rapid division of embryonic tissue and the blood supply to the placenta, it is not advisable to treat pregnant women with radiofrequency.

Active bacterial infectious diseases (e.g. Tuberculosis) - In certain forms of tuberculosis or in active infections, heating in deep tissue can cause a large decrease in the number of leukocytes. Viral infections, on the contrary, have shown a positive reaction to the therapy.

Implanted electronic device - it is recommended that a patient with an implanted electronic device (e.g. cardiac pacemaker) not be subjected to radiofrequency, unless a specialized medical opinion has been previously obtained.

Hearing aids - Hearing aids must be removed. If they are subjected to radio frequency, hearing aids may experience irregularities in their operation. People with pacemakers and hearing aids should therefore not remain in the vicinity of radio frequency equipment when they are switched on.

Fever - Using radio frequency with fever can further increase metabolism. This could cause an even higher rise in temperature, leading to hyperthermia.

Neoformations - Active cancer is a contraindication when blood flow may imply the dissemination of the metastasis. Treatment of some muscular skeleton diseases may be accepted even when the patient has cancer, when this specification is detailed in the diathermy device User's Manual.

Sensitivity alterations - The application of radiofrequency should be used with caution on areas with sensory alterations. Special care is needed also for debilitated patients, since dosimetry depends largely on the sensation of heat felt by the patient. Pain is an indication that excessive heat is occurring. Sensitivity alteration is an absolute contraindication in devices with no temperature sensor control. This contraindication is avoided when the device has temperature sensor control and can be adjusted to a tolerable temperature without risk of burns.

#### **12.2 Relative contraindications**

Rheumatoid arthritis - Researchers report that deep heating in the treated joints can increase enzyme activity and induce breakdown of articular cartilage. Nevertheless, diathermy treatment in athermal or moderately thermal mode has shown a positive reaction. Dose management is important, and should be precise.

Large metal implants - Metals concentrate electromagnetic energy. To prevent possible concentrations of energy, around the implant and the resulting dangers (burns), radio frequency application should only be used if the indications are more important than the possible adverse effects while using specific guidelines and applied in mobile modalities with dose management.

Chronic systemic diseases - In decompensated chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, kidney failure, etc. the use of radiofrequency concomitant to decompensated systemic diseases can induce adverse effects.

### **13. Conclusions**

This chapter discusses the main effects of high-power, multi-channel radio frequency in sports lessons, the most important factor determining whether a diathermy device increases intracellular signaling, vascularity, and body

*Use of an Evolution in Tecartherapy for Muscle Improvement and Treatment of Sports Injuries DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96776*

temperature is the amount of energy absorbed by the tissue. This energy is provided in Tecartherapy devices through the generation of an electromagnetic field, and through the use of capacitive and resistive electrodes. The key results that contribute to improving sports injuries are presented, being able to improve, including muscular capacities. This electromagnetic field will have various metabolic effects on the vascular, musculoskeletal and immune systems, which are beneficial for work in different areas of health such as sports, pain, the vascular area, urogynecology, important in urinary incontinence in athletes, feminine among others, being increasingly extensible to other fields of health. This procedure is safe, with no known side effects, and the patient can be returned to normal activity immediately. Manufactured Device.

Pictures courtesy of Capenergy Medical, S.L. Barcelona, Spain.
