EFFECTS OF TECAR THERAPY ASSOCIATED WITH MANUAL THERAPY ON GLUTEAL SKIN FLACCIDITY

Background: A new technology called Tecar therapy, widely used in the orthopaedic area, has been studied in aesthetics in order to treat skin flaccidity. The equipment allows the association of radiofrequency with manual therapy. This study is an experimental research that aims to analyse the effects of the Tecar therapy associated with manual therapy on skin flaccidity of the gluteal region. Methods:Volunteers were individuals aged between 21 and 54, who presented skin flaccidity in the gluteal region. The sessions/applicationsoccurred once a week, totalling four applications with the TR THERAPY ELITE-6000 BTLTMdevice pre-set underthe following parameters: 500 KHz frequency, 100% duty cycle and 80% power, capacitive mode, in an area corresponding to twelve quarters measuring 7 cm² each, during60 minutes. Results:The evaluations were carried out in all the sessionsand included metric verification, photographic recording with subsequent photo submission to the AutoCAD software, and photogrammetric analysis. At the end of treatment, the volunteers answered anadaptedquestionnaire of satisfaction and a global aesthetic improvement scale form (GAIS). The results regarding AutoCAD, metric measurement, and photogrammetry did not present significant statistical differences. Conclusion:Although the statistical results were not satisfactorydespite its limitations regarding sample size,and possiblydue to the subjective analysis of the resources used as the evaluation methods. Still, the volunteers reported improvement in the texture and firmness of the skin in the treated region, indicating their satisfaction with the performed treatment.