Every person is different, even if they have the same conditions. Each case needs to be assessed individually to find the best rehabilitation that optimizes time and reduces sequelae. Time is vital for everyone. At Sportcat, we go beyond conventional rehabilitation treatments. We do not perform typical rehabilitation; instead, we continually research and improve to strive for excellence in what we do.

Deep UHF Diathermy

Diathermy is a type of thermotherapy, very different from conventional therapies such as infrared, shortwave, or microwaves. The major difference lies in tissue penetration. None of the other thermotherapies penetrate deeply enough to act within joint capsules, as they apply heat from the outside in. The one that penetrates the most among the three is microwaves, but the skin and fat, being poorly permeable, cannot absorb high doses of concentrated heat in an application area, which can cause burns before reaching sufficient depth. This type of thermotherapy is used by most rehabilitation centers. At Sportcat, we use deep UHF diathermy, operating at 200 watts with a wavelength of 493 MHz. This type of thermotherapy, however, focuses its action at a deep level, creating heat from the inside out. This allows it to act in depth, generating a thermal increase around 41 ºC, enhancing deep vasodilation and cellular metabolism in the treated area. This effect produces significant collagen stimulation and anti-inflammatory action, absorbing edema and healing deep tissues where other thermotherapies have no effect. This treatment is optimal for all chronic or acute osteoarticular pathologies that cause inflammation, such as degenerative arthritic processes, arthritis, osteochondritis, bone edema, periostitis, joint contusions, gout attacks, sympathetic reflex dystrophies, etc. Deep UHF diathermy allows stimulation of vascular increase and recovery of processes such as Sudeck or CRPS. Disc herniations and protrusions are degenerative processes where the vertebral disc loses the properties of the fibrous ring. With diathermy, we achieve disc nucleolysis, absorbing the edema that promotes degeneration, significantly improving pain symptoms and stabilizing the degenerative process. Often, with this treatment, although it does not remove the hernia, it stabilizes it, partially reduces it, and absorbs the edema, which is sufficient to make the patient asymptomatic and avoid surgery. It is also applied post-surgery to absorb edema and prevent or resolve fibrosis.

High-Power IR Laser Therapy

At Sportcat, we exclusively use a 10-watt high-power IR laser. In 2010, Dr. Jordi Surós presented this next-generation laser, its results, and applications at the World Congress of Sports Medicine and Traumatology in Puerto Rico (USA), the European Congress in London at Queen Mary University, and the national Congress in San Sebastián. Most lasers used in physiotherapy deliver between 0.5 and 2.5 watts, which is not enough energy to significantly stimulate damaged tissue and initiate a regeneration process.

Since January 2014, we have developed a new model of HIGH-POWER IR LASER, currently operating up to 30 watts depending on needs. It consists of a 910 nm infrared light diode, and its high power allows stimulation in a single session what most lasers would require 15 sessions or more. This accelerates cellular metabolism, tissue regeneration, and the resolution time of the pathology. The main application of this laser is in tendinopathies, as well as ligament and muscle pathologies. Therefore, for chronic or acute conditions such as tendinitis, tendinosis, muscle tears, or fibrosis, it is the treatment of choice.

EPI (Intratendinous Percutaneous Stimulation)

Another of our proprietary technologies and therapies that sets us apart is Intratendinous Percutaneous Stimulation (EPI). It involves applying a low-frequency (3-8 MHz) and low-power (1-8 volts) galvanic current to a very specific area, guided by musculoskeletal ultrasound and through a small acupuncture needle. It is used to accelerate or induce stimulation in tendinous or muscular processes, dissolve fibrosis, increase vascularization, and irritate the area to enhance the physiological inflammatory effect. This type of treatment is optimized when combined with our high-power laser.

Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic waves are treatments that create a molecular vibration at the osteo-muscular level, promoting neovascularization. When used in combination with treatments such as deep UHF diathermy, they enhance anti-inflammatory effects, stimulate joint collagen, and improve bone density. The magnetic wave devices at Sportcat are high-power. When discussing magnetic wave treatments, not all devices are equal; it is important to consider the power output and the diameter of the solenoid, which is the applicator. Some magnetic wave devices have very low power and would require many hours of application to achieve, if at all, a metabolic effect. Therefore, it is important to be critical when evaluating and comparing magnetotherapy treatments. With the magnetic wave devices we use, by generating high power and having a large solenoid, we stimulate the bone periosteum, producing the desired neovascularization. When combined with the deep thermal effect of UHF diathermy, we can treat chronic osteoarticular degenerative processes such as osteoarthritis, osteochondritis, CRPS (DSR), Sudeck, etc. One important application of magnetic waves is in bone pathologies, such as fractures. They can be applied over casts or fiber splints without issue, accelerating healing and reducing consolidation time by half, while preventing problematic sequelae such as sympathetic reflex dystrophies (DSR), fibrosis, joint ankylosis, or Sudeck. Stress fractures and periostitis are other main applications. Among the main degenerative bone pathologies, especially in women, are osteopenia and, in advanced stages, osteoporosis. This involves deterioration and reduction of bone density due to the loss of estrogen metabolism during menopause, as estrogen is the main factor in maintaining bone density during the fertile years. In these pathologies, magnetic waves promote calcium absorption and consolidation in the bone, preventing further loss of density, stabilizing it, and improving bone strength. This treatment is optimal for preventing osteoporosis and avoiding pathological fractures.

Global Body Electro-Stimulation

Another technology that sets us apart is global body electro-stimulation. It comes from the USA and consists of a vest that covers the whole body, including arms, glutes, and thighs, with electrodes integrated and sectorized for each muscle group. From a console, the desired electrical pulses can be delivered. This allows for elastification, toning, or hypertrophy of targeted muscles while always working the entire body globally and balancing and compensating the musculature. Various studies show that a session of this type of treatment, lasting 30–40 minutes, is equivalent to about two weeks of daily gym training. This allows for maintaining muscle mass in cases of long-term injury, recovering musculature after intense physical effort (marathons, ultraman…), and balancing or compensating muscles in cases of imbalances, degenerations, or nerve injuries.

Growth Factors (PRGF)

Sportcat (Sports Medicine) is a collaborating center with BTI (Biotechnology Institute) for research and the use of protocols and kits to properly perform, in compliance with all CE regulations, the collection and infiltration of PRP (Protein Growth Factors).

bti-biotechnologyinstitute.com

“Growth factors,” or more accurately, autologous high-molecular-weight proteins, are another treatment we offer at Sportcat. In this case, we also stand out in its application, as we combine PRGF infiltrations with ultrasound-guided intratendinous percutaneous stimulation, enhancing efficacy and optimizing outcomes. How does the process work? Proteins are infiltrated into the targeted area (tendinous or muscular lesions), obtained from the patient’s own blood. This treatment is not suitable for osteochondritis or osteoarthritis, as these tissues do not regenerate once degenerated. At Sportcat, even if requested by the patient, we do not apply PRGF in these cases, as we have more effective and resolutive treatments. However, when combined with our techniques for tendinous or muscular pathologies, growth factors promote and accelerate healing. They are particularly effective in chronic conditions such as shoulder tendinitis, elbow epicondylitis, fibrosis in muscle scars, and also in acute conditions, though cost-benefit is considered, as often our treatments alone are sufficient without PRGF infiltration. HYALURONIC ACID. Hyaluronic acid infiltrations are an optimal treatment for post-rehabilitation chondroprotection, once the inflammatory process has stabilized. Hyaluronic acid has been used for about 15 years, though its use has increased in recent years, replacing many products because it has no side effects and provides numerous joint benefits. It can be administered orally, topically, or via injection. Intra-articular injection is the optimal method, though it should be noted that these are expensive products, especially when the molecule is pure and biotechnological, not derived from rooster combs or other animals. At Sportcat, we perform ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid infiltrations for joint chondroprotection in the final stages of treatment or for preventive purposes.

Other

In addition to the treatments mentioned, we have other electrotherapy devices, as well as a gym equipped with eccentric training machines.

Dra. Juana María Roca

Degree in Medicine and specialist in Sports and Exercise Medicine