Clinical effects of TECAR therapy in the conservative management of Stage 2 lipedema in females: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy in females with Stage 2 lipedema, focusing on limb circumference, pain, functional status, and quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 female patients diagnosed with Stage 2 lipedema between September 2024 and May 2025. Participants were randomized to a TECAR group (n=15; mean age: 52.7±13.1 years; range 39 to 66 years) or a control group (n=15; mean age: 45.9±12.9 years; range, 37 to 59 years). Both groups received compression garments and a structured exercise program. The TECAR group additionally underwent six TECAR sessions over three weeks. Outcomes included lower limb circumference, Visual Analog Scale for pain, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire-Leg, assessed at baseline and at one and three months after treatment. RESULTS: The groups were comparable at baseline for age (p=0.163) and body mass index (31.85±4.08 kg/m2 in the TECAR group and 30.02±4.08 kg/m2 in the control group; p=0.112). The TECAR therapy resulted in greater reductions in lower limb circumference compared to standard care, with a statistically significant and sustained improvement observed only in the supramalleolar region at three months (p<0.05). A significant short-term reduction in pain was observed at one month (p=0.003) only in the TECAR group, but this effect was not maintained at three months (p>0.05). Functional scores showed a nonsignificant trend toward improvement (p=0.058). The overall quality of life score improved significantly in the TECAR group (p=0.002), although no individual Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire subdomain reached statistical significance (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: As an adjunct to standard care, TECAR therapy appears to reduce pain and limb volume and enhance overall quality of life in Stage 2 lipedema. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.