The short answer
Technical terms describe different properties. Distinguish frequency, power, energy and magnetic field strength; none of these numbers alone constitutes treatment advice.
Key terms in plain language
- CAP / capacitive
- A TECAR equipment application mode.
- RES / resistive
- A different TECAR application mode.
- Diathermy
- Producing heat in tissue with a physical technique.
- Ultrasound
- Sound with a frequency above the audible range.
- Hz / hertz
- Frequency unit: repetitions per second.
- kHz and MHz
- One thousand hertz and one million hertz.
- W / watt
- A unit of power, not an independent measure of clinical outcome.
- J / joule
- A unit of energy.
- nm / nanometre
- A unit of length, for example for laser wavelength.
- T / tesla and G / gauss
- Magnetic field units; 1 tesla equals 10,000 gauss.
- PEMF
- Pulsed electromagnetic fields.
- TENS
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: nerve stimulation through the skin.
- EMS / NMES
- Electrical muscle stimulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation: terms relating to muscle activation.
- Radial / focused
- Different technical descriptions of pressure-wave and shockwave systems.
- Protocol
- A described procedure. A device programme is not an automatic individual indication.
- Contraindication
- A circumstance that can make an application unsuitable; assessment depends on the technique and person.
Numbers need context
A figure becomes meaningful when the property, unit and application are known. Do not compare tesla with hertz, watts with joules or a radiofrequency with an ultrasound frequency as if they were the same.
Ask what a specification means for the proposed use, then consult the technology guide and current manufacturer documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Are watts and joules the same?
No. Watts measure power; joules measure energy.
How many gauss are in 1 tesla?
1 tesla equals 10,000 gauss.
Is MHz a treatment duration?
No. MHz is a frequency unit meaning one million hertz.
What is a preset?
A preconfigured device programme. The user must still assess the suitability of the application and settings.
Why are there no ideal values?
A value cannot be called ideal independently of the device, goal and individual assessment.
Sources for this page
Technical sources consulted on 2 October 2026; contacts checked on 3 October 2026. Manufacturer data describes technology and equipment; clinical sources address defined questions.
- Manufacturer · technologySixtus Italia — Ultrasound therapy ↗
- Manufacturer · technologySixtus Italia — Tecar therapy ↗
- Manufacturer · deviceSixtus Italia — Tesla Pulse ↗
- Manufacturer · technologySixtus Italia — Electrotherapy ↗
- Professional association · consensusISMST — indications, contraindications and definitions ↗