If you’re dealing with swelling, pain, fibrosis, or slow tissue healing after surgery or injury, the team at Recovery Rehab Physiotherapy has an effective option that’s gaining attention in modern rehabilitation — Therapeutic Electrostatic Oscillation (TEO). This gentle yet powerful treatment supports recovery in ways that other therapies can’t always do on their own.
TEO uses low-frequency electrostatic pulses to create rhythmic vibrations deep within soft tissues, supporting fluid movement, reducing inflammation, and enhancing healing. It’s a non-invasive modality that complements traditional physiotherapy techniques, helping you recover faster and feel better with less discomfort than some manual treatments alone.
What Is Therapeutic Electrostatic Oscillation?
Therapeutic Electrostatic Oscillation (TEO) is a form of advanced electrostatic field therapy that produces a gentle, pulsating “kneading” effect deep within body tissues. Instead of applying strong pressure with hands or devices, TEO creates an electrostatic field between the therapist’s applicator or gloved hands and the tissue being treated. This field produces rhythmic oscillations that can penetrate up to several centimetres beneath the skin, affecting muscles, connective tissue, blood vessels and lymphatic structures.
The result is a treatment that feels like a soft vibration rather than firm pressure, making it ideal for sensitive or fragile tissues where deep pressure may be uncomfortable or contraindicated.
How TEO Works
During a TEO session, your physiotherapist applies the electrostatic oscillation either through a specialised applicator or using gloved hands connected to the device. As the electrostatic field is generated, small rhythmic pulsations are produced within the tissue. These pulses help:
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Promote lymphatic drainage and fluid movement
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Reduce inflammation and swelling
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Soften fibrotic or scarred tissue
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Improve circulation and tissue oxygenation
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Support gentle relaxation of muscles and connective tissue
Unlike some electrotherapy devices that work only on the surface, TEO reaches deeper tissue layers without heat or strong mechanical force.
Who Can Benefit from TEO?
TEO is suitable for a wide range of clients, especially those who need gentle, effective tissue treatment. Common applications include:
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Lymphoedema and oedema management: Helps reduce fluid build-up and heaviness in affected limbs.
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Post-surgical recovery: Supports healing after surgery by reducing swelling and promoting circulation.
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Scar and fibrosis treatment: Softens dense tissue and improves mobility.
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Chronic or acute swelling: Helps ease fluid congestion.
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Pain relief and inflammation management: Assists in relaxing tense muscles.
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Sensitive tissue conditions: Useful where deep pressure is not appropriate.
TEO’s gentle oscillation makes it especially suitable for clients with delicate tissue issues or those who experience discomfort with stronger manual therapies.
What to Expect in a TEO Session at Recovery Rehab
Your session begins with an assessment by one of our experienced physiotherapists to determine whether TEO is suitable for your condition. During treatment:
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You will lie or sit comfortably.
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The therapist uses the TEO device gently over the target area.
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You’ll feel a soft, rhythmic vibration rather than pressure.
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Sessions typically last between 20–40 minutes, depending on your needs.
Most people find TEO to be relaxing and well-tolerated, even in areas that are difficult to treat manually.
Why TEO Pairs Well With Other Physiotherapy Treatments
TEO doesn’t replace traditional hands-on care — it enhances it. At Recovery Rehab Physiotherapy, TEO is often used alongside other evidence-based therapies such as:
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Manual lymphatic drainage
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Therapeutic exercise
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Soft tissue mobilisation
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Compression therapy
Used together, these approaches offer a holistic and effective rehabilitation strategy tailored to your unique needs, helping you recover faster and more comfortably.
