What is pressotherapy?

Pressotherapy, also known as lymphatic drainage, is a non-invasive treatment that involves the application of air pressure - alternating between compression and decompression - on parts of the body. This can help to stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps to clear toxins from the body and stimulate blood circulation. Pressure is applied with a specialised pressotherapy device. Pressotherapy has both cosmetic and medical uses.

Why is pressotherapy done?

Pressotherapy provides an alternative to manual lymphatic drainage, done with physical massage. The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and necessary for our immune response. It is made up of a network of lymphatic vessels which carries lymph fluid. Lymph fluid is made up of white blood cells, fats and bacteria that build up throughout the body from digestion, for example. The lymphatic system relies on our muscles and movements to drain this fluid. If someone has poor circulation or oedema, for example, pressotherapy can help to drain this fluid.

Pressotherapy can treat various problems, including:

• Lymphatic problems
• Poor circulation
• Fluid retention
• Oedema (swollen legs)
• Cellulite
• Stretch marks
• To prevent varicose veins
• Before and after liposuction

Pressotherapy is not recommended for the following:

• Pregnant women
• Patients with heart or kidney failure
• Blood pressure problems
• People with varicose veins
• Asthmatic people
• People with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

What does pressotherapy consist of?

A machine controls the pressure of the pressotherapy device, which is worn around different limbs. The machine will send a sequence of different air pressures to the device, switching between pressing on a limb and then deflating. A pressotherapy session lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. For the best result, usually a series of sessions are recommended, depending on your specific needs.

Preparation for pressotherapy

No specific preparation is required before having pressotherapy.