Pressotherapy: an ally for circulation and well-being
Have you ever heard of pressotherapy? This medical and aesthetic treatment is now very popular thanks to its numerous benefits for circulation and overall well-being.
Pressotherapy is a non-invasive therapeutic technique, widely used in both clinical and aesthetic fields, that promotes proper lymphatic and venous circulation in the upper and lower limbs.
Thanks to gradual, controlled, and intermittent compression of the limbs and abdomen, it helps improve the functioning of the vascular and lymphatic systems, drain bodily fluids, reduce skin imperfections, and deliver oxygen to tissues while eliminating toxins.
But what exactly is pressotherapy and how does it work? Let’s find out together!
How does pressotherapy work?
Pressotherapy involves a pumping system equipped with air chambers that inflate alternately or sequentially, pushing fluids from the bottom upwards. The progressive pressure creates a mechanical massage that stimulates lymphatic and venous circulation, simulating a manual lymphatic drainage massage and producing a wave effect that starts at the extremities and moves toward the center of the body.
The main benefits of pressotherapy include:
- reduced swelling
- improved lymphatic and venous circulation
- prevention of fluid stagnation in peripheral tissues
- muscle toning
- immediate sensation of well-being and pain relief
Pressotherapy is recommended for medical and aesthetic treatments, including:
- Lymphedema
- Edema
- Venous insufficiency
- Venous ulcers
- Muscle fatigue
- Heavy legs sensation
- Post-workout recovery
- Cellulite
Let’s look at the body areas most commonly treated with pressotherapy:
Pressotherapy for legs and feet
The legs and feet are the areas most frequently treated with pressotherapy.
This treatment is particularly effective in relieving heaviness
and swelling in the legs, improving circulation and tissue oxygenation, reducing fluid retention,
and eliminating toxins.
Pressotherapy for abdomen and hips
The abdominal area and hips can benefit from pressotherapy by reducing
bloating, improving circulation, and helping achieve a more defined silhouette.
Pressotherapy for arms
Arms can be treated with pressotherapy to improve circulation,
reduce swelling, and promote lymphatic drainage.
How does a pressotherapy session work?
Pressotherapy treatments can be carried out in the comfort of your home. Nonetheless, we always recommend consulting your doctor to follow parameters best suited to your condition. It is usually advised to perform the treatment once a day for a cycle of 30 days. Duration and pressure settings vary depending on the condition being treated.
The steps to correctly start a pressotherapy session are very simple:
- Connect the tube connector to the pressotherapy machine.
- Attach the tubes to the leg cuffs, abdominal band, or arm cuffs and wear the applicators.
- Plug the device into an electrical outlet.
- Set the pressure and treatment duration.
If done correctly, the pressotherapy session should feel pleasant and not painful. Otherwise, we recommend stopping the treatment and contacting your specialist doctor.
After the treatment, you might experience the draining effect of pressotherapy, meaning you may feel the need to rehydrate or urinate. This is completely normal.
Home vs. Professional Pressotherapy
There are pressotherapy devices for home use, but it’s important to understand
the differences compared to professional treatments:
Home pressotherapy:
- More cost-effective in the long term
- Flexible usage (therapy whenever you want)
- Total privacy during the session
- Generally less powerful than professional devices
- Requires some knowledge for safe and effective use. For this reason, rely on your trusted orthopedic provider.
Professional pressotherapy:
- More advanced and powerful equipment
- Supervision by a qualified professional
- Possibility to combine with other treatments
Choosing between the two options depends on your personal needs, the condition being treated, and your doctor’s advice.
Doing pressotherapy at home is possible thanks to certified medical devices designed for home use, allowing you to undergo treatment comfortably on your sofa, reading a book or watching TV.
There are pressotherapy devices on the market specifically made for home use. Make sure they are CE-certified medical devices, easy to use and safe.
Contraindications
Despite its many benefits, pressotherapy is not suitable for everyone. Here are some contraindications:
- People with implantable medical devices
- Deep vein thrombosis or phlebitis
- Severe heart failure
- Skin infections or open wounds in the treatment area
- Pregnancy
- Cancer
- Children and adolescents under 18 years old
It is essential to consult a doctor before starting pressotherapy treatment,
especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
Compression on legs, arms, and abdomen should feel pleasant like a massage, and should not be painful.
Otherwise, we advise you to stop the treatment and contact your specialist doctor immediately.
Conclusions
Pressotherapy is an innovative and non-invasive approach to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and promote overall well-being. Whether you want to relieve heavy legs, fight cellulite, or manage medical conditions like lymphedema, this technique offers a wide range of applications.
However, as with any treatment, it is crucial to approach pressotherapy with awareness and under the guidance of qualified professionals.
Always consult a doctor before starting a treatment cycle, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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