Pressotherapy: what is it, what do you need to know? (2021)

Pressotherapy is the effect of compressed air on certain areas of the body. It is a painless procedure that eliminates lymph stagnation in the human lymphatic system. It is a type of lymphatic drainage.

Lymphatic drainage happens:

Hardware.
Galvanization.
Vacuum.
Microcurrent.
Electroiontophoresis.
Pressotherapy.
Manual techniques. They are different types of massage that improve the exchange of fluids between cells and intercellular fluid. This promotes the rapid removal of toxins and waste. After just a few massage sessions, the skin will become healthier and smoother.

Pressotherapy is performed using a special suit and apparatus. The suit has several compartments and is worn on certain problem areas of the skin. Most often, these are arms, legs, waist. Using the device, air is forced under pressure onto individual compartments of the suit or over the entire area of the body. The method of exposure is determined by the doctor.

The exposure time, pressure and number of sessions are determined by the doctor based on clinical indications, as well as the desired effect.

In addition to its cosmetic function, pressotherapy has an effect on the cardiovascular system, and is an indication for use in its diseases, as well as in diseases of the metabolism and lymphatic system - edema, cellulite, and so on.

Impact on the body

The therapy device affects certain areas of the body:

leather;
muscles;
fatty tissue;
deep and superficial veins;
lymphatic vessels;

Air pressure on soft tissue - the fat layer, leads to an increase in blood supply, which:

Helps remove excess fluid.
is relieved.
Reducing bruises and skin irregularities.
Reduction of cellulite and fat deposits.
The tone of the walls of blood vessels increases. This occurs as a result of a decrease in pressure in the apparatus and dilation of blood vessels, which increases the blood supply to all organs and tissues.
Reducing the amount of toxins. Toxins accumulate in the lymphatic and circulatory systems and lead to slagging in the body. This manifests itself in decreased performance, deterioration of well-being, and quality of sleep. The functioning of internal organs is disrupted and, as a result, disease occurs.

The gentle mode of pressotherapy allows it to be used for people who are contraindicated for health reasons with more serious procedures.

Cellulite treatment and weight loss

Many women are interested in this aspect of the use of pressotherapy. Does the procedure really help get rid of cellulite and lose weight?

Experts say that this is one of the most effective ways to eliminate orange peel. Stimulation of blood circulation and metabolic processes in cells promotes the removal of fat decomposition products and eliminates stagnation of intercellular fluid in the layer of subcutaneous fat. It is the accumulation of fluid that is the main cause of cellulite. In addition, the liquid is evenly distributed throughout the body, making it possible to correct the figure.

Research results show that in terms of effectiveness, one pressotherapy session corresponds to a two-hour fitness class.

Pressotherapy is also used for weight loss. Just 3-6 sessions help you get rid of 3-4 kg of weight and significantly correct your silhouette. The procedure allows you to target problem areas: the outer thighs, abdomen, waist. This is where fat deposits most often accumulate.

!To obtain better results, experts recommend combining pressotherapy with exposure to infrared radiation. The procedure is based on the combined action of mechanical compression and thermal energy.

To get rid of cellulite, pressotherapy is often combined with other techniques: electrolipolysis, compression lifting and lipolytic banding (wraps).

In the latter case, it is first recommended to exfoliate the body, take a shower, then apply the mixture to the problem area, wrap this area of the body in procedural film, cover with a thermal blanket and conduct a bandaging session. Immediately after this, pressotherapy is carried out. Some experts recommend carrying out the procedures simultaneously: wrap the body in film and carry out pressotherapy directly on the composition acting underneath it. Increased blood circulation and lymph flow increases the effectiveness of the mixtures and cosmetics used, due to which the skin is smoothed and the signs of cellulite are significantly reduced.

During vacuum pressotherapy, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and include natural foods in your diet.

Advantages and disadvantages

Any effect on the body has its disadvantages and positive sides.

The positive ones include:

Metabolic processes are activated. This not only speeds up your metabolism, but also helps in weight loss.
Cleansing the body of waste and toxins.
Improving the tone of blood vessels and veins.
Reducing swelling.
Restoring the body's water and salt balance.
Improving blood supply to the body.
Elimination of the feeling of heaviness in the limbs.
Elimination of muscle tension.

There are much fewer negative effects, but they are there:

Small marks on the skin after the procedure. They pass quickly, but nevertheless, during the procedure it is better to cover all areas of the body with clothing.
Diuretic effect.

Pressotherapy – what is it?

Pressotherapy is a hardware type of massage. Today, this procedure is included in the list of services in many medical centers and beauty salons.

The discoverer of this method was the Dutch scientist Van Der Molin. He invented a design that created a certain pressure on certain areas of the body.

As a result, the person contracts, which helps remove excess fluids from the tissues through the bloodstream.

Initially, such a device was used to restore people who had suffered severe injuries. Because they suffered from increased swelling, and pressotherapy helped to deal with this painlessly and quickly.

A little later, additional multiple beneficial properties of such physiotherapy were revealed, which are still successfully used not only for medical, but also for cosmetic purposes.

Due to compression, the lymphatic system is affected, so that a powerful lymphatic drainage effect is noted - all harmful substances are naturally released from the body.

Along with this, blood begins to circulate faster. Against this background, metabolism improves and the process of losing weight accelerates.

Leg area

Most often used. The legs are a place of stagnation of blood and lymph; the largest amount of harmful substances accumulates in them. As a result of the accumulation of fluids, swelling, heaviness in the legs, and inflammation occur.

With prolonged sedentary work and an inactive rhythm of life, women have a high risk of developing varicose veins. If the disease does occur, then pressotherapy will serve as a good addition to the existing treatment. Also, leg therapy is widely used after blepharoplasty - surgery to eliminate stretched veins (varicose veins).

Who is this unique technique for?

Having figured out what pressotherapy is and read numerous reviews on the Internet, the technique can truly be considered amazing.

Against this background, the indications for such therapy should be clarified.

INDICATIONS

local fat deposits;
the presence of loose and bumpy skin;
excess weight;
constant heaviness in the lower extremities;
muscle spasms felt after heavy physical work or sports;
chronic venous insufficiency;
swelling during pregnancy, after injury or surgery.

This procedure is widely used in the medical and cosmetology field in the treatment of various pathologies and the elimination of external defects, but do not forget about the existing contraindications, which are discussed below.

Before resorting to pressotherapy, regardless of the desired result, it is worth finding a competent specialist. After all, the productivity of the methodology used will depend on the correct approach.

Indications and contraindications

No matter how gentle the effect on the body, there are a number of contraindications.
This is due to the fact that in addition to the cosmetic effect, there is also a therapeutic effect on the body. In particular, for subcutaneous structures, veins, arteries, fat deposits and cardiac activity, in this regard, contraindications are identified such as:

Heart failure. Increased blood circulation during massage will increase the load on the heart, which can lead to worsening of the condition and even a heart attack.
Pregnancy, more than 3 months. Any impact on the fetus during its formation has a negative effect.
Inflammation of the skin and purulent foci. Pressure will cause pain and worsen inflammation, even leading to tissue rupture. If there are abscesses, they can become damaged, and pus can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis.
Fractures. Increased pain and bone confusion.
Thrombophlebitis.
Tumor processes. During massage, as mentioned above, there is an increase in blood supply, which in the case of a tumor process can lead to increased growth and reproduction of cancer cells.
Pacemaker. The pressure of the device can lead to interruptions in operation.
Tuberculosis.
Kidney and liver failure.

Indications for use:

cellulite;
decreased skin tone;
decreased vascular tone;
varicose veins;
swelling (including in the early stages of pregnancy (up to 3 months));
rehabilitation period after plastic surgery, especially liposuction;
excess weight;
metabolic disorder;
headache;
pain syndrome;
stretching of the skin, its unevenness;
adhesions after surgery;
scars and burns;

Preparing for a pressotherapy session

As reported above, pressotherapy is a lymphatic drainage procedure, during which the intercellular space and the cells themselves are freed from waste toxic fluid, relieving edema, activating blood circulation and metabolism. For normal lymph circulation and its replenishment with fresh fluid, you need to drink a lot and properly.

Therefore, when going to the procedure, be sure to take a bottle of water with you, which will be on your table. Water should be drunk frequently (every 5 minutes) and in small portions. It is advisable to drink about one liter of water within two hours before the procedure and during the procedure. After the procedure - half a liter of water.

Only in this case will the so-called “lymphatic drainage” effect and lymph renewal take place. As a rule, in such cases there is a frequent urge to urinate, which means activation of the process.

The pressotherapy procedure involves a mechanical effect on the skin, as a result of which traces of slight bruising may remain on the body for some time. Therefore, when going for the procedure, choose clothes that cover the parts of the body that have undergone massage.

Executing the procedure

Procedure duration 45 minutes:

Stage 1 is preparing the patient for the procedure. Areas of the body that will be affected are covered with cloth to reduce the impact.
Stage 2 – site preparation. The couch should be raised 45 degrees.
Stage 3 – A pressure drainage suit is attached to the patient in the area that is being exposed.
Stage 4 – includes preparation of equipment. The program, the necessary impact characteristics, time, and others are entered manually or automatically. A safety check must be carried out to ensure that all wires are connected.
Stage 5 – ensuring maximum comfort for the patient and turning on pressure drainage.

At the end of the procedure, the device turns off automatically.

Effect and results

Before and after the procedure

After the first session of procedures, significant improvements will be noticeable, and after completing the entire course, many skin and health problems will be solved:

Getting rid of chronic fatigue and insomnia.
Improving vascular and skin tone.
Slowing down aging and smoothing out wrinkles.
Increasing the body's immunity and defenses.
Prevention of blood clots and cholesterol plaques.
Absence of cellulite and any uneven skin.
Improving metabolism , metabolism, water-salt metabolism.
Increased skin elasticity.
Reduction of fat layer.
Accelerating the healing of marks after liposuction.
The general health and condition of the body will improve significantly.
The cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract will improve their functioning by normalizing their blood circulation.
The condition of the skin , its tone and smoothness will improve. The skin will take on a healthy and youthful appearance.
Sleep problems and headaches will disappear.

The number of sessions is determined by the attending physician and depends on the condition of the body. The course of classes can vary from 8 to 19. The maximum allowed number is 20. During the break, you should treat your skin with care. If necessary, therapy is repeated after 3 or 6 months.

Pressotherapy is carried out for 30 and 45 minutes, 3 times a week. Course 10 lessons.

2 times a week course of electromagnetic waves - 10 lessons.

What are the benefits of pressotherapy?

The procedure has a profound healing effect on the human body in two main directions: the therapeutic effect of massage and physiological tissue massage.

Thanks to rhythmic compression during a pressotherapy session, a complex mechanical effect is exerted on the stratum corneum of the skin, subcutaneous fat, muscles, lymphatic vessels and deep veins.

The main direction of pressotherapy is to activate the cell receptors responsible for the breakdown of fat and the removal of unnecessary extracellular fluid. Which is, as it were, squeezing out this liquid (from all layers of the epidermis) with all waste harmful products, in the form of decomposition of fat cells and toxins, into the lymph, and then from the whole body.

This process of elimination mainly involves the kidneys (in the form of urine) and the skin (sweating).

Thanks to this effect, pressotherapy used in cosmetology allows you to get rid of swelling of any origin, correct your figure, and effectively fight cellulite and obesity of various stages.

In addition, pressotherapy promotes accelerated metabolism at the cellular level and restoration of water balance (pure water) in the intercellular space, and therefore cleanses the entire body and improves well-being. Thus, the lymphatic system not only cleanses our body, but also heals, protects and nourishes it.

As the pressure in the cuffs increases during a pressotherapy session, the walls of the vessels are toned and expanded, which activates venous circulation and blood circulation in the capillary and vessels of the skin located in their immediate vicinity and soft tissues.

Thus, based on the above points, the effect of pressotherapy triggers particularly important processes in the body that eliminate sagging skin, making it elastic and smooth.

Due to its vasodilating and antispasmodic effects, pressotherapy is indicated for the complex treatment of chronic muscle tension and is used for the prevention and treatment of the initial stage of varicose veins. Helps eliminate heaviness in the legs.

Pressotherapy is an alternative for eliminating post-traumatic and post-operative swelling. Special massage programs have been developed for rehabilitation after liposuction.

Pressotherapy has a deeply relaxing effect; at the end of the procedure, the whole body feels incredible lightness and relaxation. You receive a charge of positive energy and vigor, your mood improves, your immunity and resistance to stress increase.

Possible complications and side effects

Complications and side effects are observed during or after pressotherapy. Most often they are caused by an incorrect dose of exposure to the body, so before the procedure it is necessary to consult a specialist.

As a result, there may be hematomas and bruises due to excessive exposure to compressed air. This has a particularly bad effect on patients with varicose veins and other vein problems.

A correctly performed therapy procedure does not pose any health hazards.

The main thing is:

Consultation with a specialist.
Competent clinic staff.
Proper conduct of the session.
Accurate determination of the dose and its adjustment in case of complications.
Strict adherence to all recommendations before and after the procedure.

If all conditions are met, there will be no side effects, and pressotherapy will only have a positive effect on the body.

How does pressotherapy work?

Before the pressotherapy procedure, the patient is put on a special suit (over the entire body or individual parts), consisting of sections. You can imagine what it is by looking at the photo.

The operation of the device is regulated by a computer that controls the air flow.

The specialist first sets the required mode, degree of exposure and time. After turning on the device, a person begins to feel a slight pulsating compression, which is somewhat reminiscent of the pressure of a cuff when measuring blood pressure.

Compressed air is supplied by the device in the form of pulse waves that move throughout the body from bottom to top. This ensures careful processing of the fabrics.

The frequency of application is set individually in each case, depending on the medical history. The break between impacts can vary from 2 seconds to 2-3 minutes. As a result, the patient can lie down and enjoy for 30 minutes.

Pressotherapy specialists claim that one procedure is a complete alternative to several traditional manual massage sessions.

It is advisable to do aerial physiotherapy in specialized institutions under the supervision of professional doctors or cosmetologists. They must not only have a medical education, but also have skills in handling equipment to carry out the procedure.

Devices

Pressotherapy devices can be purchased in specialized medical stores, as well as in online stores.

The device includes:

compressor for air supply (from bottom to top);
leg cuffs;
cuffs for arms, torso;
Remote Control;
instructions;
applicators;

The number of cuffs varies depending on the configuration. The number of cameras also differs. The most common are 4-chamber. There are also differences in the operating mode - 15 basic modes. Each of them differs in pressure, exposure time, and strength.

The cost varies from 16 t to 120 t.

Compact devices that easily fit into a box are very popular now. They are recommended for use at home with strict adherence to the operating instructions. This option is convenient for patients in a supine position who find it difficult to visit the clinic on their own, as well as for people with frequent sports injuries.

The price of a home device is about 30 thousand rubles.

Types of pressotherapy for weight loss and procedure technology

Often, instead of the name “pressotherapy” you can hear “barotherapy” (from Greek “heaviness treatment”). In this case, we are not talking about heavy weights that are suspended from the patient, but about the effects of low and high pressure on the deep structures and fluids of the body.

Today there are two types of massage depending on the chosen mode:

1. Compressive lymphatic drainage.

The patient puts on a suit into which high-pressure air is subsequently supplied. The chambers are inflated one at a time, starting from the feet, and this state is maintained for 20 seconds. This algorithm prevents the return of lymph and moves it with toxins and intercellular fluid to the lymph nodes. During the procedure, the permeability of the capillary walls increases, which allows oxygen to better penetrate into the intercellular space, saturating fluids and tissues.

Barocompression massage accelerates oxidation regeneration processes, and also increases the body's endurance and improves the functioning of its systems. Thanks to increased microcirculation, the mobility of joints, spine and bone apparatus becomes better.

2. Pulse lymphatic drainage.

This method involves alternating low and high pressure air supply. Thus, a negative environment improves the flow of lymph and blood to the tissues, and a positive environment creates a reverse outflow, which displaces waste, toxic substances and toxins. As a result of this process, the walls of blood vessels become more elastic and stronger. As for the cells, they begin to intensively regenerate, improving metabolism, healing, respiration and tissue nutrition.

The effectiveness of the procedure depends on the lifestyle the patient leads, as well as on the professionalism of the specialist, which most often plays a decisive role. Before starting pressotherapy, the doctor should read the medical history to understand the person's health status. Despite the fact that the device is controlled by a computer, it is the doctor who enters the settings into it, taking into account the result that needs to be achieved and the general medical history.

Pressotherapy without a special suit is impossible. It is worn over pants and a cotton T-shirt. Depending on the patient’s physique, the configuration of the device and the planned result, the following can be used:

A one-piece suit resembling an astronaut's space suit (without a helmet) or a sleeping bag.
A jacket that is used for massaging the torso, lower back and arms. It is put on before connecting the hoses and securing the floors with fasteners.
Overalls or pants for pressotherapy, designed to massage the buttocks, legs, and abdomen. In this case, the device is first connected, and then things are put on when the patient is already on the couch.
High boots with a zipper or Velcro fastener. Used to treat lower extremities.
Sleeves-cuffs, fixed to the body or shoulder using special belts.
Jacket with sleeves with reliable fastening on the patient's body.
A belt that is used to work out the buttocks, abdomen and lower back.
A bag that fits over the lower part of the body. It is used, as a rule, in cases where massage needs to be done to a patient with large body proportions or limited movement.

The presented accessories for pressotherapy (photo above) can be of several sizes. They are sewn from hypoallergenic elastic hygienic fabric of high strength. In addition, each of them has several cameras that are not connected to each other. Air is supplied to these compartments in a certain order, resulting in compression of the patient’s body. It is worth noting that the more similar cameras there are in the suit, the more effective the procedure will be. Experts prefer models that have 15–20 double-walled compartments.

In addition, a combined suit is more in demand than a one-piece suit, since it is easier to use, that is, to put on, especially in the case of miniature representatives of the fair sex and large men. In addition, it is distinguished by significant functionality and practicality.

During one massage session, a specialist can work up to eight different areas of the body. If we talk about appearance, the suit looks like a cuff that is used when measuring blood pressure. Moreover, the principle of action on fluids inside the body in this case is the same: compressed air is supplied in batches, as a result of which pressure is created on a certain area of the body, and blood begins to flow faster.

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The main advantage of pressotherapy is that the patient does not need to do anything during the procedure, he can just lie down and enjoy the process. All work is controlled by a computer, in particular, it regulates the air volume.

Thanks to this type of massage, the appearance and internal state of the body become better. A 40-minute session using compressed air is enough to feel invigorated, fresh and uplifted. And during the procedure you can relax.

Pressotherapy occurs as follows. The patient puts on a suit designed for this manipulation, after which the person lies down on the couch. At the same time, you need to make sure that he is comfortable in this position. The cuffs worn on the patient are connected to the device by special air ducts in which high and low pressure alternate.

During the procedure, there is a constant change of compression and vacuum modes every 30–120 seconds. As the pressure decreases, the vessels dilate, and muscle tissue, skin and subcutaneous fat are enriched with blood.

The main goal of pressotherapy is the alternate movement of lymph and blood from bottom to top. According to patient reviews, during the action of the suit the body is compressed in a certain rhythm. This allows you to activate the work of systems and organs. During the session, the following is affected:

veins located deep;
layers of the epidermis;
muscle tissue;
vessels through which lymph flows;
fatty layer located under the skin.

Depending on the result that needs to be achieved, as well as the scale of the work, the specialist selects the required number of procedures. It is not recommended to massage daily; as a rule, the schedule is once every two to three days.

As practice shows, one pressotherapy on a professional device can replace 20 sessions of manual classical massage from a master. The effect will be similar. In addition, during manipulation using compressed air, a person can relax, and upon completion, he leaves the specialist’s office in high spirits, cheerful and satisfied.

The effectiveness of pressotherapy is explained by the fact that the treated tissues are “squeezed out”, as a result of which excess fluid is expelled with lymph through the kidneys or through the skin.

To make the procedure more comfortable, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

Do not eat two hours before the session.
Empty your bladder and bowels before the procedure.
Remove all existing jewelry.
Take a shower.
Establish contact with the doctor on an emotional level, talk to him, tell him about your well-being and individual characteristics.

Don't think about the negative. Better tune in to a good outcome and relax.

There is one more point to consider. Pressotherapy has lymphatic drainage properties, so experts recommend drinking a few sips of clean water every five minutes during the session. This will speed up lymph circulation.

To achieve better results, pressotherapy is combined with wrapping. In just two sessions you can either completely get rid of cellulite or significantly reduce it.

Price overview

Prices vary depending on the region of Russia and the class of the clinic. On average, economical pressotherapy costs 800-1300 rubles per course. Business class 1200-3400 rubles per course. Lux is about 1000 per session.

The higher the price, the more professional the equipment of the clinic where the procedure is performed. The price also includes customer service and consultation about the procedure. In addition to pressotherapy, it is most often recommended to use other cosmetic procedures to enhance the effect, but they are not included in the total cost.

In addition to a set of procedures, it is also worth engaging in physical activity, maintaining proper nutrition and making cosmetic masks. Long breaks should not be taken between individual sessions, as this reduces the overall effect of the procedure.

Cosmetic procedures that can be combined with pressotherapy

Pressotherapy is a fairly gentle procedure, with a mild mode of exposure, recommended for those patients who are prohibited from exposure to ultrasound, electrophoresis or lymphatic drainage by electrical stimulation of muscle tissue.

And at the same time, pressotherapy can be combined with a cosmetic procedure such as wrapping, aimed at eliminating cellulite and correcting the figure. Which after two or three sessions gives amazing results: reducing problem areas with cellulite by one or two cm.

Pressotherapy is effective in combination with procedures such as mesotherapy, endermology, thalassotherapy and ultrasonic cavitation.

According to some specialists in hardware cosmetology methods: pressotherapy can replace traditional manual massage, while one procedure is equal in effectiveness to 10-15 sessions of conventional manual massage.

Adviсe

Before using therapy you should:

Consult a specialist to determine the number of sessions and dosage.
Find a suitable clinic with sufficient equipment and qualified workers.
Follow exact recommendations to avoid side effects.
Follow a diet and engage in physical activity.
gentle on the skin during therapy.

If all the rules are followed, pressotherapy can relieve many skin problems, such as cellulite and unevenness. Cleanses the body of waste and toxins. Normalizes vascular tone and increases blood supply to organs. Helps in the treatment of leg diseases.