Pressotherapy: What Is It and What Can It Do?

In our ever-evolving world of aesthetics and wellness, non-invasive treatments are always popular. Non-invasive treatments, such as Pressotherapy, are incredible and can deliver visible results – but with no, or at least minimal, downtime and no discomfort. Win/win, right?

Non Invasive Therapy

Pressotherapy is one such treatment and is understandably getting lots of attention. Pressotherapy promises a whole host of health and beauty benefits, particularly when it comes to improving circulation, lymphatic drainage, and even body contouring.

In clinic here at A L Medical Aesthetics and Wellness, we’re thrilled to offer pressotherapy - it fits perfectly as part of our holistic approach to beauty and wellbeing. Whether you're looking to enhance your post-treatment recovery, reduce fluid retention, or simply boost your body's natural detox processes, pressotherapy might just be the treatment you've been looking for.

Enjoy Pressotherapy as an Add-On to Any Facial

The best bit? Although available as a standalone treatment, our patients have been LOVING it as an add-on to our already exceptional facials. It’s the perfect way to achieve even more glow and relax while doing so…

What Is Pressotherapy?

Pressotherapy is a non-invasive and entirely painless treatment designed to stimulate the body’s natural functions. A controlled pressure – think of a gentle squeeze - is applied to specific areas of the body using specialised boots, sleeves, or a body suit. The pressotherapy machine inflates the suit (or boots or sleeves) to deliver sequential pressure, like a gentle massage to the area being treated.

The technique is inspired by manual lymphatic drainage massage; however, the consistent pressure and programmable cycles are a further benefit. Pressotherapy is an ideal complement to other treatments or as a standalone therapy to support overall well-being.

How Does Pressotherapy Work?

The human body has its own powerful built-in drainage system called the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting lymph fluid, removing toxins, and generally supporting immune function. However, many factors – such as stress, inactivity, and certain medical or aesthetic procedures - can slow down this process. A sluggish lymphatic function can lead to fluid retention, bloating, and fatigue.

Pressotherapy works by stimulating the lymphatic flow which can improve blood circulation. This is achieved through the rhythmic, compressive movements. The machine alternates pressure in wave-like motions, encouraging the body to expel waste products more efficiently. Most sessions last around 30–45 minutes and are incredibly relaxing, with many patients reporting that it feels just like soothing, systematic massage.

What Are the Benefits of Pressotherapy?

Pressotherapy patients have reported a range of aesthetic and therapeutic benefits, making it suitable for a wide variety of clients. These are just some of the most commonly reported benefits:

1.      Improved Lymphatic Drainage and Detoxification: One of the main goals of pressotherapy is the stimulation of lymphatic flow. When lymphatic circulation improves, the body is better able to eliminate toxins, excess fluids, and metabolic waste. This can leave you feeling lighter, more energised, and less bloated - especially in the legs and abdomen.

2.      Reduces Water Retention and Swelling: Pressotherapy is particularly effective for those who suffer from fluid retention – oedema – which is often noticeable as puffiness or swelling in the lower limbs and especially the feet and ankles. Whether that’s due to hormonal changes, prolonged sitting or standing, or post-surgical recovery, the treatment helps relieve oedema and reduce the discomfort and tightness often associated with the heavy leg feeling.

3.      Supports Weight Loss and Body Contouring: Although pressotherapy isn't considered a weight loss treatment in itself, it can certainly play a supportive role in body contouring programmes. Encouraging better fluid drainage and improving circulation can enhance the results of other treatments such as cryolipolysis (fat freezing), radiofrequency, or lipolaser.

4.      Cellulite Reduction: Poor lymph flow and an accumulation of toxins can contribute to the formation of cellulite – that pesky orange peel appearance of the skin, particularly  to the thighs and bum. By boosting circulation and encouraging lymphatic drainage, pressotherapy can help to smooth the skin’s appearance over time, especially when combined with other treatments (and that all-important healthy lifestyle, including drinking lots of water).

5.      Post-Treatment Recovery: Certain aesthetic procedures - such as liposuction, microneedling, and fat freezing - can cause swelling and temporary inflammation. Pressotherapy can support the healing process, minimise downtime, and optimise your final results.

6.      Relaxation and Stress Relief: Pressotherapy isn’t just about physical benefits. Clients often report a deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing during and after the treatment. The gentle, rhythmic pressure can help relieve muscle tension, promote better sleep, and reduce overall stress levels. The benefits of massage are well-documented.

Who Can Benefit from Pressotherapy?

Pressotherapy is suitable for most people, people who are looking to:

·         Reduce bloating and puffiness

·         Improve skin tone and texture

·         Support their weight management efforts

·         Recover faster after aesthetic procedures or strenuous workouts

·         Enhance lymphatic and circulatory health

As with all our treatments, we’ll discuss the suitability and potential benefits – plus any contra-indications – during a consultation. Although fairly gentle and totally non-invasive, nonetheless pressotherapy may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, severe arterial disease, or acute infections. This is why consultations are always key.

What Happens During a Pressotherapy Session?

A typical pressotherapy session is simple – and above all, comfortable. You’ll be asked to lie down while the special garment is fitted over your chosen treatment area. The most commonly treated areas are the legs, hips, or arms. As the machine activates, you’ll feel a gentle wave-like pressure that cycles through different zones.

There’s no downtime as this is a gentle, non-invasive therapy - so you can carry on as normal immediately afterwards. For best results, we often recommend a course of pressotherapy sessions, depending on what you’re hoping to gain from the treatment.

Want to Try Pressotherapy?

Whether you’re looking to complement other treatments or simply want to feel lighter, healthier, relaxed or refreshed, pressotherapy is well worth a try.

Book your consultation today and discover how this gentle yet effective treatment can help you look and feel your best - inside and out. Get your glow on!