Pressotherapy

Pressotherapy is a non-invasive compression treatment that uses inflatable garments connected to a specialised machine.

During treatment, sections of the garment inflate and deflate in a controlled sequence, creating rhythmic pressure around the treatment area.

This produces a massage-like effect designed to support normal circulation and fluid movement through the tissues, while providing a relaxing experience.

There are no needles, no laser and no invasive procedure — you simply lie back and relax.

Imagine a firm but comfortable wave of pressure gradually moving through your legs or treatment area.

Different sections of the garment inflate, gently compress the area and then release.

Most clients find the rhythmic squeezing and releasing sensation very relaxing.

The pressure should feel controlled rather than painful.

People choose Pressotherapy for different reasons.

It may help to:
Support normal fluid movement
Support healthy circulation
Temporarily reduce feelings of puffiness
Relieve the sensation of tired or heavy legs
Provide a compression-based massage
Complement an active lifestyle
Provide post-exercise relaxation
Promote an overall feeling of relaxation and wellbeing

Some clients say their legs feel lighter and less heavy afterwards.

Pressotherapy is often described as mechanical or pneumatic lymphatic drainage because sequential compression can encourage movement of fluid through the tissues.

However, cosmetic Pressotherapy should not be confused with specialist medical lymphatic treatment or manual lymphatic drainage performed for diagnosed medical conditions.

The course is determined by your aesthetician based on your individual needs. On average, it consists of 10-15 sessions with intervals of 2-4 days.

To maintain the effect, it is recommended to undergo a session once a month or a repeat course no sooner than six months later. A proper diet and minimal physical activity, such as morning exercises, will prolong the results. It is recommended to undergo a course of sessions twice a year to prevent diseases and strengthen the immune system.

You may see Pressotherapy advertised as a treatment that “detoxes the body” or “flushes out toxins.”

Your body already has sophisticated systems — particularly the liver and kidneys — responsible for processing and eliminating waste products.

Pressotherapy can support fluid movement through mechanical compression, but it shouldn't be described as a treatment that removes unspecified “toxins” from your body.

Pressotherapy may temporarily help with the feeling of puffiness associated with fluid accumulation in suitable clients because sequential compression encourages movement of fluid through the tissues.

However, persistent or significant fluid retention can have an underlying medical cause.

If you're experiencing new, unexplained, persistent or significant swelling, particularly if one leg is more swollen than the other, cosmetic Pressotherapy should not be used to simply treat the symptom.

Medical assessment should come first.

That depends entirely on why your legs are swollen.

Occasional feelings of puffiness or heaviness in an otherwise suitable client are very different from swelling caused by a medical condition.

New, unexplained, painful, sudden or one-sided swelling requires appropriate medical assessment.

This is one of the main reasons people enjoy the treatment.

If you spend long periods standing, sitting at a desk or generally being on your feet all day, your legs can sometimes feel tired or heavy.

The rhythmic compression can provide a relaxing massage-like sensation and may leave your legs feeling lighter and refreshed afterwards.

Pressotherapy is popular with active clients because pneumatic compression can provide a relaxing form of post-exercise recovery support.

The rhythmic compression may help with the sensation of tired legs following physical activity.

However, it isn't a substitute for appropriate recovery, hydration, nutrition, rest or medical/physiotherapy treatment where needed.

If you have an injury, significant pain or unexplained swelling following exercise, that should be assessed appropriately rather than simply treated with Pressotherapy.

Pressotherapy is not a weight-loss treatment.

You may feel less puffy following treatment because compression can temporarily influence fluid distribution.

That is not the same as losing body fat.

Pressotherapy isn't a cure for cellulite.

Cellulite is influenced by the structure of connective tissue, fat distribution, skin characteristics, hormones, genetics and other factors.

Changes in fluid distribution may temporarily make tissues appear or feel somewhat smoother in some people, but Pressotherapy doesn't permanently remove cellulite.

You don't need to arrive hungry, but having a very large or heavy meal immediately before a compression treatment may be uncomfortable.

Eating normally and staying appropriately hydrated is generally sensible.

Pressotherapy should generally feel like firm, rhythmic compression rather than pain.

You'll feel the garment becoming tighter as individual chambers inflate and then releasing as the sequence progresses.

The pressure should never feel unbearable.

If you experience pain, numbness, tingling, dizziness or anything that doesn't feel right, tell me immediately so the treatment can be stopped and assessed.

Although Pressotherapy is non-invasive, compression isn't appropriate for everyone.

Treatment may be unsuitable or require appropriate medical clearance if you have certain conditions, including some:
Cardiovascular conditions
Circulatory or vascular disorders
Blood-clotting conditions
Current or suspected DVT (Deep vein thrombosis)
Significant peripheral arterial disease
Acute infection or inflammation
Significant or unexplained swelling
Certain kidney or heart conditions
Areas of significant skin damage, infection or wounds
Other medical conditions where compression may be inappropriate

This isn't an exhaustive medical screening list.

Non-invasive doesn't mean suitable for absolutely everyone.

At Crystal Confidence Aesthetics, I don't offer cosmetic Pressotherapy during pregnancy.

Pregnancy naturally changes circulation and fluid distribution, and swelling during pregnancy can sometimes require medical assessment.

Elective Pressotherapy can simply be postponed until an appropriate time after pregnancy.