How does pressotherapy work?

Compression Therapy is becoming more and more popular every day. Still, there are always those who have not heard about it or are not quite sure if the wonders said about it are true. If that’s your case, if you don’t yet know all the positive aspects of this therapy, keep reading. With this article, you will understand what Compression Therapy is and how it works.

Today we enjoy modern devices both professional – in clinics and aesthetic centers – and domestic, but Compression Therapy is not new, although it has evolved considerably.

Its first application was purely therapeutic, in the 1970s, interestingly to treat men after undergoing a vasectomy. Later, it gained prominence in the aesthetic world, mainly promoted with a female focus. But over time, it stopped being so narrowly defined, being recognized not only for its aesthetic function but also for therapeutic and sports purposes.

And of course, nowadays, both women and men take advantage of the many health benefits it offers, so… how does Compression Therapy work?

How a Compression Therapy machine works

A Compression Therapy device consists of a machine or device and a series of padded garments. These garments are made so they can be inflated, with a material that is usually flame-retardant as well as very pleasant to the touch.

Connected to the power supply, the machine pushes air through tubes connected to the garments. This air passes through the different chambers, called pneumatic compression chambers, distributed throughout the garment, and does so sequentially.

That is, the chambers fill consecutively at a certain pace. Depending on each device and program, there comes a point in the session when all the chambers are inflated, maintaining the pressure for a longer period.

This compression and decompression massage applies moderate and sufficient pressure to stimulate the lymphatic system. It is located just beneath the skin, so not much force is needed to have an effect. The most commonly used garments are Compression Therapy boots; here we explain how the boots work, but there are also shorts for the buttocks and hips, abdominal belts, and arm sleeves. These garments can be used separately or combined for a more complete treatment. Regarding the programs, each device is different, but a quality one should offer you at least 4 programs to provide versatility to the treatment.

Distal-proximal massage

Don’t be alarmed, it sounds very scientific but its definition is very simple. Colloquially, a distal-proximal massage is one performed from the periphery of the body toward its center. Distal means at a distance and proximal indicates proximity.

When we use a complete Compression Therapy system, the garments cover almost our entire body, from the feet to the upper abdomen. And the massage follows this same order; from the feet upwards, progressively approaching the most central points of the lymphatic network that runs throughout the body.

And if any garment is used separately, the massage also follows that order. We tell you this in case you read it somewhere and it sounds a bit confusing. For example, the fingers are distal in relation to the shoulder.

Some Compression Therapy machines also allow programming the air chamber filling circuit in reverse: in a proximal-distal direction, which is recommended for peripheral arterial disease. Those who suffer from it have difficulty directing blood flow from the heart to the extremities.

Compression Therapy and its 3 main applications: What it is and how it works

Compression Therapy has 3 main applications: Therapeutic, sports, and aesthetic. We can also say it is a 3-in-1 treatment, because even if you select a specific program, this type of massage achieves several effects at the same time. In short, it is a method of moderate alternating pressure that stimulates the lymphatic system, while also improving the functioning of the vascular system. And when both systems work better, the body responds with a whole series of improvements.

Compression Therapy for therapeutic purposes

Using Compression Therapy for therapeutic purposes greatly helps to prevent, relieve, and reduce multiple problems. You can use it for:

• Edemas and lipoedemas
• Congenital and post-operative lymphedemas
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Blocked lymphatic vessels
• Accumulation of fats and toxins
• Spider veins
• Varicose veins
• Venous ulcer (including stubborn or chronic ones)
• Reduce any general inflammation
• Venous stasis (obstruction or compression of veins)
• Redirect fluid retention
• Relieve tired leg syndrome
• Muscle recovery for immobilized patients
• Reactivation of circulation in paralyzed limbs
• Post-operative care after liposuction
• Post-surgical bruising
• Stress (due to its relaxing effect)
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (with proximal-distal massage)
• Post-phlebitic syndrome (pain, redness, and swelling of the leg due to venous clot)

Compression Therapy for sports purposes

Many athletes, both professional and amateur, are joining the use of Compression Therapy for sports purposes every day to:

• Relieve muscle soreness
• Eliminate lactic acid faster
• Oxygenate all tissues
• Maintain good lymphatic health
• Recover before and after training
• Relieve edema caused by muscle damage
• Combat competition-related stress

Compression Therapy for aesthetic purposes

What about Compression Therapy for aesthetic purposes? Its benefits are highly sought especially by women (although increasingly by men as well) who want to:

• Reduce cellulite
• Reduce volume in localized areas
• Oxygenate the skin and tissues
• Tone the muscles
• Postpartum muscle recovery

Although very beneficial, keep in mind that Compression Therapy is not without risks. In some cases, it is contraindicated. Before using it, consult a doctor to rule out any possible contraindications. Only in very exceptional cases should you avoid it, but it is always better to consult a medical professional.

Advantages of using your own Compression Therapy machine

A Compression Therapy machine is the ideal alternative to manual lymphatic massage. Modern Compression Therapy equipment helps lymphatic drainage by applying pressure to one or more areas of the body. What other advantages does using your own Compression Therapy machine offer? There are quite a few; pay attention:

• The machine does it all. You just have to relax.
• No time restrictions or any other conditions. You decide when and how long to use your equipment.
• At home, you can watch TV, read, or listen to music while your session lasts. At your own pace!
• You can lend your device to other people in your family.
• It is infinitely more economical than regularly going to an aesthetic or physiotherapy center. Even a package of several sessions has a considerable impact on the monthly budget. For this reason, acquiring a home Compression Therapy device is a great investment in health. You pay once and quickly make the expense worthwhile. And honestly, having Compression Therapy at hand for life IS PRICELESS.

SIZEN: The leading Compression Therapy brand in the Spanish market

Since its beginnings, SIZEN has committed to offering a Compression Therapy device with one of the best quality-price ratios on the market, allowing more and more people to benefit from this treatment every day. Complete and effective, aesthetically beautiful and elegant while also comfortable and easy to use, it has quickly become one of the favorites when choosing a Compression Therapy device for home. So if you are also thinking about joining this compression trend, you should know that SIZEN offers you a 15-day trial before you decide to buy it.

Also, you have an expert available who will inform you about everything and answer any questions you may have. Because buying a Compression Therapy device is a serious and important purchase that you should not make lightly but with all guarantees.

After all, it is the satisfaction of users that truly makes SIZEN the leading Compression Therapy brand in the Spanish market. And now that you know what Compression Therapy is and how it works, you could try it and tell others about it. There are still many people who are unaware of it or who know what it is but believe it is out of their reach. None of that! Compression Therapy is no longer a privilege for a few. Whether for aesthetic, sports, or therapeutic use, many people today can take care of their bodies thanks to Compression Therapy.

And remember: your challenge is also our goal and your well-being, the reason we will continue evolving to offer you Compression Therapy that meets your expectations.