When NOT to Use Pressotherapy? Contraindications of Pressotherapy

That this massage method, thanks to the use of professional compression therapy devices, being non-invasive and painless may lead one to think it has no contraindications. But be careful, because this is not the case. It is true that we are talking about a generally very safe therapy but let’s not forget that compression therapy is not harmless in certain cases. And we must not underestimate the effect that this completely external massage has beneath our skin.

In a gentle but firm and constant way, the pressure applied to the areas to be treated affects the tissues and channels of both our lymphatic and circulatory systems. So never think that because it is a gentle massage, its effects are only superficial. But before we dive fully into compression therapy and its contraindications, let’s remember what it is, how it works and what it consists of to understand how it acts on our body.

What Compression Therapy Is and How It Works

Technically, it is very simple to understand: a machine or device emits a series of air bursts, which pass through tubes connected to padded garments with several distinct chambers. These garments are usually made so that their use is comfortable and pleasant to the touch. When we select a specific program, those air chambers fill and empty alternately.

The rhythm of pressure and decompression as well as the number of chambers that remain filled for a certain time before emptying simultaneously also depends on the type of program selected. Generally, it works this way with any device, whether for professional use like those found in aesthetic or physiotherapy centers, or for home use, which is actually the most popular today. Basically, compression therapy applies controlled and adjustable pressure on the body.

And this is how every compression therapy device works, from the most expensive to the cheapest. They may differ in quality or pressure strengthpressure, but the operation of the machine and the garments is essentially the same, although it is also true that not all devices have the same number of programs or chambers in their garments. However, as we have recommended in other articles, we can say that a lymphatic massage is compression therapy when the device meets minimum quality standards in every aspect, including pressure intensity. There are very cheap compression therapy devices, yes, but it is more than likely that they will be of little use to you.

Avoid “toys” and opt for equipment that meets your expectations. Compression Therapy boots are especially popular, as they can treat multiple circulatory problems, fluid retention, heaviness in the legs, etc. Other garments also very useful, especially in the aesthetic field, are the belt, arm sleeve, and Compression Therapy shorts or pants.

And what is Compression Therapy in purely physical terms? We can say it is a massage that uses pressure and decompression to stimulate the circulation of lymph, an essential fluid of the lymphatic system whose cleansing function, in addition to transporting protein substances, is closely linked to both the circulatory and immune systems. If there is no contraindication preventing its application, what Compression Therapy does to your body is not only very healthy but also highly recommended by many doctors. Generally, lymphatic massage is not only safe but very beneficial for your body, both as a preventive measure and as a treatment for problems you may already be experiencing. The intensity is just right to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping lymph flow better without causing any pain or discomfort.

Now that we know what Compression Therapy consists of, let’s continue revealing the indications and contraindications of this lymphatic drainage massage.

And now let’s move on to the next question about Compression Therapy, what it is for, and in which cases it is highly recommended to use it, as long as you use quality equipment.

Indications for Compression Therapy

Let’s look at the indications for Compression Therapy and how you could also take advantage of the many benefits of lymphatic drainage once you have ruled out any contraindications. Compression Therapy is indicated for:

• Relieve tired leg syndrome (heaviness in the legs)
• Reduce edema – retained fluid – in the legs or other areas
• Reduce the appearance of orange peel skin caused by cellulite
• Keep centimeters in check to achieve a more defined contour
• Reactivate lymphatic drainage when it is blocked or deficient
• Help enhance venous return when it is not functioning properly
• Speed up muscle recovery after sports activity
• Facilitate postoperative recovery of the body after liposuction
• Prevent and reduce spider veins and varicose veins
• Achieve better muscle tone and more elastic skin (by delivering more oxygen) 

What do you think? Now that you know what drainage compression therapy is for, you’re surely thinking it could help you both maintain good health and a good appearance, right? Of course! You see there are many good effects of compression therapy that you can take advantage of as long as your health can tolerate this treatment. Now let’s look at the cases where we can talk about contraindications and dangers of compression therapy.

Contraindications of Compression Therapy: when not to use it

Although it is usually very safe and even recommended by many medical professionals, you should take certain precautions with compression therapy when there are certain physical conditions that might not respond well to this type of treatment. Let’s look at the main cases where we could face serious dangers with compression therapy:

• If you suffer from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• If there is any external infection in the area to be treated
• If there is an internal infection in the body, of any kind
• If there is an open wound, either internal or external, in the area to be treated
• If you experience any type of body pain or numbness
• If you suffer from any heart disease or use a pacemaker
• If you are an oncology patient (suffering from any cancer or undergoing treatment.

If you are in the gestation period (compression therapy could only be used at certain times during pregnancy, and only after consulting a doctor. 

Contraindications of Compression Therapy with menstruation:

There are certain contraindications of compression therapy with menstruation that you should keep in mind. It is possible to use it to treat edema or inflammation among other discomforts typical of premenstrual syndrome, but it is not advisable to do compression therapy when you have your period; that is, when bleeding is already occurring.

These are, in principle, the main contraindications you will see listed on most websites or articles dedicated to compression therapy. We also invite you to discover more visiting our blog.

Although we document all our articles very well, you will see that we always, absolutely always, advise that at the slightest doubt about any aspect related to your health, you first consult a doctor. If your doctor confirms that your general health condition is good, then yes, there will be no dangers with compression therapy, so do not fear and make the most of it. Both in the short and medium term and later in your life, you will find that compression therapy can also be applied with excellent results to treat problems related to the ailments typical of certain ages. Tired legs? Varicose veins? Edema, lymphedema or lipedema? All of these and more can be treated with this revolutionary method, greatly improving the quality of life for those who suffer from these problems.

Compression Therapy: advantages and disadvantages

There is a lot of talk about compression therapy and its advantages, but… does compression therapy have disadvantages? The answer depends on whether we talk about compression therapy in a center or at home. Without discrediting the professional compression therapy offered in aesthetic or physiotherapy centers, we must say that although the treatment is effective, there is a fairly obvious disadvantage: it is expensive to go to the center with the regularity that this type of treatment requires to really work. And whether for aesthetic or therapeutic use, you must do compression therapy frequently for it to really work. Going to a center to do compression therapy every day or at least several times a month is, at best, unfeasible for most budgets.

Both in the cosmetic aspect and when treating certain chronic conditions, compression therapy helps keep many problems at bay, but how to achieve this when it’s usually not possible to spend so much money continuously? In the medium term, even with passes or special offers, allocating a fixed budget each month is not always feasible, right? Precisely because of this, one day someone had the brilliant idea of bringing compression therapy to homes, with the same effects and results as professional compression therapy. And that’s how today compression therapy devices are just another household appliance, so good for health that everyone wants to have one.

So the solution is to have your own compression therapy at home, turning any little corner of your house into your own health, aesthetics, and wellness center. No fixed schedules, no limitations, and being able to enjoy all the applications of compression therapy for a price that was unimaginable a few years ago. So about compression therapy and its advantages and disadvantages, what we can say loudly is that of the former, all, and of the latter, none. Unless it bothers you that everyone at home starts demanding their turn to use it.

Advantages of Home Compression Therapy:

• No fixed schedules, whenever you want
• You use the program you want or combine several
• You set the time for each session at your convenience
• You use the equipment in the corner that is most comfortable for you
• You can do other things while the session lasts (read, listen to music…)
• You can comfortably carry your equipment wherever you want or need it
• The pressure is just right for compression therapy without side effects
• You can do compression therapy every day without harm to your health
• You pay once and in the short term it’s already paid off and always by your side
• Other family members can use it; everyone at home benefits!

Compression Therapy SIZEN: health, aesthetics, and wellness without leaving home

Imagine enjoying all the benefits of Compression Therapy without depending on any schedule but your own. Transform any little corner of your home into your own wellness oasis. Burn some incense or essential oils, play some music or watch your favorite series while you let the SIZEN 6+ does all the work. Oh yeah. The truth is those moments of self-care are priceless. Don’t you deserve it? That’s what SIZEN Compression Therapy offers you: health, aesthetics, and well-being without leaving home. It’s a luxury to have your own masseur in the privacy of your home, or why not, also in your office, vacation spot, or even at the gym.

Wherever you want or need it. The best part is that we’re talking about a lymphatic drainage machine designed to have all the positive effects on your body without any harm, no matter how often you use it. Use Compression Therapy every day? Yes, you can. Because the negative effects of Compression Therapy when we talk about a home device are zero. The pressure and decompression intensity have been calculated to be completely safe and have no side effects. Usually, you won’t use it that often, but it’s good to know you can use it as much as you want because it will never cause any health problems, quite the opposite. The better and more pampered your lymphatic system is, the better you’ll feel both inside and out. Also, you can adjust the intensity of your SIZEN 6+ as you wish. In any case, and if you have already ruled out any contraindications, there are no risks with home Compression Therapy!

Now that you know a little more about Compression Therapy, what it is and its benefits, maybe it’s time to include it in your lifestyle and for you to tell us firsthand how it goes. What we can say to finish is that if Compression Therapy at home has such positive reviews, it’s because compression massage works and gives excellent results both aesthetically, therapeutically, and in sports. And the best part is that the effects of Compression Therapy at home are always good and more than worthwhile. What are you waiting for? Visit the SIZEN store, the leading Compression Therapy brand in Spain, and choose your ideal pack.

And if you have any questions, remember that we are here to help you make the best decision, guiding you in your purchase so you receive the best option at home. Your satisfaction is above all, our reason for being, the greatest motivation for our brand, and what truly defines SIZEN.