Pressotherapy
Pressotherapy is a physiotherapy treatment that applies controlled pressure to various areas of the body using inflatable air chambers. This procedure helps improve lymphatic and venous circulation, facilitating the drainage of fluids and toxins, which reduces swelling, muscle fatigue and heaviness in the legs. The technique is based on compression and deflation cycles that generate a relaxing massage sensation for the patient.
Recommended for cases of edema, muscle fatigue and post-surgical recovery, pressotherapy is also popular among athletes, as it optimizes tissue oxygenation, reduces fatigue and promotes efficient recovery. Each session lasts about 30 minutes and is usually performed in cycles of 6 to 12 sessions.
What is pressotherapy?
It is a technique used in physiotherapy that is based on the application of rhythmic pressures in different areas of the body. This tool promotes lymphatic and venous circulation, thus contributing to the reduction of fluids, elimination of toxins and improvement of muscle fatigue.
How does pressotherapy work?
Pressotherapy is based on the application of sequential and controlled pressure to the area to be treated. The device in charge of this treatment is connected to a series of inflatable sleeves and boots that cover the desired area. These garments contain air chambers that inflate and deflate rhythmically, imitating the natural movement of the lymphatic and venous system.
The process is divided into three phases:
- Progressive compression: The device begins by gradually inflating the air chambers, exerting pressure from the distal part (further from the heart) to the proximal part (closer to the heart).
- Compression: As the chambers inflate, they compress the tissues, which encourages the flow of blood and lymph to areas where it can drain properly.
- Deflated: The chambers then deflate, allowing the pressure to decrease and the body to relax before a new cycle begins.
Effects and benefits of pressotherapy.
Some of the effects caused by the application of pressotherapy are:
- Improved blood and lymphatic circulation: facilitates the drainage and elimination of toxins accumulated in the body.
- Reduction of edema and fluid retention: It promotes the reabsorption of fluids, which helps reduce edema, swelling and fluid accumulation.
- Relief from the feeling of heaviness in the legs: By improving venous return, it is effective in reducing fatigue and heaviness in the limbs.
- Muscle recovery: helps combat muscle fatigue after intense training or injuries, promoting oxygenation and elimination of waste products.
- Improved postoperative healing: contributes to a faster and more efficient recovery after surgical interventions.
- Aesthetic benefits: Improves the elasticity, firmness and appearance of the skin. Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, shapes the body, reduces cellulite. Pressotherapy provides a more toned appearance, helping to stylize the figure.
Injuries that can benefit from pressotherapy
- Edema caused by circulatory problems (lymphedema).
- Postoperative edema.
- Venous insufficiency.
- Tired legs syndrome.
- Muscle fatigue.
- Post-surgical recovery.
- Stress.
What does the patient feel during a pressotherapy treatment?
At the beginning of the treatment, the patient experiences gradual, rhythmic pressure as the chambers inflate and deflate, producing a sensation similar to that of a massage. Throughout the session, the muscles gradually relax, which helps to relieve the feeling of heaviness.
How many pressotherapy sessions are necessary? How long does a session last?
Pressotherapy can be combined with other techniques during physiotherapy sessions, which enhances the recovery process. Generally, a treatment of between 6 and 12 sessions is recommended.
As it is a non-invasive procedure, it is possible to perform up to two sessions per week, adjusting the frequency according to the patient's response to the treatment.
Each session usually lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Contraindications
- Absolute
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
- Infection or wound in the area to be treated.
- Oncology patient.
- Severe heart disease or if the patient has a pacemaker.
- Uncontrolled hypertension.
- Skin diseases.
- Relatives
- Body pain or numbness.
- Pregnancy.
- Coagulation disorders.
- Hypotension.
Pressotherapy helps sports performance.
Pressotherapy is an effective tool for the recovery of athletes, as it improves circulation and the drainage of fluids and toxins.
This treatment helps reduce muscle fatigue, thus promoting faster and more efficient recovery. In addition, by optimizing better oxygenation and nutrition of the muscles, it contributes to improving sports performance and preventing injuries.
