MLD and Pressotherapy: How Pressotherapy Can Be Enhanced with Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Pressotherapy is a popular, non-invasive treatment that uses controlled air pressure (in a suit) to stimulate the lymphatic system, improve circulation, in order to reduce fluid retention. While effective on its own, combining it with Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can create synergy to give you the best and fastest possible outcomes. This holistic approach improves detoxification, reduces swelling, and accelerates recovery. Let’s explore how the synergy of these techniques can benefit your treatment.
Pressotherapy and Its Benefits
Pressotherapy involves wearing an inflatable suit that applies sequential pressure to different areas of the body, mimicking the natural movements of the lymphatic system. This treatment is commonly used for:
- Reducing water retention and swelling
- Improving blood circulation
- Aiding in post-surgical recovery (ask your surgeon first)
- Relieving tired legs and muscle tension
- Supporting cellulite reduction
- Improving skin appearance
The Role of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialised massage technique designed to stimulate lymphatic flow through gentle, rhythmic movements. MLD helps:
- Promote natural detoxification
- Boost lymphatic and blood flow
- Reduce localised and general swelling and inflammation
- Move stocked fluid
- Speed up recovery processes
- Improve skin tone
- Enhance immune function
- Relieve stress and anxiety
- Improve general wellbeing
- Enhance the effectiveness of pressotherapy by prepping the lymph nodes, etc.
How MLD Enhances Pressotherapy
While pressotherapy efficiently stimulates lymphatic circulation, combining it with MLD offers deeper and more precise results. Here’s how:
1. Prepares the Lymphatic System for Better Drainage
Receiving a MLD, before pressotherapy, helps to open the lymphatic pathways (lymphatic nodes and vessels) for a better lymphatic flow and system detox.
2. Targets Stubborn Fluid Retention
Pressotherapy applies generalised pressure, while MLD allows therapists to focus on specific areas with excessive swelling, optimising drainage.
3. Boosts Post-Surgical Recovery
For those recovering from liposuction or cosmetic procedures, a combination of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and pressotherapy can accelerate healing. Pressotherapy helps reduce swelling in areas that were not directly operated on, while the therapist manually drains the surgical sites, ensuring optimal fluid movement and recovery.
4. Enhances Detoxification and Skin Health
The rhythmic movements of MLD paired with the compression of pressotherapy encourage toxin removal, improving skin tone and reducing cellulite.
5. Personalised Treatment for Optimal Results
While pressotherapy provides a systematic approach, MLD allows a tailored treatment approach, adapting to patient´s needs and conditions such as lymphoedema or lipoedema (ask your GP or lymphoedema therapist before booking for pressotherapy session, MLD is always advised for these conditions).
Best Practices for Combining Pressotherapy & MLD
To maximise the benefits of both treatments, follow these guidelines:
- Start with an MLD session. Use MLD before pressotherapy to stimulate lymph nodes.
- Seek for professional advice before booking for pressotherapy
- Stay hydrated before and after sessions to facilitate spelling.
- Incorporate both treatments into a weekly routine for long-term benefits.
A final word
By integrating manual lymphatic drainage with pressotherapy, you can amplify the effects of both treatments, leading to faster recovery, enhanced detoxification, and improved overall wellness. Whether you’re looking to reduce swelling, improve circulation, or achieve a more sculpted appearance, this combination is a powerful tool for holistic health, but always ask you GP first.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find usin Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9028309/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39240801/
