Pressotherapy is a procedure that is said to help with lymphatic drainage, thereby potentially slimming the look of the arms and legs (because they carry less fluid), easing aches and pains, and detoxifying the body. It uses an air pressure machine to inflate a suit that squeezes your arms, legs, or abdomen in a rhythmic motion, similar to a massage. There is some evidence that lymphatic drainage massage like pressotherapy can reduce the appearance of cellulite and release fluid in the lymph nodes which may build up after surgery or after certain cancer treatments.

Pressotherapy stimulates the body’s lymphatic system. When it’s functioning optimally, the lymphatic system transports lymph, a fluid that contains white blood cells to help fight infection.

Pressotherapy devices come with a central control unit, which blows air into accessories that make a suit that covers the body of the patient. This suit has several parts corresponding to areas of the body, limbs and abdomen.

Pressotherapy is a treatment that involves a modulated compression on the upper and lower limbs and abdomen, indicated in the case of oedema, water retention, circulatory problems and cellulite, providing an immediate feeling of well-being. This action exerts itself on the lymphatic and venous circulation, making it more functional and consequently improving circulation, metabolism and aesthetic imperfections. The pressure is not exerted simultaneously across the whole surface covered by the segments or leggings, but according to a centripetal sequence which is the same as that followed by the venous blood and the lymph circulation.

The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system of the human body and is vital to the immune system. The lymphatic system consists of an extensive network of lymphatic vessels, which are very similar to the blood vessels, and carries a fluid called lymph. Lymph is composed of white blood cells (essential for the immune system), high amounts of fats and debris of bacteria and cells. The lymphatic system collects the liquid and debris that accumulate between the cells and tissues. It also collects many lipids generated by digestion. Unlike blood, the lymphatic system doesn’t have an organ that pumps the lymph, but depends on the muscles and bones that move nearby. When the lymphatic system is affected, the body is not able to drain this fluid, therefore, in such cases, pressotherapy therapy may be helpful to implement this essential body function.