PRESSOTHERAPY. WHAT IS IT?
Pressotherapy is not only an aesthetic slimming treatment, but also a popular medical treatment with physiotherapists, wellness spas, clinics, nutritionists, personal trainers, gyms, and sports massage professionals alike. Currently it’s in high demand, conveniently found at a growing number of local high-street clinics and salons across the UK.
Why is Pressotherapy so important?
This treatment promotes lymphatic system drainage through a system of alternating compression/decompression air pressure waves (or valves) on different parts of the body. I.e. various chambers placed on to the feet, legs, stomach, and arms.
What is main function of the lymphatic system?
• The lymphatic system is like our body’s “sewage system,” which is part of both the circulatory system and the immune system. • It maintains fluid levels in our body tissues, by draining their excess fluids and returning them to the bloodstream. • The lymphatic system is important for the optimal functioning of both general and acute immune responses, protecting the body by flushing out toxins. • The lymph nodes monitor the lymph (the liquid which flows through the lymphatic system), and produce cells and antibodies which protect the body from infection and disease. • The spleen and thymus gland are lymphatic organs that monitor the blood, and can detect and respond to pathogens or malignant cells. • The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the absorption of fats from the intestine. • When the lymphatic system is compromised, or damaged by surgery, radiotherapy, or tissue damage, a swelling in parts of the body may occur (most commonly in the legs or arms). When this swelling lasts over three months, it’s called lymphoedema. • When the lymphatic system is not functioning well, it can lead to water retention, weight gain, obesity, Crohn’s disease and other disorders.
Let’s dive a little deeper: what exactly is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a serious complication from a lymphatic system malfunction, diagnosed as a swelling in the arms or legs, which is caused by a lymphatic system blockage. Lymphoedema increases the risk of infection and other complications, because the lymphocytes (white blood cells) cannot reach those areas of the body where swelling occurs. Since the symptoms of lymphoedema are most evident in the arms or legs, pronounced swelling may cause fatigue and discomfort in performing routine daily activities. Throughout this lockdown period, a large percentage of us have been impacted with having to work from home, adapting to a home office, sitting awkwardly at times, as well as not being able to receive regular massages or treatments for both medical and aesthetic purposes.
The impact has reached both the healthy population and those who are shielding due to a more vulnerable immune system, health complications, and some of which are specifically suffering from the restrictions of limited mobility. A portion of the latter may be affected by Lymphoedema.
