There are some body issues that can be overlooked because they tend to happen gradually. Shoes are tight-fitting by evening. Socks leave traces around ankles. You feel tired in your legs despite having not moved much, and the swelling of your feet or hands is not disappearing after a day.
Such issues are quite common when you:
- Spend many hours sitting at the desk.
- Stand for hours at work.
- Do a lot of traveling.
- Place much pressure on your legs through physical activity.
- Have had body therapy recently and notice some swelling or sensitivity.
In most cases, this is not an indication of any serious problems, but painful swelling, swelling of one leg, or swelling that does not disappear at all requires medical assistance rather than any wellness program.
What causes such heaviness and puffiness then?
Why does it happen?
Your body's tissues are always surrounded by a thin layer of fluid. Your lymphatic system takes care of any excess and directs it towards your lymph nodes. There is no pump, and it relies on movement, primarily on your muscles contracting as you move.
The process gets difficult when you stay in the sitting or standing position for a long time because gravity starts pulling fluid down, accumulating it in the ankle and leg area, making your feet heavy and swollen. Pressotherapy is specifically designed to handle such a condition.
What is pressotherapy?
Pressotherapy is a soft technique aimed at facilitating your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system does not have its own pump; it works with the help of movements only. When movements slow down, the fluid gets stuck within the tissue layer, causing swelling, discomfort, and heaviness.
Pressotherapy uses special air-filled garments that get inflated sequentially in a certain direction starting from feet or hands up to your body. This allows the fluid and blood to be moved through your lymphatic vessels and veins. The wave effect activates lymphatic vessels and assists venous circulation; it is gradual and is a little bit stronger in the external zones to assist moving the fluid towards the central lymph nodes.
What is going on in your body during pressotherapy?
It goes something like this.
1. The air chambers fill up, one after another
The outfit inflates gradually, starting from your feet or hands and moving towards the middle part of the body. Each chamber compresses and then expands, forming the wave-like motion of the pressure.
2. A gentle squeeze reaches the tubes under your skin
The compression pushes on the veins and lymphatic vessels located in this area. The lymphatic vessels contain one-way valves, which do not allow the fluid to flow backwards during compression.
3. The extra fluid is pushed towards your lymph nodes
The pressure gradient is applied to the body gradually, meaning that it is higher in the peripheral zones, which directs the movement of the fluid towards central lymph nodes. The blood in veins is also stimulated by this pressure.
4. The fluid goes back into your normal circulation
Having traveled all the way to the lymph nodes, the fluid eventually enters the bloodstream and is dealt with by the body in the same manner as excess water, mainly through kidneys. That might explain why people often have an urge to go to the toilet after a pressotherapy session, but it is merely anecdotal evidence.
5. Your legs feel lighter
Having no excess fluid in your tissues, there is no pressure on the skin, and you feel no more heavy or puffy.
What pressotherapy is not capable of doing
Pressotherapy does move fluids, which means that its effects on slimming are mainly due to loss of water rather than fat. It cannot take the place of proper nutrition and regular physical exercises. There is some scientific support for the theory that lymphatic drainage helps diminish cellulite; however, the theory of toxin removal lacks such backing.
Pressotherapy at VeCura Wellness
Pressotherapy at VeCura is used as part of the therapy, not as an independent gadget.
- Sequential compression: Chambers inflate starting from the foot or hand towards the body, thus moving fluid and blood through lymphatic and veins.
- Graduated pressure: Stronger in the peripheral areas in order to move fluids into the central lymph nodes.
- Personal approach: The therapy begins with the body composition test and ends with the consultation of the doctor who examines your test results and medical history in order to create an individual programme.
- Results are traced: We measure the changes, for example, centimeters, in order to understand what really happens.
- First of all, safety comes first: There are some conditions of circulation and heart when pressotherapy might be contraindicated; therefore, consultation is required at the beginning. People with pregnancy, recent surgical operations, heart disease, diabetes, or fever should consult a doctor before the therapy.
Pressotherapy can help with persistent swelling, heavy legs, circulation support, and recovery after certain body treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does it hurt?
No, it shouldn't. You'll feel only constant pressure, which may be reduced in case it's too high. High levels of pressure may lead to aching and slight redness.
How long does a session last?
The sessions at wellness centers normally take from 30 to 45 minutes. The exact time will be provided by your VeCura center depending on your program.
When will I feel changes?
Most patients feel that they become lighter after one session. Swelling becomes less obvious gradually after a few sessions.
How often can I undergo it?
It usually takes place once or twice a week, but your doctor will provide recommendations based on your health state.
Can I continue my daily activities after it?
Yes, you may resume your regular activities after the session.
Is it a detox?
It would be better to describe it as a liquid movement therapy because of the lack of scientific evidence of toxin removal.
Who shouldn't undergo the procedure?
Patients who are pregnant or have recently had surgery, heart disease, diabetes, fever or some other condition must ask the doctor for advice.
Conclusion
Swollen, heavy legs are the natural response of your body when the fluid in your body doesn't flow easily enough. Pressotherapy applies a regular and soft impulse on that fluid flow, which is why it is a perfect solution for swelling and heaviness but can't be used to lose fat.
If you have noticed these symptoms in yourself, make sure to visit VeCura branches near you to check your condition and find the most appropriate treatment.
The above-mentioned information is only informative and not medical advice.
References
- Healthline. What You Need to Know About Pressotherapy (medically reviewed). https://www.healthline.com/health/pressotherapy
- Cleveland Clinic. Lymphatic Drainage Massage. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21768-lymphatic-drainage-massage
- Medicofit. More about pressotherapy. https://medicofit.si/en/self-therapy/pressotherapy/
