Pressotherapy after pregnancy: when it is safe to start and how lymphatic drainage eases postnatal leg swelling and supports recovery in Belgrade.
This article is about pressotherapy after pregnancy and childbirth, not during pregnancy. After childbirth, the body retains excess fluid for some time, so the legs can swell and feel heavy. Pressotherapy, or mechanical lymphatic drainage, can help reduce swelling and the feeling of heaviness in the legs, and the right time to start is determined individually, following a doctor's assessment.
Pressotherapy acts on fluid retention, not on fatty tissue: it does not break down fat deposits and is not a weight loss method. In the case of cellulite, it can support anti-cellulite treatment, because once the swelling goes down, the skin appears smoother. The treatment is generally well tolerated, but it is not for everyone, so contraindications are checked before starting.
Why does swelling occur in pregnancy?
Women go through numerous changes during pregnancy, both inside the body and visibly on it. Some are milder, some more severe, and every pregnant woman copes with them in her own way. One of the most common is swelling of certain parts of the body, most often the legs – feet, ankles, and toes, due to increased blood volume and pressure on blood vessels.
This phenomenon is quite normal and occurs in a large number of pregnant women, and it becomes more pronounced as the pregnancy progresses, especially in the third trimester. It is also more pronounced in the evening, after walking or a long, tiring day, due to the pressure of the weight on the legs and blood vessels. The swelling appears gradually and usually does not endanger either the pregnant woman or the baby, but the feeling is certainly unpleasant, and even painful.
Why is pressotherapy recommended after pregnancy?
Pressotherapy, or lymphatic drainage, after pregnancy has multiple benefits for the body. It can help to reduce swelling and the feeling of heaviness in the legs, which makes moving around easier for many women. Pressotherapy does not treat varicose veins; if you have them or developed them during pregnancy, you should discuss the treatment with a doctor first, and in cases of suspected thrombosis, pressotherapy must not be performed.
The treatment is generally well tolerated, and the start is agreed upon with the gynaecologist monitoring your recovery, particularly after a caesarean section or complications in pregnancy. Pressotherapy works by encouraging the lymphatic system to function more efficiently, which helps the body to get rid of excess fluid more quickly. After a few treatments, women often notice a reduction in swelling, more energy and a greater sense of relief in their legs.
Pressotherapy is well worth considering to help a woman feel lighter, more radiant and more energetic. Once the swelling decreases, many women feel lighter and their skin appears smoother, but pressotherapy is no substitute for rest and recovery, physical activity and a healthy diet. In any case, consult your doctor about the right time to start pressotherapy after childbirth.
Combining pressotherapy with other treatments
Pressotherapy can be combined with other treatments when a physician considers the body to be ready. Some of the treatments frequently used alongside pressotherapy include Emsculpt, Alma PrimeX and shockwave therapy. Here is a brief overview of each of these treatments and their benefits:
- Emsculpt:
Emsculpt is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to stimulate muscles. Powerful contractions can help strengthen the stomach and gluteal muscles. Emsculpt is not performed during breastfeeding or in the first few months after a caesarean section, and in cases of diastasis, a doctor first assesses the condition of the abdominal wall. - Alma PrimeX:
It uses ultrasound to act on local fat deposits and radiofrequency to improve skin firmness. Alma PrimeX can be combined with pressotherapy: Alma PrimeX works on the skin and fatty tissue, while pressotherapy targets excess fluid, so the effects complement each other. - Shockwave therapy:
Shockwave therapy (acoustic wave therapy) uses pulsating waves to stimulate blood flow and accelerate tissue regeneration. It is used for cellulite, and Shockwave therapy and pressotherapy are often part of the same anti-cellulite plan.
Have a question?
Answers to frequently asked questions
How soon after childbirth can I start pressotherapy?
The start of the treatment depends on your health condition and how your body is recovering after childbirth. Usually, women can start the treatment a few weeks after childbirth, but it is always advisable to consult a doctor to determine the right moment. The treatment is recommended when the woman feels ready to return to light physical activities, as this is when she will benefit most.
What does the treatment involve?
We use the high-tech BTL Lymphastim system – a pressotherapy system used for therapeutic purposes and as support for body contouring and cellulite treatments. This medical treatment stimulates lymphatic drainage using air pressure delivered through the chambers of a special suit to different parts of the body.
Alternating compression and decompression stimulates venous and lymphatic circulation. The device operates automatically based on parameters determined by the physician, in accordance with the indication and the patient's condition.
Pressure activates the lymph nodes and encourages their drainage. Using rhythmic compression, excess fluid is expelled, circulation is stimulated, and the muscles are relaxed. The treatment usually lasts from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the programme applied.
How long does one pressotherapy treatment last?
One treatment usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on individual needs. The sessions are short enough to easily fit into a daily routine, which is especially important for working mums or those with small children.
How many treatments are needed for visible results?
The number of treatments required depends on your overall condition and the goals you wish to achieve. Usually, to achieve visible results, a series of 5 to 10 treatments is recommended, performed once or twice a week.
What results can I expect?
The most important benefits of pressotherapy are:
- reduction of swelling and pain in the legs, feet, calves and ankles
– reduced water retention
– improvement of blood flow and circulation
– a feeling of lightness in the legs
– increase in skin elasticity
– anti-cellulite treatment support
Can pressotherapy help reduce cellulite after pregnancy?
It can help as support: it reduces the fluid retention that makes cellulite more pronounced, but it does not break down fatty tissue. Therefore, in the case of cellulite, it is combined with other treatments, according to a plan created by a doctor.
Is pressotherapy painful?
No. The pressure feels like a firm, rhythmic squeeze, and most women describe the treatment as pleasant and relaxing. The procedure involves applying gentle pressure to certain parts of the body, which creates a sensation of light tightening, but it is not uncomfortable. Many women experience the treatment as a massage, which helps them relax and relaxes the muscles.
Contraindications
Pressotherapy is not recommended for people who have the following conditions: low blood pressure, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), bronchial asthma, recent thrombosis, kidney disease, early pregnancy, after splenectomy (spleen removal), menstruation, chemotherapy.
Special attention is required in cases of varicose veins and after a caesarean section. In the event of swelling in only one leg, calf pain or redness, contact a doctor immediately.
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Dr Ivica Jeremić
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