Lymphatic drainage and pressotherapy: sessions and real effect
Lymphatic drainage and pressotherapy help venous and lymphatic return and ease the sensation of heaviness and mild fluid retention, but they do not reduce body fat and do not replace medical treatment.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- A session lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
- A usual course is 10 to 12 sessions, twice a week.
- The price per session runs 25 € to 45 €.
- It is contraindicated with thrombosis, decompensated heart failure or active infection.
What it does, it does well. The problem starts when it is sold as something it is not, so being precise about expectations is the whole article.
How it works
Pressotherapy uses a garment with air chambers inflated in sequence from the distal end towards the proximal, pushing fluid in the direction of venous and lymphatic return. Manual lymphatic drainage achieves the same with very light rhythmic hand movements following the lymphatic pathways. The immediate effect is a reduction in the feeling of heaviness and a reduction in girth from fluid movement, not from fat loss.
| Aspect | Figure | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Session length | 30 to 45 minutes | |
| Frequency | 2 sessions a week | during a course |
| Usual course | 10 to 12 sessions | |
| Price per session | 25 to 45 € | |
| Course of 10 sessions | 220 to 380 € | 10 to 20 % discount |
| Maintenance afterwards | 1 session every 2 or 3 weeks | |
| Effect on body fat | none |
What it is genuinely useful for
Easing tired, heavy legs, which is common in summer and in people who stand for long periods. Supporting drainage in mild fluid retention. And as a complement in sports recovery programmes. What it does not do is reduce localised fat, eliminate cellulite or substitute for the treatment of venous insufficiency, which requires medical assessment.
When it is contraindicated
With suspected or recent deep vein thrombosis, decompensated heart failure, active infection or inflammation in the area, open wounds, unhealed fractures and certain oncological conditions without express indication. Also during pregnancy unless medically advised. A serious salon asks about all of that before the first session and records the answers in writing.
Pain, asymmetric swelling of one leg or redness with heat call for medical assessment rather than a booking.
How to get the most from it
Combine it with what acts on the same cause: walking 30 minutes daily, elevating the legs for 15 minutes at the end of the day, reducing salt and using compression stockings where indicated. Two 40 minute sessions a week add up to 80 minutes against the more than 10,000 minutes in a week, and that contrast explains why the daily habit matters more than the cabin.
Frequently asked
+Does pressotherapy help you lose weight?
No. It moves fluid and eases heaviness, but it does not reduce fat or remove cellulite.
+How many sessions are in a course?
Ten to twelve sessions, twice a week, with spaced maintenance afterwards.
+How long is each session?
Between 30 and 45 minutes depending on the programme used.
+When is it contraindicated?
With recent thrombosis, decompensated heart failure, active infection or open wounds.
+What complements it?
Daily walking, elevating the legs, reducing salt and compression where indicated.
Sources
- 1Ministerio de Sanidad, Gobierno de España (August 2026)
- 2Govern de les Illes Balears, Govern de les Illes Balears (August 2026)