Massage for cellulite reduction is a non-invasive technique that involves gently massaging away the lumps and bumps of cellulite. It is an effective and pleasant way of reducing the look of the condition.
There are a number of reasons why cellulite massage is so effective. Firstly, it assists with lymphatic drainage by increasing circulation to the cells deep under the skin. This increases blood flow and oxygen to the affected areas, releasing the build up of fluids and toxins, and softening up the fibrous bands that have hardened overtime. Secondly, the massaging motion stretches and relaxes the connective tissues, breaks up the fatty deposits, and smooths and tones the skin.
It is important to note that its can take several weeks to see results and that any gains you make are not permanent. To keep the results, it is essential that you continue maintenance sessions indefinitely. These maintenance sessions can be sustained at a lesser frequency than it took to obtain the gains.
What Are Your Massage Options?
Generally speaking, cellulite treatment massage can be divided in to three different varieties: massage that is conducted by the client at home with bare hands or a machine; massage by a trained massage therapist; or mechanical therapy conducted at non-surgical clinic. Each method has different advantages and disadvantages.
Massage at Home – Bare Hands
It is possible to conduct cellulite massage on yourself at home using cream and your bare hands. The main advantage of doing it yourself is that there is no need to pay for expensive sessions at a clinic. However, it is often less effective than the other treatment options and some women may find it difficult to adequately massage difficult to reach areas.
In order to conduct the massage, you will first need to apply moisturizer or anti-cellulite cream to the skin. This will assist your hands to glide over the skin. You should start with some gentle massage followed by alternating between the following actions:
• Long sweeping strokes with your palm and fingers
• Circular motions with your palm and fingers
• Gently pinch the skin and pull it away from the body and then move it a variety of directions.
It is recommended that you massage your problem areas at least once per day.
Massage at Home – Machines
It is possible to purchase cellulite machines that you can use at home to massage your problem areas. These devices are based on the same technology used by machines in beauty salons or non-surgical clinics but are smaller and less powerful.
The most popular at home cellulite machines include:
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Verseo Cellulite Roller Massager |
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L’Oreal Philips Slim Pro Anti Cellulite Massage Kit ($69.99) – the Philips Cellulite Massage Kit contains an Electro Anti Cellulite Massage appliance (developed by Philips) .and a Post massage concentrate from L’oreal. |
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Celluless Vacuum Therapy ($129.99) – a hand held vacuum massager which has a cordless design and is rechargeable. |
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Thigh Design PRO Cellulite Tissue Massager System ($495.00) – uses suction massage to mechanically lift and stretch the skin and fat. |
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Wellbox Body Tissular Cellulite Therapy Optimizer ($1,499.00) – tissular rolling helps stimulate firmer, healthier skin all over your body through gentle reconditioning, while tissular lifting focuses on skin prone to wrinkles by helping enhance elasticity and complexion. |
Massage Therapists
A more uncommon but still worthwhile approach is to have your anti-cellulite massage conducted by a trained massage therapist. The cost will be between $40 to $70 per session. Some women can feel uncomfortable with this method as cellulite usually appears on the more personal areas of the body.
To see what type of technique a massage therapist is likely to use you can watch this video from VideoJug.
Beauty Salons or Non-Surgical Clinics – Machine Massagers
The most effective of all massage treatments are the machines that are offered by many day spas, cosmetic surgeons and beauty salons around the country. Some devices combine mechanical massage with laser or radio wave therapy in order to improve the results. A single session on one of these machines can cost anywhere between $80 to $150.
The three most common FDA-cleared machines are:
Lipomassage by Endermologie: clients are required to wear a specially designed body stocking and the head of the Endermologie machine is run over the problem areas of the body. Two rollers and suction gently massage the skin and fat. Sessions are usually recommended twice weekly and last for approximately 35 minutes.
Tri-Active by CynoSure: this devices combines both massage and laser therapy. The mechanical massage distends the skin in various directions to enhance microcirculation and six diode lasers are used to stimulate collagen production in the skin. A session takes about 20-30 minutes and 8 to 16 treatments are needed to see results. See TriActive laser treatment.
Velasmooth: this devices combines vacuum and roller massage with infrared therapy. Vacuum and specially designed rollers manipulate and smooth out the skin. The combination of infrared and conducted RF energies increases oxygen to the cells by heating the skin. Patients must commit to the full regimen of two 45-60 minute treatments per week for at least 6-8 weeks.
Conclusion
Which particular cellulite treatment massage you choose will depend on the time you can dedicate to the remedy, your budget and personal tastes. Regardless of which method you select, you will see better results if you undertake a diet and exercise program while you undergo the treatment.
