Lymphatic massage device

The lymphatic massage device is also known as a pressure, wave, or compression therapy unit, although these all refer to the same device. The term "lymphatic massage machine" can be a bit misleading because it's not only used for lymphatic patients but for many conditions! The term massage itself is not entirely accurate, as it is not meant for strong muscle kneading and does not replace a massage therapist!

The lymphatic massage device improves blood and lymph circulation by inflating the cuffs. It is very effective and - with correct settings - completely safe.

Applications of the lymphatic massage device

• Lymphoedema (lymphedema, lymphatic congestion) primary, congenital form treatment
• Lymphoedema secondary, acquired form symptomatic treatment, including swelling after breast cancer removal
• Lipedema (lipedema) symptomatic treatment
• Lower limb venous insufficiency symptom relief
• Pregnancy varicose vein symptom relief
• Deep vein thrombosis prevention (e.g., for bedridden patients) and thrombosis recurrence prevention
• Treatment of post-thrombosis condition (post-thrombotic syndrome)
• Long-term immobility (e.g., prolonged bed rest due to severe illness, stroke-related or other paralysis) related limb swelling reduction
• Improvement of muscle recovery for athletes
• Excellent for self-care (wellness) in healthy conditions. Relaxes and refreshes a body tired from all-day activity.

Watch Dr. Zsolt Zátrok's video about lymphatic massage devices

What is a lymphatic massage device?

The lymphatic massage device is essentially a precisely controlled air compressor. According to the program, it pumps air into the connected treatment cuffs' air chambers. The pressure can be very precisely controlled according to medical treatment needs. Particularly important is that each chamber can inflate individually, separately, or together. The pressure from the inflated chamber creates the beneficial effect, i.e., the movement and redirection of blood and lymph.

Necessary accessory: treatment cuff

Treatment cuffs can be placed on the legs, arms, or torso, depending on which body area needs treatment. Choose a cuff based on your symptoms.

Available options

• Arm cuff (usually in standard and large sizes)
• Mid-length leg cuff
• Thigh-length leg cuff (usually in standard, large, and extra sizes, with zippered expanders)
• Torso cuff (usually in standard and large sizes)
• Pant cuff (usually one size, but with multiple zipper rows for size adjustment across a wide range)

Number and importance of air chambers

Devices are available with 4, 6, or 12 air chambers on the cuffs.

The more chambers, the faster the desired result. However, the price of the device and cuffs also rises sharply with more chambers.

A 4-chamber device can be fully adequate for home use, though similar results might require a few more minutes of daily treatment than a 12-chamber device.

Treatment programs

The simplest home devices usually offer a single "program," inflating the cuff chambers from bottom to top (for leg cuffs, the chamber at the ankle inflates first, then the calf chamber, then the knee, and finally the thigh). Pressure is equal in all chambers. Only treatment pressure and duration can be adjusted. These simple devices can successfully treat mild edema, varicose vein symptoms, and post-thrombosis condition.

For more severe or older edema with rapid refilling or complications (leakage, ulcers), choose a higher-performance device. These are more efficient but cost more.

Mid-range lymphatic massage devices offer multiple inflation programs, although pressure still is the same in all chambers.

The most effective devices allow pressure to be set individually per chamber, with adjustable pressure hold time and rest duration between inflation cycles. Medical studies show better lymphoedema treatment when pressure is higher in the lower chambers than ascending upwards. The duration of pressure hold per cycle should ideally be at least 45 seconds.

Which lymphatic massage device should you choose?

The main differences between devices are the number of air chambers, precision of pressure control, and durability of the device.

The area compressed at once depends on the number of cuff chambers. More chambers provide finer lymph routing and shorter treatment time for results.

Low-cost compressors apply the same pressure in every chamber. Higher-quality devices can set different pressures per chamber, which is crucial for lower limb treatment. A pressure gradient with higher pressure at the foot than upward helps faster lymph flow.

Device programs use pressure sensors. The compressor pumps air until the set pressure is reached, then stops and moves to the next chamber. More precise devices hold the achieved pressure for a set time to allow more lymph movement. Devices with adjustable pressure hold time enable more effective treatments.

Four-chamber devices designed for home use are intended for 1-2 hours daily treatment and weigh about 2-3 kg, making them portable. Six to twelve-chamber or more devices are typically for hospital or clinic use, capable of continuous operation for 12-16 hours, and weigh 10 kg or more.

If affordable, opt for devices with 6 or more chambers, but a quality 4-chamber device is suitable for 85-90% of daily home treatments.

Simple and cheap devices (Power Q-1000 Plus, Power Q-2200) are recommended only for mild symptoms without complications. For elderly or those struggling with technology, the simplest Power Q-1000 Plus is better than leaving edema untreated.

For severe obesity, moderate to severe edema, or ulcer complications, basic devices lack sufficient capability. Use higher-precision devices with multiple settings (Power Q-1000 Premium, Power Q-8060, Power Q-8120).

Choose the most precise device if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or arrhythmia, as safe pressure control is vital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advice on choosing treatment cuffs

Treatment cuffs can be placed on legs, arms, or torso depending on the treatment area. Choose based on your symptoms.

Arm cuff: Arm lymphoedema is usually unilateral, so one cuff is enough. If buying for muscle recovery as an athlete, consider two arm cuffs to treat both arms simultaneously. The arm cuff has a Velcro strap to secure it under the opposite armpit.

Mid-length leg cuff: This cuff, reaching about to the knee, is specifically for post-thrombosis (post-thrombotic syndrome) treatment. Start using it 3-4 months after thrombosis to treat residual symptoms. Use only if swelling extends to the foot or ankle; otherwise, a longer cuff is needed.

Thigh-length leg cuff: Ideal for lymphoedema, varicose veins, and post-thrombosis of the leg. For muscle recovery in athletes as well. Can be bought singly or in pairs depending on unilateral or bilateral edema. Expanders can increase size if standard sizes don’t fit.

Torso cuff: Buy if lymphoedema extends up to the thigh. Treats torso in addition to the leg. Worn like a belt starting where the top of the thigh cuff ends. Also used for cellulite and orange peel skin treatment, though pants are more effective.

Pant cuff: Enhances treatment of the upper thigh, buttocks, and lower abdomen. Optimal for beauty treatments, especially for cellulite, orange peel skin, and after cavitation.

Cuff combinations

Sometimes combining cuffs is necessary, using multiple cuffs simultaneously. Combinations are not allowed in cases of heart failure, post-heart attack, cardiomyopathy, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Torso and leg cuff combination is needed for lympho- and lipedema, as well as cosmetic treatments (cellulite, orange peel skin, cavitation enhancement).

Pant and leg cuff combination is optimal mainly for cosmetic purposes and for lymphoedema or lipedema extending to thigh and hip.

Choose the correct cuff size. An oversized cuff inflates slowly, applying effective pressure for less time and reducing treatment effect.

Measure wrist-elbow-upper arm, ankle-calf-knee-thigh, and waist-hip circumferences to select cuffs accordingly.

How often can the lymphatic massage device be used?

Use mechanical lymphatic massage as needed — start treatment as soon as you feel tension or swelling.

Waiting for severe tightness or swelling makes it harder to reduce.

You can treat several times a day depending on how fast swelling returns. Total daily treatment time should not exceed 120 minutes.

Multiple short treatments are preferred over one long session.

Why is correct treatment pressure important?

As stated before, lymphatic massage improves lymph and blood circulation. It does not replace sports massage and should not apply strong, painful pressure.

The goal is to stimulate venous and lymph circulation with low pressure — which is sufficient and appropriate.

Most medical studies recommend treatment pressure between 40 and 60 mmHg. Lower pressure means longer treatment times (like driving slower).

Pressure above 100 mmHg worsens conditions, eventually making lymphoedema untreatable!

High pressure also strains your heart; be careful with heart disease or hypertension and use pressures below 60 mmHg, still effective for lymphoedema.

If your device allows, set cuff pressure higher in the lower chambers and decreasing upwards — e.g., 60-50-50-40 mmHg (foot - calf - knee - thigh) for 4-chamber cuffs, or 60-60-50-50-40-40 mmHg for 6-chamber ones.

Set treatment duration to 20-30 minutes per session. Swelling reduction usually occurs in 10-15 days.

But this does not mean stopping treatment! Swelling returns; use the device daily lifelong to keep swelling down and avoid constant symptoms.

Suggested pressure ranges

The goal is to improve blood and lymph circulation without high pressure — which can be harmful. Follow your physician’s or therapist’s instructions. If none given, apply general guidelines below.

When is mechanical lymphatic massage not recommended?

It is contraindicated in some cases and requires caution with lower pressure in others.

Do not use on fresh deep vein thrombosis on the affected limb or body part. External pressure may dislodge blood clots causing life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

In bacterial or fungal skin infections, massage may spread pathogens causing inflammation expansion.

With heart failure, post-heart attack, cardiomyopathy, or uncontrolled hypertension, use with caution: apply only one cuff at a time to avoid excess heart stress. Max treatment pressure should be 40-50 mmHg with longer duration.

Can an old single-chamber compression device be used for lymphoedema treatment?

First-generation devices inflated and deflated the entire cuff simultaneously. They were briefly considered for lymphoedema treatment but proved too harsh, potentially damaging lymph vessels and nodes in congenital lymphoedemas. Lymphatic therapists specifically prohibit their use.

Modern devices inflate in stages and precisely control cuff pressure, adapting to the patient's condition. Use up-to-date equipment!

My therapist says mechanical lymphatic massage is forbidden. Is this true?

No device or method works the same for every patient. Some clinicians or patients have poor experiences and do not recommend it. However, thousands have had excellent results. Success depends on device quality and correct settings.

Improper settings can cause harm (too high pressure) or be ineffective (too simple device, short treatment).

KEY: HIGH-QUALITY DEVICE AND PROPERLY CONFIGURED TREATMENT!

My therapist claims the device does not help lymph flow and worsens edema. Is this true?

Simply no! As stated earlier, improper settings can cause complications, but appropriate settings cause no harm.

According to the latest medical literature (Evidence-Based Physiotherapy, Tamás Bender, 2017), manual lymphatic massage's effectiveness is not supported by data and continues by tradition, while many studies prove the efficacy of devices.

In my opinion, no "surefire" method exists. Mechanical lymphatic massage alone can reduce symptoms by 60-70%. Other methods are also needed: bandaging and compression stockings, therapist manual lymph drainage, self-massage, etc. This article discusses home treatment options.

Each method contributes a few percent. The more methods used, the closer to your normal size you get.

I do not find it acceptable if a therapist prohibits a treatment based on false or partial information that could help. Untreated lymphoedema causes the patient suffering.

Facts prove lymphatic massage devices provide effective symptom relief. Misinformation may discourage patients. Despite opposing opinions, clinically proven devices with correct settings help hundreds of thousands.

Ensure your device is capable and use it properly! It's not complicated! My blog includes articles and videos about this.

Can mechanical lymphatic drainage be used on children?

Compression devices are not recommended for infants and children under 6. General decongestive therapy applies here (bandaging, compression stockings, manual lymph drainage combined).

How important is the pressure gradient?

Devices enabling pressure gradient are best for lymphoedema reduction. A device not providing gradient isn't ineffective but less efficient than those that do.

What is mechanical treatment comparable to?

Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system has no "built-in motor." The heart pumps blood in vessels. The lymph system relies on muscles; their contractions keep lymph moving. When muscles contract, they compress lymph vessels and fluid, pushing it upward. Alternating compression mimics this natural muscle pump.

I don't move at night. How does lymph flow then?

Muscles are controlled by the brain. Even during deep sleep, some muscle fibers remain active with slight contractions imperceptible to you, sufficient to maintain lymph and partly blood flow. So, flow continues even while sleeping.

How to set correct treatment pressure in lymphoedema?

Your blood pressure measurement helps. For example, 120/80 means your heart pumps blood at 120 mmHg (systolic) and rests at 80 mmHg (diastolic).

TREATMENT PRESSURE MUST NEVER EXCEED THE LOWER VALUE! Actually, set it 20-30% below. For 120/80, max treatment pressure in the lowest chamber should be 55-65 mmHg, decreasing towards thigh/upper arm.

Some therapists prefer even lower (max 40-50 mmHg) for arms.

High pressure triggers rapid fluid shifts, overloading upper tissues, worsening condition over time. Higher pressure is not better.

Fibrosis cases may require higher pressure to soften dense tissues but only under skilled therapist supervision.

How long to use the device daily?

If limited to one session, use it before bed. Swelling is usually much reduced in the morning (fluid drains during sleep).

Split into two sessions if possible, early afternoon and evening.

Treatment duration varies from 20 minutes to an hour depending on results. Lower pressure means longer treatment. Most users need 30 minutes to 2 hours per day. Longer treatments only on therapist advice.

Multiple shorter sessions reduce swelling fluctuations. Late treatment with much swelling is harder to reduce. Frequent treatment prevents excessive fluid build-up.

Treatment must be personalized. Change only per your lymph therapist's recommendation.

Can the device be used with ulcers or open wounds?

Yes for venous ulcers or open wounds if no infection or cellulitis signs. Cover wounds with dressings during treatment. Clean and disinfect cuffs after use.

Do NOT use during active skin infection or inflammation (e.g., erysipelas) because pressure may spread pathogens systemically causing sepsis.

Signs of active infection: local swelling, pain, redness, pus, red streaks on skin. If any are present, stop use and see a doctor immediately. Infection requires antibiotics.

I have lymphoedema and leg ulcers, and my doctor forbids the device. Why?

Probably a lack of understanding about compression devices.

Swollen lymphoedema legs indicate poor circulation, causing slow healing and infection susceptibility.

If swelling isn't reduced (which the device does), healing is unlikely because poor circulation causes ulcers.

Hence ulcers heal faster with improved circulation and reduced swelling via mechanical massage.

I felt pain and hardening in my legs after lymphoedema treatment by a beautician. Why?

Beauticians aren't authorized to treat lymphatic disorders and may be untrained. Pain and hardened areas after treatment indicate excessive pressure used.

One bad treatment probably doesn't cause permanent damage. Regular improper treatments can worsen your condition quickly, leading to untreatable edema within months.

Seek a qualified specialist!

I developed vein inflammation and pain after lymphoedema treatment by a beautician. Why?

Pain and vein inflammation indicate excessive pressure and poor care during treatment. The dilated, tortuous veins were overstimulated by the device. Apply cold for 2-3 days and limit activity (walking allowed, no exercise). Superficial phlebitis must heal before any further manual or mechanical massage.

See a lymph therapist instead of an untrained beautician!

I got a headache during treatment! Why?

Due to excessive treatment pressure or treating too large an area at once (e.g., both legs and torso). This displaced blood from legs and torso, raising blood pressure. Headache is an early warning! Prolonged exposure can cause chest tightness, breathing difficulty, or even cardiac arrest! Yes, incorrect lymphatic massage use can be fatal.

Find a place that monitors correct settings carefully. Stop treatment immediately if you feel headache and inform your therapist.

Hypertension doesn't exclude treatment but requires even lower pressure and treating body parts separately (one leg, then the other, then torso), tripling time but avoiding symptoms.