The Low Down on LPG
What is Endermotherapy, also known as LPG?
LPG is a machine that does therapeutic massage using mechanised negative pressure vacuum, in combination with suction, rolling and kneading movements. It gently lifts and stretches tissues while massaging the muscles. It is a patented treatment for injuries to muscles, tendons, fascia, nerves and their surrounding soft tissues. LPG was developed in France and stands for Louis Paul Guitay, the inventor of this technique.
Improved Lymphatic Drainage
The LPG ‘massage’ affects the connective tissue stimulating blood vessels and the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is often overlooked, although it’s essential for our health. A poorly functioning lymphatic system may cause toxins and waste to accumulate. Congested lymphatic nodes also cause weakness and tiredness.
The LPG stimulates the lymphatic system to improve the drainage of lymphatic fluid by around 300% helping to eliminate lactic acid and other inflammatory toxins from the body. This will increase the levels of oxygen and nutrients, which encourage healing. Improved lymphatic drainage creates a stronger immune system, reduced fluid retention and swelling and improves metabolism.
Enhances and Increases Circulation
The folding and rolling of the tissue significantly increases circulation blood flow by around 400% for up to 6 hours. Extra blood circulation eliminates waste faster and supplies nutrients more quickly. This will ensure healthier skin, increased distribution of oxygen to cells, and better cell growth. People often feel more energised after treatment due to the release of endorphins and increased blood circulation.
Fascia and Myofascial Restrictions
Fascia is a membranous structure under the skin, it surrounds our organs and muscles and suspends organs in their cavities. It is a strong fibre that can loosen or become too stiff. This can happen with inflammation, trauma, surgery and scar tissue which can become tight or bound causing fibrosis and adhesions. The techniques required to treat this tissue must be much different from those that treat other systems and areas of the body. The specially designed rollers of the LPG gently lift and stretch the fascia to address fascial restrictions. The connective tissue becomes smoother and softer.
Scar Tissues Treatment
The LPG loosens and improves mobility of scar tissues. Scar tissue and fibrous adhesion reduction becomes smoother at an accelerated rate. We use it in the treatment of various types of scars for example for c-sections scars to reduce pulling and tightness but also flatten the scar so reducing the ‘shelf’ that some people complain of.
The LPG is a personalised treatment that is adapted to the skin sensitivity of the individual. It should not be painful or leave any marks. Any redness should not last longer than a few seconds.
In clinic, I mainly use it in the treatment of scar tissue and fascial tightness as well as reducing adhesions caused by surgery, trauma. I also use LPG to manage the symptoms of conditions, such as endometriosis.
The LPG has also been shown to be helpful in managing the symptoms of conditions such as oedema, lipidema, fibromyalgia, muscle tension and repetitive strain injuries.
It is an FDA approved method of high intensive connective tissue/ lipomassage and as such is also used in the beauty industry to stimulate the skin and its underlying cells. This brings about multiple benefits such as reduced cellulite, smoother skin tone, reduced waste products in the muscles. This all contributes to toning the connective tissue and breaking down fat deposits. It can be used to create a healthy skin tone and texture, ensures greater hydration and plumpness making the skin firmer and reducing wrinkles. We are not using it for these purposes in clinic though!
There are some instances, conditions or areas of the body where it would not be appropriate to use this mode of treatment, but your health care professional would check that before suggesting treatment.
If you have any questions, contact me on louise@tivolichiropractic.co.uk
You can also book online here, for Women’s Health Physiotherapy to see if LPG is for you!