5 main physiotherapeutic procedures for weight loss

Author: Margarita Kuts - doctor-dietitian, gastroenterologist, and body mesotherapist.
2014-02-27

When creating a weight loss program for my patients, I always rely on a comprehensive approach to treating obesity. Usually, such a program includes:

• A diet tailored to the patient's needs;
• Physical activity;
• A range of physiotherapeutic procedures.

Today, I would like to discuss the procedures that help to shed excess kilograms more quickly. In my practice, I use the following procedures.

1. Electromyostimulation. During this procedure, electrodes are placed on the patient’s body, and an electric current is passed through at the correct rhythm and strength. The impulse current causes passive muscle contractions.

As a result of such contractions, the following occurs:

• Activation of metabolic processes in the body.
• Improvement of muscle tissue nutrition.
• Lymphatic drainage.
• Increased muscle strength and volume, endurance, and performance.
• Training of all muscle groups as a whole.

Essentially, you could say that electromyostimulation is "fitness for the lazy." Of course, it's important to remember that the energy expenditure of the body during this procedure is much lower than during regular physical activity. However, using electrostimulation twice a week for 40-50 minutes along with physical exercise can significantly improve your silhouette, making it slim and toned.

2. Vacuum pressotherapy. In this procedure, the patient wears a special suit, and a massage is performed using compressed air. The suit is divided into sections that sequentially fill with air from the feet to the thighs.

With this method, powerful lymphatic drainage occurs, and metabolic processes are enhanced by 3-4 times (especially fat metabolism).

The fact is that with such effective lymphatic drainage, fats are mobilized more quickly from fat depots and sent to the site of oxidation, namely the muscles.

Unfortunately, obesity is always associated with swelling, as fat cells, unlike others, have the ability to absorb water. Vacuum pressotherapy is an excellent assistant in solving this issue.

Moreover, the procedure itself is very pleasant and is highly liked by patients. It is also very beneficial to alternate it with the electromyostimulation procedure.

3. Mesotherapy. This procedure involves the local injection of fat-dissolving substances (lipolytics) into the subcutaneous fat layer of problem areas of the body. Mesotherapy contributes to:

• Reduction of body volumes where needed.
• Reduction of cellulite.
• Improvement of microcirculation.

I perform the mesotherapy procedure immediately after the electromyostimulation or vacuum pressotherapy procedure. This achieves a more pronounced effect.

4. Lymphatic drainage body massage. This type of massage activates lymph flow, reduces swelling, increases the tone of blood vessels, and consequently enhances all metabolic processes. Therefore, fat oxidation, combined with the corresponding diet and physical activity, occurs much faster. This means you will lose weight more quickly.

5. Acupuncture. This treatment method is used in the East not only for treating obesity but also for the overall health of the body. Acupuncture involves influencing the acupuncture points located on our bodies, which are projections of many internal organs and systems. Thanks to this influence, the following is achieved:

• Reduction of appetite through the influence on the hunger center;
• Influence on the endocrine system;
• Improvement of digestion;
• Relief of stress tension;
• Stimulation of metabolic processes.

In conclusion, I want to emphasize once again that all the listed procedures are supplementary in the treatment of obesity and the elimination of excess weight. Therefore, they should only be applied in conjunction with a well-structured diet and physical activities. Only with such an approach will you achieve a good and lasting result!