Best Treatment for Relieving Heavy Legs: Pressotherapy, Cryotherapy or Massage?

Do your legs feel heavy after a long day of walking or intense physical exercise? Are you looking to improve blood circulation in your legs? There are several options available to provide relief. You can opt for a traditional massage, a pressotherapy session or even cryotherapy. These options offer significant benefits, but they also have different functions and sometimes different effects. In this article, we will explain the differences and advantages of these different solutions so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.  

What is the difference between massage, pressotherapy and cryotherapy?  

Massage  

Massage is an age-old manual technique. Usually performed by hand with rollers or other tools, massage works on the tissues to relax muscles, relieve tension and improve overall well-being. It can be performed by physiotherapists, masseurs or specialised therapists, and can be adapted to the specific needs of the individual.  

Cryotherapy 

Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, offers many benefits to both professional and amateur athletes. It speeds up recovery, reduces chronic pain and may help to limit injuries. It can be applied locally (to a specific part of the body) or globally (to the whole body). In this case, a person is exposed to an environment maintained at a temperature between -110°C and -140°C for a period of 2 to 3 minutes during a session in a cryotherapy chamber. They may also be exposed to a temperature of 10°C for about 10 minutes in a cold bath.   

Pressotherapy  

Finally, pressotherapy, particularly compression boots, applies sequential air pressure through boots. Pressotherapy stimulates the lymphatic and venous systems, promotes the elimination of fluids and toxins, and improves circulation. It is suggested that the results replicant the effect of mechanical massage.  

Advantages and disadvantages of massage 

A practitioner performs massage manually using their hands, fingers — and sometimes specific tools — to apply pressure, friction or kneading movements to muscles and tissues. Massage movements can vary depending on the techniques used. Massage has a wide range of effects, including muscle relaxation, stress reduction, improved blood circulation, reduced pain and inflammation, and promotion of general well-being. It can be used in different contexts to treat a variety of physical and emotional problems. 

Even though Social Security may reimburse massages, the major drawback is that you don't always have a physiotherapist or masseur on hand.  

But there are also tools, such as massage balls or vibrating rollers, that allow you to massage yourself.  

Advantages and disadvantages of cryotherapy   

Cryotherapy has many advantages. It promises:  

Cold reduces inflammation and micro-lesions in the muscles. This is a real asset after intense effort (sport, competition, training).  

Widely used by athletes, but also in physiotherapy, cryotherapy helps relieve chronic pain, tendonitis, and joint pain.  

Exposure to cold causes the secretion of endorphins: you often feel a boost of energy, a better mood, and even better sleep.  

The thermal shock causes vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation, stimulating circulation once the session is over. 

Some centres highlight interesting side effects on the skin: firming, tone, reduction of cellulite (in the long term and with regular use).  

But there are many disadvantages and limitations to cryotherapy 

A session costs between £30 and £60, and as the effects accumulate gradually, several sessions are often necessary.  

It requires a centre equipped with specific cabins. It is impossible (or very complicated) to practise at home, except with localised (and less powerful) devices.  

Extreme cold can be uncomfortable, particularly for those who are sensitive or anxious. It is recommended to allow time for gradual adjustment, as this is important to help prevent ongoing or long-term discomfort. 

It is not recommended in cases of:  

o    Cardiovascular problems (uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmia, etc.)  

o    Severe asthma  

o     Raynaud's syndrome or hypersensitivity to cold 

o    Pregnancy 

o    Certain neurological conditions 

As with many other therapies, regular sessions are crucial to maintaining the beneficial effects. It is not a one-time miracle solution. 

Advantages and disadvantages of pressotherapy  

Pressotherapy is characterised by its gentle, constant and automatic action on the body. Thanks to its rhythmic pressure movements, it offers numerous benefits, including:  

•    It stimulates lymphatic drainage and helps eliminate toxins.  

•    It reduces water retention and promotes better circulation.  

•    It relieves the feeling of heavy, tired or swollen legs.  

•    It helps you recover more quickly after physical exercise.  

In other words, it mimics the benefits of a manual massage, but with an added advantage: it is accessible anytime, anywhere.  

Thanks to portable devices such as compression boots, you can now do your sessions at home. No more appointments or travelling: a real bonus for those who want to practise regularly, improve their circulation or optimise their recovery after exercise.  

Compared to cryotherapy, pressotherapy has many advantages:   

 The disadvantages of pressotherapy  

Pressotherapy is generally considered a safe method, but there are exceptions. Certain situations require the advice of a healthcare professional, particularly in the case of:  

 Which treatment should you choose based on your expectations? 

If you are looking to relax and improve your overall well-being, massage is probably the best option. The oils, the relaxing setting and the pressure and kneading technique of a professional's hands are a major advantage.  

However, if you mainly suffer from heavy legs, oedema or recurring circulatory problems, pressotherapy is particularly effective. What's more, consulting a massage therapist or physiotherapist every time your legs are swollen can be both time consuming and expensive.   

The choice will always depend on your specific needs, the time you have available and whether you prefer manual or automatic treatment.  

You can also combine massage and pressotherapy. This can enhance the benefits of both. For example, you could have a pressotherapy session to stimulate circulation and eliminate toxins, followed by a deep massage the next day. You could also alternate them depending on your routine: pressotherapy after exercise and massage on rest days.  

Ultimately, you need to find a balance by adapting these techniques to your goals and lifestyle.   

❓ FAQ – Everything you need to know to effectively relieve heavy or tired legs 

💡 Is pressotherapy really effective? 

Yes, pressotherapy is recognised for its effectiveness, particularly in relieving heavy legs, promoting lymphatic drainage and improving blood circulation. It is often used to reduce water retention, decrease the feeling of swollen legs, and speed up recovery after physical exertion. Its regularity and ease of use at home make it a sustainable and accessible method. There are numerous studies proving its effectiveness. 

💆How should you massage sore legs after a workout? 

To massage your legs after a workout, focus on: 

If you are unable to consult a professional, you can also use a massage roller or an electrostimulator. Note: pressotherapy can be an excellent automatic alternative for relaxing the legs without manual effort.  

❓ Why use pressotherapy? 

Pressotherapy is a non-invasive method that is suitable for athletes as well as people prone to heavy legs, oedema, circulatory disorders or a sedentary lifestyle. It is used to: 

It is also a popular solution for its ease of use at home, thanks to portable compression boots. 

📅 How often should pressotherapy sessions be performed?  

For best results, it is recommended to have pressotherapy 2 to 3 times a week, or more if necessary (depending on your goals and tolerance). 

Each session generally lasts 15 to 30 minutes, and the effects are even more noticeable when it is incorporated into a regular routine. 

Sources : 

Évaluation de l’efficacité et de la sécurité de la cryothérapie du corps entier à visée thérapeutique – 2019 · Inserm, La science pour la santé 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6918921/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15952694/