Maderotherapy: what to expect and what not to

A lot is written about maderotherapy, and some of what is claimed about it is exaggerated. Since it's a treatment we offer in the salon and genuinely like, it makes sense to outline in one place what to expect from it — and what not to.

What it is

Maderotherapy is a manual massage performed with a set of wooden tools of various shapes. It is not a machine-based treatment; nothing is injected, and nothing is introduced under the skin. It works with pressure, pace, and the shape of the tool, which is selected according to the body part being worked on.

It is most commonly performed on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and arms. The massage is intense but pleasant — most clients describe it as relaxing, and some even fall asleep during it.

What maderotherapy does

• Supports blood flow and microcirculation in the treated area.
• Relieves tension in muscles and subcutaneous tissue.
• Clients usually describe a feeling of lighter legs and smoother skin to the touch afterwards.
• It is a pleasant and relaxing treatment, which has value in itself.

What maderotherapy does not do

Here, it's important to be direct.

It is not a weight loss method. It does not burn fat, change body weight, or replace exercise or dietary adjustments. If someone offers you maderotherapy as a solution for overweight, they are not telling you the truth.

It is not a medical treatment. It is not a substitute for doctor-prescribed lymphatic drainage or physiotherapy.

It is not a one-off transformation. Do not expect a big difference from a single visit. The effect on skin appearance is visible over a series of treatments and in combination with exercise and adequate hydration.

We write this directly because a disappointed client is worse than a client who never came. And because a treatment that doesn't need to be exaggerated has no reason to get used to it.

How many treatments

Typically, a series of eight to twelve treatments is recommended, at an interval of once or twice a week, followed by a transition to maintenance visits.

We will suggest a specific plan based on what you are addressing and how much time you wish to dedicate to it. If you know you don't have the time or inclination for a series, please say so — individual treatments are beneficial as a pleasant massage, but do not expect a change in appearance from them.

How the treatment proceeds

The treatment lasts around seventy minutes.

1. First, we ask about your health status and which area you wish to address. This is not a formality — there are more contraindications for maderotherapy than one might expect.
2. This is followed by a massage with wooden tools. We continuously adjust the pressure intensity according to what is comfortable for you.
3. Finally, a calming phase.

After the treatment

• Drink more than usual.
• If possible, take a day off from strenuous training.
• Occasionally, short-term sensitivity may appear in the treated area. This is not a complication.

When not to have maderotherapy

This is the most important part of the article.

• During pregnancy.
• With acute inflammation, fever, or infection.
• With cancer without the consent of the treating doctor.
• With thrombosis, blood clotting disorders, or when taking blood-thinning medication without a doctor's consent.
• With varicose veins in the treated area.
• With skin injuries, eczema, or rash in the massage area.
• Shortly after surgery or in the area of a fresh scar.

If you are unsure, please write to us in advance. We would rather postpone the treatment than risk it — and if any salon tells you 'it's nothing', go elsewhere.

How to choose where to go for maderotherapy

• Ask if they will review your health status with you before the treatment. If not, that's a warning sign.
• Ask about the recommended number of treatments. The answer 'you'll see right after the first one' is marketing.
• Be sceptical wherever centimetres and kilograms are mentioned.