Manual lymphatic drainage or pressotherapy — how to choose
These two get used interchangeably in conversation, which causes a lot of confusion at the booking stage. They are genuinely different treatments that happen to share a purpose.
Neither removes toxins, causes weight loss or treats medical conditions. Both are offered as lymphatic-focused body and wellness treatments.
4 min read · Published · Shape Zone, London SW8
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage — hands-on, therapist-led. Short £60, long £85
- Pressotherapy (Lymphatic Body Reset) — machine-assisted, hands-free. New client 30 min £59
- Neither removes toxins, treats medical conditions or causes weight loss
- Pressotherapy is the easier of the two to build into a body programme
Manual Lymphatic Drainage — therapist-led
A gentle hands-on treatment using slow, rhythmic movements, performed by a therapist working along the lymphatic pathways. It is deliberately light — this is not deep tissue massage, and people expecting firm pressure are sometimes surprised.
It is the more adaptable of the two: a therapist can work around a specific area, adjust as they go, and respond to how you are finding it. Short is £60, long is £85.
Pressotherapy — machine-assisted
We call it the Lymphatic Body Reset. Inflating garments fill and release in sequence along the limbs and body, creating a rhythmic compression treatment. It is hands-free — you lie there and let it work.
The pressure is consistent every time, which makes it easy to repeat as a course. New client 30 minutes is £59, then £75 for 30 minutes or £95 for 45. Courses run from £390.
Which one people choose, and why
Choose manual if you want hands-on, therapist-led care and a relaxing, personalised experience. Choose pressotherapy if you prefer a hands-free treatment with consistent sequential pressure, or if you want something that slots easily into a wider body programme.
Neither is better. If you are undecided, say so when you book — your therapist will talk it through rather than defaulting to the more expensive option.
What it is reasonable to expect
People book these treatments because they enjoy the feeling of gentle movement, compression and relaxation, particularly when the body feels heavy or they simply want something restorative.
That is the honest framing. Lymphatic-focused treatments may not be suitable for everyone — unexplained swelling, circulatory concerns, pregnancy or recent procedures may need medical advice first, and your therapist will check suitability before treatment.
Questions
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is performed by a therapist using slow, gentle, rhythmic hands-on movements. Pressotherapy is machine-assisted: inflatable garments fill and release in sequence to apply rhythmic compression.
No. Shape Zone does not present either treatment as a weight-loss treatment. They are offered as lymphatic-focused body and wellness treatments.
Not for a standalone treatment — you can book directly and your therapist will check suitability at the start of the appointment.