How is cellulite formed and how will Endermologie treat the problem?

PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 27, 2010 -
How does Cellulite Form?
All muscles in the body are covered with layers of fat, which include a reserve layer of fat as well as a layer in the subcutaneous layer of the epidermis, where cellulite is formed. Cellulite is located in the layer of fat closest to the skin. There fat cells are enclosed in pockets formed by collagen fibers (connective tissue). When the system works well, nourishment is supplied and waste products are removed from this system, resulting in smooth body curves. Sometimes the fat cells put pressure on the connective tissues and there is little room for the lymphatic drainage system to relieve a build-up of fluids, fats, and toxins.  When the waste removal system starts to fail, waste products build up, and the connective tissue becomes saturated with liquid, which then thickens and hardens – forming hard pockets that puff up to produce the “orange peel” or “cottage cheese” effect. You don’t even need to be overweight or fat to have cellulite – thin and slender people suffer as much from cellulite. Moreover,  cellulite if left untreated, cellulite will become worse over time.  The causes of cellulite are not well understood, but there are several theories that have been put forth as explanations. Among these are:

◦Hormonal factors – hormones likely play an important role in cellulite development. Many believe estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process.
◦Genetics – certain genes are required for cellulite development. Genes may predispose an individual to particular characteristics associated with cellulite, such as gender, race, slow metabolism, distribution of fat just underneath the skin, and circulatory insufficiency.
◦Diet - people who eat too much fat, carbohydrates, or salt and too little fiber are likely to have greater amounts of cellulite.
◦Lifestyle factors – cellulite may be more prevalent in smokers, those who do not exercise, and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time.
◦Clothing – underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks (limiting blood flow) may contribute to the formation of cellulite.
How can cellulite be removed?

There are several therapies that have been suggested to remove cellulite, methods that are physical or mechanical include pneumatic massages, massages that stimulate lymphatic flow, heat therapy(ozone), ultrasound, radio frequency therapy, magnetic therapy, radial waves therapy and Endermologie.

Endermologie                                                                                                                                  

The term ‘Endermologie’ is from the French term, meaning ‘through the dermis’. This scientifically proven treatment works through the skin to mobilize the underlying tissues and to cause positive change therein. Endermologie was developed in 1985 by a French engineer, Louis-Paul Guitay. M. Guitay had suffered extensive tissue damage in a car accident and was undergoing four hours of rolling manual massage per day, carried out by four different therapists, in an attempt to loosen and elasticize the scars. He found that these manual massages were so varied in quality that he designed a machine that would deliver a quality rolling massage, together with aspiration to nourish the area. This technique was used to treat burn scars with great success.

Later the technique was adapted to treat healthy tissue, resulting in reduced cellulite, improved skin tone and body re-contouring. The company, LPG Systems, is now recognised as the world leader in connective tissue manipulation.

Endermologie is a scientific approach utilizing the principle of negative pressure massage. The Endermologie treatment head is equipped with two rollers, both motorized, which roll and unroll a tissue fold, kneading and massaging the tissues. Between the rollers is a suction chamber, which applies a variable aspiration to this tissue fold, increasing the blood supply to the area. By manipulating the treatment head in various manoeuvres, the skin and the subcutaneous fat cell layer are mobilized and the blood circulation is restored. Improved lymphatic drainage eliminates metabolic toxins from the tissues. The increase in oxygen and nutrients available triggers the body’s normal process for fat elimination and the fat cells begin to shrink in size. The connective tissue walls are gently stretched, which encourages the fibrous tissue cells to produce better quality collagen and elastin, thus toning and firming the body. Extensive scientific studies in Europe and the United States of America have substantiated these claims.

Endermologie was the first mechanical treatment for cellulite to be approved by the FDA of the USA. Here, in South Africa, there have been articles published in many magazines comparing Endermologie with many other treatments available. In each case, the results obtained with Endermologie have been superb.

However, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the thorough analysis and assessment of the client’s problem areas, so that the correct protocols can be chosen, programmes selected and treatments carried out. Clients have one or two 35  minute treatments per week and are still encouraged to eat sensibly, exercise moderately and drink two litres of water daily. A maintenance treatment means results continue to improve!

Endermologie is still required to be performed by trained and certificated therapists. All South African therapists are trained at the LPG Training Centres in Cape Town and Gauteng. Only then can the clinic be registered as an accredited LPG Endermologie clinic. This ensures that the quality of the treatments is maintained.

http://www.somabodytherapy.co.za