Cellulite affects many women past the age of puberty. The unattractive dimpling of the skin, often compared to orange peel or cottage cheese, causes many women to avoid wearing clothing that exposes their cellulite to the world. Because of concerns about appearance and self-esteem, women have tried many different treatments for cellulite, one such treatment is cellulite massage.
Theories/Speculation
Cellulite is attributed to poor diet, lack of exercise or excessive exercise, toxins stored in fat cells, genetics or hormonal changes and even not drinking enough water. Eating too much fat, carbohydrates and salt and too little fiber is also believed to contribute to cellulite. Caffeine, smoking cigarettes, standing for long periods of time and wearing restrictive underwear are also blamed.
Treatments tried include changes in diet and exercise, increased water consumption, internal cleanses, massage and surgery. There are a multitude of creams and lotions on the market for the treatment of cellulite as well as herbal treatments whether the herbs are consumed or applied to the skin. Exfoliation by dry brushing, coarse scrubs or even chemical treatments like alpha hydroxy acid have been tried.
Cellulite Adipose Tissue
The successful treatment of cellulite depends upon understanding of the pathophysiology of cellulite adipose tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging reveals that the connective tissue around the layer of fat cells just beneath the skin is disorganized and much of it is perpendicular to the skin. This means that connective tissue fibers surrounding fat cells reach out and pull the skin inward. At the same time, the fat cells between the fibers bulge outwardly toward the skin. This creates the dimpled appearance of the skin. The fat cells themselves are normal, they increase or decrease in size depending on changes in diet and exercise. But, where there is cellulite the connective tissue fibers are not arranged normally.
Cellulite Massage
Cellulite massage is thought to work by creating micro-tears in the connective tissue that holds fat cells in place. Therapists use their fingers, hands, thumbs and forearms to stretch the layer of connective tissue that holds fat cells. Stretching the connective tissue this way creates micro-tears that fill with elastin and collagen in a few days, making the connective tissue smoother.
Considerations
Do not have cellulite massage if you have varicose veins in the same area as the cellulite or if you have had a blood clot in the past. Don't have the massage if you have open injuries or if your skin is inflamed or infected. Be aware that cellulite massage can occasionally leave bruises, and that you may feel sore the next day. Follow up the massage with the application of moisturizing cream or lotion.
Endermologie
Endermologie is a technique that was developed in France for the treatment of cellulite. It is a tool that uses rollers and suction to stretch the skin and pull it away from underlying structures, having the same effect as cellulite massage.
References
- "J Dtsch Dermatol Ges.;" Cellulite--the greatest skin problem in healthy people? An approach;Pavicic T, Borelli C, Korting HC.Oct. 2006
- "Skin Res Technol;"Anatomy and physiology of subcutaneous adipose tissue by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy; Querleux B, Cornillon C, Jolivet O, Bittoun J.; May 2002
- "J Am Acad Dermatol"; Treatment of cellulite: Part I. Pathophysiology; Khan MH, Victor F, Rao B, Sadick NS; Mar 2010
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