If you have been looking into body sculpting treatments, you have probably come across the word maderotherapy. It sounds technical, but it is simply another name for wood therapy, and it is a technique we use a lot at our Cardiff Bay clinic, both as a treatment in its own right and as part of other treatments.
Here we explain what it is, what happens during a session, what it may help with, what it cannot do and how many treatments we recommend.
What is maderotherapy?
Maderotherapy takes its name from madera, the Spanish word for wood. Whether you see it called maderotherapy or wood therapy, it describes the same thing: a non-invasive body sculpting massage technique that uses specially designed wooden instruments to work over targeted areas of the body.
Different wooden tools are used with repetitive, rhythmic movements to work across the body's contours. The aim is to massage and stimulate areas affected by the appearance of cellulite and localised fullness, and to encourage lymphatic flow.
The result we are working towards is a more defined and sculpted appearance, with the body left feeling lighter and refreshed.
Where wood therapy fits in our treatments
You will find our wood therapy tools in three places on our treatment menu.
Wood Therapy on its own. This is our dedicated wood therapy treatment, where the session is built around the wooden instruments and the areas you would like us to focus on.
Body Contouring. Our Body Contouring and Anti-Cellulite Package combines four techniques in one session: cavitation, radiofrequency, wood therapy and our signature "magic hands" lymphatic drainage and sculpting massage. Here the wood therapy tools are used to massage and contour the treated areas, helping to stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow before we finish with our hands-on sculpting.
Lymphatic Drainage Facial. We bring specialist wood therapy tools into our facials to give an extra sculpting effect, helping to define and enhance the natural contours of the cheeks and jawline.
So if you have had either of those treatments with us, you have already met the tools.
What happens during a session
Appointments are one hour. Please allow the full hour, because the hands-on treatment time will be slightly less to leave room for consultation, preparation, changing and any aftercare advice.
We start by talking through what you are looking to achieve, so we can create a treatment plan around your individual needs. We don't take a one-size-fits-all approach, and your treatment may be adapted as your body changes and your results develop through your course.
Then we work over your chosen areas with the wooden tools, using those rhythmic, repeated movements across the body's contours.
What wood therapy may help with
Wood therapy is designed to support body contouring and improve the appearance of the skin and underlying tissues. It may help to:
- Improve the appearance of cellulite
- Create a more sculpted and defined appearance
- Support lymphatic flow
- Reduce the feeling of water retention and puffiness
- Encourage movement of excess fluid
- Improve the appearance of skin tone and texture
- Enhance the body's natural contours
Notice the words "appearance" and "feeling" in that list. They matter, and they lead us on to the next part.
If you would like to understand more about lymphatic flow itself, our article on what lymphatic drainage massage does to your body explains it in more detail.
What wood therapy cannot do
There are plenty of big claims about wood therapy online, so we want you to come to us with realistic expectations.
It is not a fat loss or weight loss treatment. Wood therapy works on how your body looks and feels. It does not make you lose weight.
It is not a quick fix. One session will not give you the full results you may be hoping for. The benefits build with consistent treatments.
It does not replace a healthy lifestyle. What you do outside the clinic is imperative when it comes to achieving and maintaining your results. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, keeping active and looking after your overall health all play their part.
It is not a medical treatment. Wood therapy does not treat any medical condition, and evidence for body sculpting massage varies. Every body is different, so results vary from person to person too.
How many treatments will I need?
For the best results, we recommend a course of five to ten treatments, depending on your individual goals.
Most clients begin with a course of five, carried out once a week for five weeks. If you would like a longer or more intensive programme, a course of ten can be carried out once a week for ten weeks.
After your initial course, we recommend monthly maintenance treatments to help maintain your results. Consistency is key with all of our treatments, which is why we suggest committing to a course rather than booking on an occasional basis.
A single Wood Therapy session is £140, and a course of five is £550. You can see all of our prices on our pricing page.
Looking after yourself afterwards
Aftercare is simple, but it makes a difference:
- Drink plenty of water. We recommend approximately 2 to 3 litres throughout the day, unless your doctor or another healthcare professional has advised you to restrict your fluid intake.
- Avoid excessive alcohol immediately after your treatment.
- Keep moving regularly throughout the day.
- Carry on with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle alongside your course.
Before you book
If you are pregnant, taking medication, living with a medical condition or have noticed any new or unexplained swelling, please check with your GP before booking.
If you have recently had cosmetic surgery, speak to your surgeon first. The treatment we offer for recovery is our post-operative lymphatic drainage massage, which is a specialist treatment and different from our other treatments.
If you are not sure which treatment suits your goals, get in touch and we can talk it through with you.