Wood Therapy for Cellulite: Does It Really Work?

Updated on September 05, 2024

•

Fact checked by Alifia Fernandes Jokubauskienė, MPharm

Wood Therapy massage — Image by didesign021 via Shutterstock

Cellulite is a form of lipodystrophy characterized by an abnormal distribution of fat. It is a common complaint, especially in individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). Cellulite can make some people feel insecure about showing their legs. Wood therapy uses wooden tools for deep tissue massage to temporarily improve cellulite's appearance. Let's explore the benefits of wood therapy and its potential in treating cellulite.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is the bumpy, dimpled appearance of the skin, commonly found on the thighs, hips, and buttocks. It occurs when fibrous bands pull the skin down while fat collections push upward and lodge between the bands, giving the skin the uneven appearance of an orange peel. Fortunately, cellulite is harmless and only needs treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Cellulite on leg — Image by dimid_86 via Shutterstock

Cellulite is a cosmetic issue affecting millions of people, although less common in those assigned male at birth (AMAB). The leading cause of cellulite is unclear — it is multifactorial. However, it is known to be caused by environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors.

Who is at risk for developing cellulite?

Since cellulite is mostly determined by genetic factors, many people are predisposed to developing it. However, there are some risk factors.

Age. Many older individuals experience cellulite to some extent.
Thinner skin. AFAB individuals tend to have thinner skin, making it easier to see the cellulite compared to AMAB individuals.
Hormones. Given the predilection for AFAB people, cellulite may also be related to hormones.
Weight. Being overweight makes it easier to see cellulite. However, since it is also determined by genetics, even thin, fit people may have cellulite.
Poor diet and exercise. Unhealthy lifestyle habits are a risk factor for developing cellulite.

Understanding wood therapy

Wood therapy, which originated in Asia centuries ago, is a massage technique that utilizes wooden tools to improve circulation and stimulate lymphatic drainage. The wooden tools used for wood therapy come in various shapes and sizes, such as rolling pins or bells. Wood therapy is based on the principles of deep tissue massage to exert its benefits.

Wood therapy tools

Wood therapy for cellulite uses different hand-held tools, each designed to target specific areas of the body.

Tool	How it works
Wooden roller	This is usually a cylindrical tool that has smooth or textured surfaces. As it is rolled over the skin, the pressure from the roller also helps with lymphatic drainage, reducing fluid retention and the appearance of cellulite.
Cups	These are wooden cups or suction cups that create a vacuum effect when they are applied to the skin. The vacuum pulls the skin upward to increase blood flow, stimulating lymphatic drainage. This suction potentially reduces the appearance of cellulite.
Sculpting board	This is a flat, paddle-like tool with rounded edges. It contours and smooths out the skin, thereby making cellulite less visible over time.
Mushroom shaper	This flat, smooth tool is shaped like a mushroom. It is massaged over the skin in circular motions to smooth the skin. It effectively improves blood flow in large areas like thigh and buttocks cellulite.

Does wood therapy work for cellulite?

There are no clinical studies on wood therapy for cellulite. However, there is evidence that deep massage can help. Massage may break up fat cells and fibrous bands and increase lymphatic drainage and blood flow, which improves the appearance of cellulite. It may even increase collagen production, supporting skin health and potentially making cellulite less apparent.

Unfortunately, the results of wood therapy and massage are temporary and require continued treatments to maintain the achieved results.

The mechanism behind wood therapy

Wood therapy, also known as radiotherapy, involves using wooden tools to apply firm pressure to 'knead' away cellulite. It enhances blood flow to specific areas to support overall skin health.

Wood therapy involves two key mechanisms:

Improved circulation. The deep tissue massage action enhances blood flow, which can improve skin firmness.
Lymphatic drainage. Wood therapy helps remove toxins and excess fluids as it stimulates the lymphatic system, reducing the appearance of cellulite.

What to expect from wood therapy

Always discuss new treatments with your doctor to ensure they are safe and suit your needs. Wood therapy is typically safe if performed by a trained professional. It should not be painful, but it may feel uncomfortable. Some side effects include:

Pain. Usually associated with an inexperienced massage therapist using too much force on tender areas of the body.
Bruising. It's sometimes possible to see bruising after wood therapy.
Redness. As more blood rushes to the surface of the skin, you may notice redness, which will be temporary.
Swelling. You may notice some temporary swelling. It should go down within 24 hours.

Before a wood therapy session, ensure you are hydrated to 'flush out' toxins in your body. Avoid heavy meals because a full stomach might make the process less comfortable, and wear loose-fitting clothing that can be easily removed.

What a standard session looks like

The pressure and techniques of a wood therapy session can be adjusted based on personal requirements. However, a standard session usually consists of the following:

Consultation and assessment. The therapist will assess the area/s you want to target. They may ask you questions to check your suitability.
Oil or cream application. The therapist will apply an oil or cream to reduce the friction of the tools and to allow them to glide smoothly over your skin.
Rolling, contouring, and sculpting. Depending on your goals, the therapist will use different wooden tools.

After your session, continue to stay hydrated. You may experience some redness or soreness.

Wood therapy vs. other cellulite treatments

Radio frequency, acoustic wave frequency, laser treatment, creams/lotions, and red light therapy are other treatments that are utilized for cellulite treatment.

Some of these different cellulite treatments have different advantages and disadvantages.

Treatment	What it does	Pros	Cons
Radio frequency	Heats the skin	Some patients observe minor reduction in cellulite	Results are short-lived; multiple treatments are needed to see little change
Laser-assisted liposuction	Uses laser energy to 'melt' fat cells before removing them	Offers precise, targeted treatment	It makes cellulite more obvious; it leaves an uneven texture on the skin
Creams/lotions	Some contain retinol, which can thicken the skin; caffeine-containing products may dehydrate skin cells, reducing the appearance of cellulite.	Some patients observe minor reduction in cellulite	Results may be temporary as they mainly target the skin's surface, not the deeper fat deposits
Red light therapy	Promotes cell growth and regeneration with low-level wavelengths of red light	Some patients experience lower cellulite appearance	Results are short-lived; additional treatment is required

How to maximize results from wood therapy

Maintenance treatments, long-term care, and lifestyle adjustments are required to maximize wood therapy results.

Wood therapy could be combined with a healthy, balanced diet to support skin health. Staying hydrated could help in flushing out toxins and support skin health. Regular exercise, particularly strength training, could tone muscles and reduce fat deposits.

Consistency is key: regular wood therapy sessions and a balanced lifestyle may enhance and extend the skin-sculpting and smoothing effects of wood therapy.

Potential risks and considerations

It is always best to check with your doctor before starting wood therapy to ensure it's safe for you. Individuals with rashes, cuts, open wounds, or undiagnosed lumps in the massage area should avoid wood therapy. Patients with a fever, infection, pregnancy, recent surgery, certain cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes must check with their doctor first. Patients on blood thinners may bruise more easily.

Always discuss new treatments with your doctor to ensure they are safe and suitable. Wood therapy is usually safe if performed by a trained professional. It should not be painful, but it may feel uncomfortable.

Ensure to use a certified and experienced massage therapist if you wish to try wood therapy. Read reviews and testimonials online, and schedule a consultation before committing to a session.

Final word

Wood therapy, which is based on the principles of deep massage, may help temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite. The massage accompanying wood therapy may break up fat cells and fibrous bands and increase lymphatic drainage and blood flow, improving cellulite appearance. As with any new treatment, consult a certified therapist to see if wood therapy is right for you.

FAQ

How long does it take to see results from wood therapy?

Minimal results will be visible after the first treatment. Normally, treatments are performed several times a week for many weeks to see the full benefits. Results can vary from person to person because not everyone responds the same to different treatments. Because the results are temporary, periodic maintenance treatments are required to keep the skin looking healthy.

How long do the results of wood therapy last?

Many report results lasting up to a few months after their last treatment. However, maintenance treatments are necessary to maintain the results achieved. Wood therapy only gives temporary results. The more consistent you are, the better your results will be and the longer they will last.

Who should not have wood therapy?

It is always best to check with your doctor before starting wood therapy to ensure it will not harm you. Wood therapy is not recommended for those with rashes, cuts, open wounds, or undiagnosed lumps in the massage area. Patients with a fever, infection, pregnancy, recent surgery, certain cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes must check with their doctor first. Patients on blood thinners may bruise more easily.

Is wood therapy painful?

Wood therapy should not be painful; most people find it manageable. However, it may feel uncomfortable for some who are new to it. Painful wood therapy is usually associated with an inexperienced massage therapist using too much force on tender areas of the body.

Can wood therapy help with stretch marks?

Wood therapy may stimulate circulation and collagen production, which enhances skin texture and elasticity; therefore, it may help improve the appearance of stretch marks. Wood therapy could be used in combination with other treatments for more noticeable results with stretch marks.

Cellulite is a common harmless skin condition that results in a dimpled appearance of the skin.
Cellulite commonly appears on the hips, buttocks, and thighs.
Wood therapy utilizes wooden tools to perform a deep tissue massage.
Wood therapy may temporarily help improve the appearance of cellulite, but there are no studies to support that claim.
Always check with your doctor before starting new treatments.