Understanding two approaches to mechanical compression
Pressotherapy is widely used across beauty, wellness, health and sports environments to support circulation and fluid movement. But not all compression systems work in the same way.
STARVAC developed Pressodynamie® as an evolution of conventional pressotherapy, combining controlled pressure gradients with dynamic compression waves designed to reproduce some of the mechanical effects associated with movement.
So, what exactly makes the two approaches different?
What Is Pressotherapy?
Pressotherapy is a mechanical compression technique that uses inflatable garments, typically boots, sleeves or abdominal accessories, to apply pressure to the body.
The chambers inflate and deflate according to a programmed sequence, creating graduated or sequential compression along the treated area.
This mechanical action is commonly used to support venous and lymphatic circulation, fluid movement and a sensation of lighter legs.
While the exact pressure patterns vary between devices, conventional systems primarily rely on the inflation and deflation of successive chambers to generate compression.
What Is Pressodynamie®?
Pressodynamie® is STARVAC's patented approach to dynamic compression.
Rather than relying solely on sequential inflation, the method combines two complementary patented technologies:
DG2P®
Intelligent Pressure Management
DG2P® continuously controls the pressure delivered to each chamber, helping maintain a precise pressure gradient throughout the treatment.
Active Wave®
Dynamic Compression Waves
Active Wave® introduces additional tangential compression waves during the inflation cycle, generating repeated mechanical stimulation through the treated area.
Together, these technologies create a more dynamic form of compression designed to support venous, lymphatic and muscular circulation.
Sequential Compression vs Dynamic Compression
CONVENTIONAL PRESSOTHERAPY
Sequential compression
Inflatable chambers apply pressure progressively along the treated area through programmed inflation and deflation cycles.
PRESSODYNAMIE®
Dynamic compression
Controlled pressure gradients are combined with additional compression waves, creating repeated mechanical stimulation throughout each inflation cycle.
This is what allows Pressodynamie® to go beyond a simple sequence of chamber inflation.
The Role of Active Wave®
One of the distinguishing features of Pressodynamie® is the number of mechanical stimulations generated within an inflation cycle.
UP TO 12× MORE STIMULATIONS
per inflation cycle compared with conventional pressotherapy*
Active Wave® generates additional compression waves within the inflation cycle, increasing the frequency of mechanical stimulation without relying solely on successive chamber inflation.
*Mechanical data from STARVAC: the patented Active Wave® system generates 12 compression waves that travel along the limb during each inflation cycle.
Inspired by the Body in Movement
Venous and lymphatic circulation are influenced by movement and muscular activity.
When muscles contract, they exert pressure on surrounding vessels, contributing to the movement of blood and lymph through the body.
Pressodynamie® uses dynamic mechanical compression to reproduce a pumping action inspired by these natural movements.
Its action can therefore be understood through three key mechanisms:
VENOUS RETURN
Supports the movement of blood back towards the heart.
LYMPHATIC FLOW
Supports physiological lymphatic circulation and fluid movement.
MUSCLE PUMP
Dynamic compression reproduces mechanical pumping associated with body movement.
What Does DG2P® Add?
Pressure itself isn't the only important factor in compression treatment. How pressure is controlled and distributed matters too.
DG2P® manages pressure within the individual chambers throughout the treatment, allowing the system to maintain a controlled pressure gradient.
Combined with Active Wave®, this creates the two elements at the heart of Pressodynamie®:
CONTROLLED PRESSURE + DYNAMIC MOVEMENT
Pressotherapy vs Pressodynamie® at a Glance
Which Approach Is Right for Professional Practice?
The choice of compression system depends on the professional environment, treatment objectives and type of experience a practitioner wants to provide.
Pressodynamie® offers professionals an approach that combines intelligent pressure management with repeated dynamic compression, extending the principles of conventional compression through STARVAC's patented DG2P® and Active Wave® technologies.
Integrated into PSX® Active Wave, the method is designed for professional applications across beauty, wellness, health and sport.