Pressotherapy: What Pressure and Program Should You Choose?

20 November 2025, by Marine BOSC

When you invest in a home pressotherapy device, one question soon follows:

“What pressure should I use? And which programme should I choose for the results I want?”

It is natural to feel a little lost. Between mmHg figures, different modes and marketing claims, it can be hard to know what suits your legs, your body or your training routine.

Here we take a clear, practical look at how pressotherapy boots work and what advanced devices such as Eclipse offer (up to 260 mmHg and eight compression chambers).

The aim is to help you consider which pressure to choose and which programme to use for your goal:

• a gentle leg massage and the feeling of fluid retention,

• the appearance of cellulite and your body care routine,

• sports recovery,

• relaxation and wellbeing.

1. Pressotherapy and pressure in mmHg: what does it mean?

Pressotherapy uses air chambers that inflate and deflate inside your boots, trousers or belt.

The pressure is the intensity of this compression, measured in mmHg (millimetres of mercury), the same unit used for blood pressure.

A higher number means stronger compression.

Why do devices vary?

Many consumer pressotherapy devices have a maximum pressure of around 80 to 120 mmHg.

Some more technical models reach about 150 mmHg, though their settings still vary.

The  Eclipse pressotherapy devices can reach 260 mmHg, with pressure that can be increased gradually.

This makes it possible to choose:

• a gentler setting for a relaxing leg massage,

• or a firmer session after sport or as part of a body care routine,

• with a smooth sequence across eight chambers.

💡 Remember:

A high maximum does not mean you should use it. What matters is the ability to adjust the intensity to your comfort and circumstances.

2. Which pressure suits your goal?

These are indicative ranges for an Eclipse pressotherapy device capable of reaching 260 mmHg.

They leave room to adjust according to comfort; they are not medical prescriptions.

⚠️ If you have a significant venous condition, a cardiovascular problem, a high-risk pregnancy or any medical uncertainty, ask your doctor before using a pressotherapy device.

2.1 Gentle massage & the feeling of fluid retention

👉 Indicative pressure: 40 to 80 mmHg

A gentle approach is often preferred for comfort. Stronger pressure is not necessarily more suitable.

This may appeal if you experience:

• heavy-feeling legs at the end of the day,

• occasional swollen ankles,

• a feeling of fluid retention,

• long periods standing,

• early-stage lipoedema, with your clinician’s advice.

With eight-chamber pressotherapy boots, the compression moves progressively from foot to upper leg for a smooth massage.

2.2 Cellulite appearance and a body care routine

👉 Indicative pressure: 90 to 140 mmHg

For a firmer massage within a body care routine, you may prefer compression that:

• creates a more noticeable massage sensation,

• can be adjusted to your comfort,

• complements care for the appearance of dimpled skin.

The Eclipse pressotherapy devices allow this range to be selected while keeping the massage smooth across eight air chambers.

2.3 Sports recovery & heavy-feeling legs after exercise

👉 Indicative pressure: 140 to 200 mmHg

This is where the range offered by a pressotherapy device reaching 260 mmHg gives experienced users more options than many consumer models.

Firmer settings may appeal to:

• runners,

• women who enjoy fitness, HIIT or cross-training,

• cyclists,

• athletes with demanding training schedules.

Firmer compression may help you:

• enjoy a sense of lighter legs,

• make time for a recovery ritual,

• ease the sensation of stiff or heavy legs,

• feel more relaxed after training.

2.4 Intense sessions & deep massage (experienced users)

👉 Indicative pressure: 200 to 260 mmHg

This very high range is not for a first session. It is intended only for:

• people already familiar with pressotherapy,

• experienced athletes,

• or women who truly enjoy a very firm massage.

Increase pressure gradually, if appropriate for you. It should never cause pain; stop or lower the setting if it does. Shorter sessions may feel more comfortable at a high setting.

3. Which programme should you use on your pressotherapy device?

An Eclipse pressotherapy device offers several programmes. Names may vary, but these are common massage patterns:

“Drainage” programme (sequential, from bottom to top)

This is usually the gentlest mode.

• The chambers inflate in sequence, from the foot towards the upper leg.

• The sensation is reminiscent of a gentle mechanical leg massage.

✔️ Often chosen for:

• heavy-feeling legs,

• a feeling of fluid retention,

• after a journey,

• the end of the day.

✔️ Indicative combination:

• Pressure: 40–80 mmHg

• Duration: 20 to 30 minutes

• Frequency: 3 to 5 times a week, according to comfort

“Dynamic massage” programme (body care)

Here compression has a more pronounced rhythm:

• chambers may inflate in groups,

• the cycle feels more energising,

• the sensation is firmer.

✔️ Often chosen for:

• a body care routine,

• the appearance of dimpled skin on the thighs,

• a feeling of lighter, smoother legs.

✔️ Indicative combination:

• Pressure: 90–140 mmHg

• Duration: 25 to 35 minutes

• Frequency: around three sessions a week, according to comfort

“Continuous wave” programme (wave / recovery)

This mode creates a smooth wave, often enjoyed after exercise.

• chambers may inflate with some overlap,

• the sequence is continuous.

✔️ Often chosen for:

• a post-workout ritual,

• demanding training days,

• tight-feeling legs.

✔️ Indicative combination:

• Pressure: 140–200 mmHg

• Duration: 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your experience

• Frequency: after demanding workouts, if comfortable

“Tone / Intensive” programme

Some devices offer a more energetic massage mode with:

• stronger compression,

• shorter cycles,

• a firmer rather than a relaxing sensation.

✔️ Often chosen for:

• experienced users,

• those who enjoy a strong massage,

• a firmer body care ritual.

✔️ Indicative combination:

• Pressure: 180–260 mmHg (increase gradually)

• Duration: 15–25 minutes

• Frequency: initially no more than once or twice a week

4. How can you tell whether the pressure suits you?

Even with suggested ranges, the most useful guide is how it feels.

A setting that feels  too light:

• you barely notice the massage,

• the compression is almost imperceptible,

• you might prefer a slightly firmer sensation.

A setting that feels too strong:

• a feeling of excessive tightness or crushing,

• pain in the shin, knee or thigh,

• a desire to stop the session.

A comfortable intensity:

• you feel a clear massage,

• the fit is snug yet comfortable,

• your legs feel relaxed afterwards.

👉 A simple rule:

Start a new range gradually (for example, above 140 mmHg) and increase only if it remains comfortable from one session to the next.

5. How many pressotherapy sessions each week?

Frequency depends on your goal and comfort, but these are indicative routines:

• A gentle leg massage:

  3 to 5 sessions a week, 20 to 30 minutes.

• Body care:

  around three sessions a week for six to eight weeks, then as preferred.

• Sports recovery:

  after a particularly demanding session, or 2 to 4 times a week during heavy training, if comfortable.

• Wellbeing & relaxation:

  whenever you feel like it, with a gentler setting.

The convenience of a home pressotherapy device compared with appointments in a studio is the freedom to build a routine of shorter sessions at times that suit you.

6. Number of chambers and maximum pressure: what sets Eclipse apart

Two device features are often overlooked:

• the number of chambers,

• and the maximum available pressure.

6.1 Why eight chambers matter

In pressotherapy boots with eight air chambers:

• compression is distributed across more zones,

• transitions between zones can feel smoother,

• the massage follows a more gradual wave,

• you can adjust the experience to sensitive areas such as ankles and knees.

At a comparable pressure, an eight-chamber boot may feel more comfortable and offer a more tailored massage than a boot with four or six chambers, depending on its design.

For a routine focused mainly on your legs, explore the Eclipse eight-chamber pressotherapy boots in a complete set with the control unit included.

6.2 Maximum pressure of 260 mmHg

The ability of Eclipse devices to reach 260 mmHg provides options for:

• a tailored post-workout routine for experienced users,

• firmer sessions for those who enjoy a deep massage,

• room to adjust your preference over time.

The point is not to use 260 mmHg routinely. It is to have a device that offers a wide range of settings: choose only an intensity that is comfortable and suitable for you.

7. Common mistakes to avoid with a pressotherapy device

A few habits are worth reconsidering:

1. Starting at a very high pressure to “get results faster”

   → Give yourself time to find a comfortable setting.

2. Choosing a programme at random every session

   → Select a massage pattern to match your preference: gentle, dynamic, post-sport or relaxing.

3. Using the boots only occasionally

   → A regular routine makes it easier to judge how you feel.

4. Ignoring medical contraindications

   → If you are unsure, seek medical advice first.

8. FAQ – Pressotherapy pressure & programmes

8.1. What pressure should I use for pressotherapy at home?

For home use, many people prefer settings between 40 and 140 mmHg, depending on the massage they want and their comfort.

Eclipse devices can go higher (up to 260 mmHg) for experienced users who prefer a firmer post-workout massage, but increase pressure gradually and never tolerate pain.

8.2. What pressure should I choose for a gentle leg massage?

For a  gentle leg massage, people generally start with lower settings, around 40 to 80 mmHg.

Try a sequential programme from foot to upper leg for 20 to 30 minutes, adjusting the routine to your comfort.

8.3. Which programme should I use for the appearance of cellulite?

As part of a routine for the appearance of cellulite, you might prefer a more dynamic programme with rhythmic compression, around 90 to 140 mmHg if that feels comfortable.

A consistent routine (for instance, three sessions a week) and a comfortable session length (25–35 minutes) can help you assess your preferences.

8.4. Pressotherapy and sport: what pressure for recovery?

After demanding exercise, some experienced users enjoy settings between 140 and 200 mmHg.

A continuous-wave mode offers a smooth massage after sport. Devices that reach 260 mmHg give you more settings to choose from, but the highest setting is not necessary.

8.5. Can I use pressotherapy every day?

Some people use a home pressotherapy device daily, especially at gentle settings, provided the massage remains comfortable and they have no contraindication.

Ask your doctor if you have a medical condition or are undergoing treatment.

8.6. Is it better to choose a powerful pressotherapy device?

The maximum pressure (in mmHg) can matter if you want to combine a gentle massage, body care and post-workout sessions.

A device that reaches 260 mmHg, such as an Eclipse model, lets you:

• adjust intensity to your preference,

• choose among a wider range of settings as your routine evolves,

• personalise each session.