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Cellulite is a common aesthetic and functional concern affecting up to 90% of women and many men, regardless of fitness level or body composition.
Cellulite develops when fibrous septa pull down on the skin, while underlying fat pushes upward, creating the characteristic “dimpled” appearance.
Contributing factors include:
Reduced blood and lymphatic circulation
Fascial stiffness and connective tissue fibrosis
Hormonal influences
Sedentary lifestyle or repetitive mechanical loading
While often considered purely cosmetic, cellulite is linked to microcirculation dysfunction, connective tissue fibrosis, and lymphatic stagnation.
Because cellulite is a structural and circulatory issue, effective treatment must address tissue quality, not just surface appearance.
Cellulite is largely driven by the behaviour of fibrous septa, which are rigid bands of connective tissue that anchor the skin to deeper structures.
In healthy tissue, these septa are elastic and adaptable, allowing the skin to remain smooth.
However, with reduced circulation, hormonal influences, inflammation, or mechanical overload, the septa can become thickened, shortened, and fibrotic.
At Mr Salus Sporting Lab, we take a medical and evidence-based approach to cellulite treatment, combining Shockwave Therapy with manual lymphatic drainage and hands-on physiotherapy.
Shockwave therapy delivers controlled acoustic energy that helps mechanically disrupt fibrotic septa, improve local microcirculation, and stimulate tissue remodelling at a cellular level.
Manual lymphatic drainage facilitates fluid clearance, reduces tissue congestion, and supports the reorganisation of connective tissue.
By targeting the structural cause of cellulite—not just its surface appearance—our method aims to:
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers high-energy acoustic waves into superficial and deep tissues.
At Mr Salus Sporting Lab, we use EMS Shockwave technology, one of the most advanced and safe systems available, widely used in both medical and aesthetic applications.
Shockwave therapy helps cellulite by:
Stimulating microcirculation and angiogenesis.
Improving connective tissue elasticity.
Breaking down fibrotic septa.
Enhancing lymphatic flow and metabolic activity.
Clinical research supports the use of shockwave therapy for cellulite reduction:
A randomised controlled trial demonstrated that radial shockwave therapy significantly improved cellulite severity, skin elasticity, and body contour compared to placebo treatment (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Another controlled study showed a visible and measurable reduction in cellulite grade after a series of shockwave sessions, alongside improvements in skin firmness (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
A clinical review concluded that shockwave therapy is a safe and effective non-invasive option for cellulite management when delivered using appropriate protocols (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
These findings support the use of Shockwave Therapy as a powerful tool to remodel soft tissue and improve skin appearance.
At Mr Salus Sporting Lab, we never rely on technology alone. Cellulite is strongly linked to lymphatic congestion, which is why we integrate manual lymphatic drainage into our treatment protocols.
Manual lymphatic drainage helps to:
Reduce fluid retention.
Enhance lymphatic circulation.
Support detoxification of tissues.
Improve skin tone and tissue softness.
This hands-on approach complements shockwave therapy by clearing metabolic waste released during acoustic treatment, leading to more visible and longer-lasting results.
Our manual techniques are part of the same hands-on physiotherapy philosophy described in our blog about sports massage and soft tissue therapy.
Shockwave therapy combined with manual lymphatic drainage may be suitable if you:
Have visible cellulite on thighs, hips, or gluteal region.
Experience heaviness or fluid retention in the legs.
Want a non-invasive, evidence-based treatment.
Prefer medical-grade therapy rather than cosmetic-only solutions.
We assess tissue quality, circulation, fascia stiffness, and lifestyle factors that may influence cellulite development.
Targeted radial shockwaves are applied to affected areas to stimulate circulation, disrupt fibrotic tissue, and activate lymphatic flow.
Immediately following shockwave therapy, manual lymphatic drainage is performed to enhance fluid movement and reduce congestion.
Where appropriate, we provide guidance on exercise, hydration, and movement strategies to support long-term tissue health.
This integrated approach aligns with our wider physiotherapy philosophy used across musculoskeletal and soft-tissue treatments at Mr Salus Sporting Lab.
When applying shockwave therapy, the therapeutic effect depends not only on the technology itself but on correct treatment parameters, such as:
Frequency (Hz): Most clinical studies use 15–20 Hz for radial shockwave therapy. This frequency range offers a balance of patient comfort and effective energy delivery to superficial and intermediate tissue depths without excessive discomfort.
Pressure (bar): In trials addressing musculoskeletal or soft-tissue indications (including tendinopathies and cellulite-related connective tissue changes), pressures between 2.0 and 3.5 bar are common. These pressures provide sufficient mechanical stimulation to influence tissue remodelling while maintaining safety and tolerability.
Number of Pulses: Many protocols deliver 1,500–3,000 pulses per treatment area per session, depending on the size of the region and clinical indication. For example, studies investigating cellulite and fibrotic septa often apply 2,000–3,000 pulses across the affected zones in a single session, repeated over multiple weeks to enhance cumulative effects.
Applicator / Header Size:
Larger applicator heads distribute energy over a wider area and allow more effective transmission into deeper layers, while smaller heads concentrate energy more superficially and focally.
At Mr Salus Sporting Lab, we tailor these parameters using Shockwave technology, selecting frequencies and pressures that reflect both the evidence base and each patient’s tolerance, tissue characteristics, and treatment goals — ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centred outcomes.
In our clinic, we use Lower frequencies (5–10 Hz) when targeting deeper or more sensitive tissues, because:
They allow better tissue deformation per pulse.
They reduce superficial discomfort.
They give tissues time to respond mechanically.
Higher frequencies (15–20 Hz) are commonly used for:
Superficial tissues.
Broad treatment areas.
Circulatory and metabolic stimulation.
Cellulite is not just a cosmetic issue — it reflects deeper changes in circulation, fascia, and lymphatic function.
By combining Shockwave Therapy with manual lymphatic drainage, Mr Salus Sporting Lab offers a scientifically supported, physiotherapy-led approach to improving skin texture, tissue health, and confidence.
If you’re looking for a safe, non-invasive, and evidence-based cellulite treatment in London, book an assessment with our physiotherapy team today.
EMS Shockwave Therapy is clinically approved and well tolerated
Mild redness or tenderness may occur temporarily
Not suitable during pregnancy or in areas with active infection
Best results achieved with multiple sessions and lifestyle support