Gentle mechanical input, guided by the tissue response.
Mechanical therapies use controlled physical forces to influence the superficial tissue environment.
Vacuum-based therapy creates negative pressure at the skin surface, gently lifting and mobilising superficial tissues. Depending on the device, treatment parameters and application, mechanical therapies have been investigated for their effects on tissue mobility, local circulation, connective tissue and fluid dynamics.
Within Lipoedema, however, tissue can present very differently from person to person.
Tenderness, easy bruising, altered connective tissue, nodularity and increased sensitivity mean that aggressive mechanical treatment may be inappropriate or poorly tolerated.
For this reason, McLeod Method™ uses vacuum therapy conservatively.
The objective is not to aggressively manipulate, “break down” or force change within the tissue.
Instead, gentle mechanical input is incorporated within the treatment sequence with attention to tissue mobility, comfort and individual response.
Pressure, duration and technique are adjusted according to the person being treated rather than following a fixed intensity for every client.
Where pain, excessive redness, bruising or poor tissue tolerance occurs, treatment should be modified or discontinued.
Vacuum therapy therefore represents one component of the broader McLeod Method™ framework — not a stand-alone treatment for Lipoedema.
Its role within the method continues to be informed by clinical observation, relevant research and ongoing evaluation.
Effective treatment does not need to be aggressive treatment.
