Wood therapy massage also known as maderoterapia uses specially shaped wooden tools to target specific areas of the body. It’s commonly used to:
- Help reduce cellulite
- Break down stubborn fat deposits
- Stimulate lymphatic drainage system
- Improve the appearance of skin by enhancing blood circulation
- Tighten and tone the skin
It’s a natural and non-invasive technique that’s drug-free and deeply relaxing. Many people love that it doesn’t just treat the surface but works with the body’s natural systems. However, to truly reap the benefits of wood therapy, consistency and proper frequency are essential.
How Often Should You Do Wood Therapy?
Most licensed estheticians and body sculpting experts suggest starting with 2–3 sessions per week for the first 4–6 weeks. This frequency gives your body time to respond to the treatment, break down fat and cellulite, and flush out waste through the lymphatic drainage system.
After the initial phase, you can switch to maintenance sessions once every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your desired results.
Breakdown by Goal:
| Goal | Recommended Frequency | Maintenance |
| Cellulite Reduction | 2–3x per week | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Body Sculpting/Toning | Twice a week | Monthly |
| Lymphatic Drainage Support | 1–2x per week | As needed |
Catara Med Spa Tip: We recommend scheduling your sessions close together in the beginning, within 48 to 72 hours apart. This helps maintain momentum and ensures your body fully activates the drainage process.
Why Consistency Matters:
Wood therapy works through cumulative effects. The pressure applied to tissues, fat, and lymph isn’t permanent after one session. Your body needs repeated stimulation to:
- Activate detox pathways
- Reshape fibrous tissues
- Smooth out uneven fat pockets
- Train muscles and skin to hold their new contour
Think of it like massage therapy for your skin and soft tissues needs repetition to retrain the structure of your body and see optimal improvement.
Factors That Influence Frequency
How often you should do wood therapy depends on several personal and health-related factors. Here’s what our experts at Catara Med Spa consider during your consultation:
1. Your Body Composition
- Higher fat volume or problem areas may require more frequent sessions.
- Loose or sagging skin benefits from strategic spacing between treatments to encourage collagen production.
- Fibrotic or compacted tissue often needs a longer treatment timeline for effective breakdown.
2. Lymphatic Health
Wood therapy relies heavily on a healthy lymphatic drainage system to eliminate toxins from the body. If yours is sluggish (due to diet and exercise, low activity, or past illness), more frequent sessions might be necessary early on.
3. Age & Skin Elasticity
Younger clients typically see noticeable results faster due to stronger collagen and elastin. Older clients may need more time and supportive treatments to achieve similar outcomes.
4. Lifestyle Choices
- Poor diet and low hydration can slow results.
- Active lifestyles with proper hydration improve treatment success.
- Smoking or alcohol consumption can impair blood circulation and limit results.
5. Medical History
Conditions like lymphedema, varicose veins, or post-surgical healing may require a modified or delayed treatment plan. Always consult a licensed provider before beginning.
What Is Wood Therapy?
Wood therapy (maderoterapia) is a holistic massage and approach to body contouring from South America, specifically Colombia. It involves the use of carved wooden instruments to:
- Break down fat cells
- Stimulate lymphatic drainage system
- Smooth and tone skin
- Improve blood circulation and oxygen flow
The Tools
Different handheld tools serve different purposes:
- Rollers target cellulite and break down fat and cellulite
- Cups stimulate fluid movement and drainage
- Contour boards sculpt and lift areas like the waist and glutes
- Mushroom tools improve blood circulation and firm the skin
What It Targets
- Subcutaneous fat near the skin’s surface
- Fibrous bands that create cellulite dimples
- Lymphatic congestion that leads to swelling or puffiness
Scientific Basis
Wood therapy blends traditional massage technique that uses pressure with modern knowledge of:
- Myofascial release
- Deep tissue massage
- Manual lymphatic drainage
This combination helps the body eliminate waste, reshape tissues, and promote relaxation while enhancing skin tone.
Can Wood Therapy Get Rid of Cellulite?
Wood therapy can significantly help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but it doesn’t eliminate it completely. Here’s how it helps:
- Breaks up the fibrous bands that create the “dimpled” look
- Increases blood circulation to promote collagen production
- Stimulates the lymphatic drainage system to remove excess fluid
- Smooths the outer layer of the skin for a more toned and sculpted appearance
Expert Tip: Combining wood therapy with hydration, dry brushing, and exercise enhances results. At Catara Med Spa, we also recommend combining it with radiofrequency or LED therapy for deeper collagen support.
Get to know more if wood therapy can get rid of cellulite in our guide.
Is Wood Therapy Safe?
Yes, when performed by a highly trained professional, wood therapy is a holistic treatment and is generally considered safe for most people. However, it may not be appropriate if you:
- Are pregnant (always get clearance from your OB-GYN)
- Have severe varicose veins or circulatory issues
- Suffer from uncontrolled hypertension
- Have open wounds, rashes, or skin infections
- Have cancer or a compromised lymphatic system
Side effects are rare but may include:
- Temporary redness or mild bruising
- Pain or discomfort if tools are used improperly
- Increased urination (from detox effects)
At Catara Med Spa, all clients are assessed for safety and treatment suitability before beginning.
How Much Is Colombian Wood Therapy Massage?
Prices vary based on location, provider experience, and package size. Here’s what to expect:
- Single wood therapy session: $75–$120
- Package of 6: $400–$600
- Package of 10: $650–$900
Catara Med Spa offers custom packages with flexible scheduling options. Our therapists also combine wood therapy with other services for better long-term results.
FAQs
How often should you do wood therapy for cellulite?
2–3 times per week for 4–6 weeks is ideal. Then switch to monthly maintenance sessions based on your skin type and response.
How often should you do wood therapy for lymphatic drainage?
1–2 times per week, especially post-surgery or after illness, until swelling or fluid retention decreases.
How long does wood therapy take to work?
Some clients see noticeable results after 2–3 sessions, especially in smoother skin and reduced bloating. Sculpting and toning typically become noticeable after 5–7 consistent sessions. Results vary from person to person.
Craving Real Body Results?
How often should you do wood therapy? Start with 2–3x/week for 4–6 weeks, then shift to 1–2x/month. Factors like skin type, body composition, age, and lifestyle affect your ideal frequency.
Wood therapy is a natural option for reducing cellulite and sculpting the body. Combine treatments with hydration, clean eating, and other modalities for faster, longer-lasting results. Trust the process, some clients may require several sessions to see their ideal outcome.
Ready to see what wood therapy can do for you? Book your consultation at Catara Med Spa in Algonquin today. Our experienced team will design a sculpting plan tailored to your goals and your body.