Wood therapy is a vigorous massage technique that utilizes wooden, handheld tools, such as rolling pins and vacuum-suction cups.

People also refer to wood therapy as maderotherapy or maderoterapia. According to advocates, it is a massage technique that carries several additional benefits.

In this article, we discuss the potential benefits of wood therapies, what they entail, and the science behind them.

Practitioners and advocates of wood therapy claim that it can reduce or eliminate cellulite in addition to:

However, there is no evidence that these benefits can be maintained long-term or that wooden tools enhance them. As wood therapy is a massage technique, it may still help a person relax and reduce pain in the therapy area.

Researchers haven’t scientifically proven wood therapy to be effective for the treatment of cellulite.

However, massage may have benefits for cellulite reduction. Since wood therapy is a type of massage, it may also be beneficial for reducing the look of cellulite, at least temporarily.

The practitioner will use a variety of wooden instruments. Some of these look like highly textured or grooved rolling pins. Others have a contoured shape or look like bells.

To achieve any benefit, you may be required to have treatments done several times a week over 3 to 4 months. Some practitioners indicate that at least 10 to 12 sessions will be required before you can see any results.

Prices will vary considerably by geographic location. You can also purchase wood therapy kits to try out at home.

There are several treatments that may reduce the appearance of cellulite–albeit often temporarily. These include:

  • Acoustic wave therapy: This noninvasive treatment utilizes pressure waves to break up the fibrous bands of connective tissue that pull down the skin and cause cellulite to form.
  • Subcision: This procedure is typically performed by a qualified medical professional who inserts a needle under the skin to break up fibrous skin tissue bands. Cellfina is a FDA-approved treatment for cellulite.
  • Laser treatment: There are several types of laser treatments for cellulite. They use targeted laser energy to break up fibrous bands under the skin.
  • Weight management: In some instances, reaching and maintaining a moderate, healthy weight can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
  • Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release: During this treatment, a medical professional uses a device with small blades to cut fibrous bands of tissue under the skin.

Other treatment options that claim to reduce cellulite, such as certain topical creams and lotions, ultrasound, and radiotherapies, are available but have less evidence supporting their efficacy.

Wood therapy is a massage technique that uses variously shaped wooden tools. Practitioners claim that it has many benefits, including reducing cellulite. However, research hasn’t tested or proven this claim.

Since it’s a type of massage, wood therapy may have benefits such as relaxation. It may also help support lymphatic drainage, reducing the look of cellulite.