Connective Tissue Massage vs LPG® (Endermologie®)
Two different approaches to the same question: what suits you best — a device-assisted treatment or manual connective tissue massage? We explain it honestly.
Book a free consultationWhat is LPG® / Endermologie®?
LPG® is a registered trademark; the technique is also known as Endermologie®. It is a device-assisted treatment in which a handpiece with rollers and suction is moved across the skin — sometimes called roll-suction or mechanical massage. The technique was developed in France in the 1980s and has since been used in beauty and paramedical settings.
The technique works mechanically and in a standardised way: the movements are determined by the device and the protocol, not by a therapist's hands. LPG® / Endermologie® is aimed at stimulating circulation and the drainage of fluid, and is used for goals such as reducing cellulite and firming the skin. Many providers combine LPG® with other treatments.
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Device-assisted roll-suction: rollers and suction via a handpiece
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Mechanical and protocol-driven — movement determined by the device
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Aimed at circulation, fluid drainage and the appearance of cellulite
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Brand name LPG® / Endermologie® — a protected trademark
What is connective tissue massage?
Connective tissue massage is a manual technique in which the therapist works deep into the connective tissue and the fascia with their hands. The fascia is the network of connective tissue that wraps around and connects muscles, organs and other structures. When this tissue becomes stuck together or less supple, it can affect the appearance of the skin, the fluid balance and how the body feels.
At BodyFix we have worked exclusively from our specialism in connective-tissue and fascia techniques since 2008. Every treatment at BodyFix starts with a Bodyreading: a diagnosis-first approach in which the therapist assesses the tissue before the treatment begins. This way, the approach fits your specific situation rather than following a standard protocol. You can read more about the full way we work on the BodyFix Method page.
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Deep manual technique — the therapist works with the hands on fascia and connective tissue
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Diagnosis-first (Bodyreading) before every first treatment
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Aimed at releasing adhesions, skin firming and fluid balance
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A specialised practice in Amsterdam, in operation since 2008
The differences at a glance
Both techniques are aimed at the connective tissue and the skin, but they tackle this in a different way. The table below gives an honest overview — neither is universally better; it depends on your goal and situation.
| Aspect | LPG® / Endermologie® | Connective tissue massage | BodyFix approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | Device-assisted roll-suction (mechanical) | Deep manual connective tissue and fascia technique | Manual connective tissue massage + device-assisted lymphatic drainage, combined |
| What it suits | Circulation, fluid drainage, superficial stimulation of the skin | Releasing adhesions, skin firming, cellulite, lymphatic stimulation | A combination of deep tissue work and device-assisted lymphatic drainage for a broader effect |
| Sensation | Rolls and suctions the skin; generally mild and easy to tolerate | Deep and intensive; can feel uncomfortable on areas with adhesions | Intensive manual work followed by relaxing lymphatic drainage |
| Adaptation per client | Limited — the protocol is largely standardised | High — the therapist adapts pressure, direction and focus based on how the tissue responds | Diagnosis-first (Bodyreading) — the approach is determined after assessing your tissue |
| Typically used for | General skin care, mild fluid retention, preventive care | Cellulite, adhesions, skin firming, postpartum, scars | More complex or persistent connective tissue concerns where deep work and lymphatic drainage complement each other |
The comparison above is for information purposes and does not replace medical advice. For conditions such as lipoedema or lymphoedema, always consult a doctor first.
When do you choose what?
There is no answer that applies to everyone. Below is an honest overview of situations in which one approach or the other tends to make sense.
LPG® / Endermologie® may suit you if…
A device-assisted treatment as a starting point
- You are primarily looking for a mild, relaxing, stimulating treatment
- You already know an LPG® / Endermologie® provider and are happy with the result
- You have no preference for intensive manual work
- Your treatment is part of a broader beauty routine in which device-based work is already central
Connective tissue massage / BodyFix may suit you if…
A manual approach as a starting point
- You experience visible cellulite and want to address the underlying adhesions
- You are seeking skin firming through deep tissue work
- You want to work on connective tissue recovery postpartum
- You want to make scars (for example after a caesarean section) suppler
- You want a diagnosis-first approach in which the therapist observes and adapts
Not sure which approach suits you? At BodyFix you can book a free 20-minute consultation — then we discuss your situation and look together at what is most suitable. See also our page on cellulite treatment in Amsterdam and the explanations on the frequently asked questions page.
The BodyFix approach
BodyFix is Amsterdam's longest-running specialised connective tissue practice — in operation since 2008. What sets us apart from both device-assisted treatments and regular massage is the combination of three elements that always come together:
Bodyreading
Every first treatment begins with a diagnosis: the therapist assesses your tissue, posture and specific concerns. Only then is the approach determined — no standard protocol, but a tailored treatment.
Manual connective tissue massage
Deep, focused manual techniques are aimed at releasing adhesions in the fascia. Many clients experience that the tissue feels suppler after a series of treatments. The therapist adapts the intensity based on how your tissue responds.
Device-assisted lymphatic drainage
After the deep manual work comes device-assisted lymphatic drainage — intended to support the drainage of fluid. This is BodyFix's signature combination treatment: deep tissue work and lymphatic stimulation in one session.
BodyFix's medically trained therapists have a higher professional education physiotherapy background and more than 2,500 hours of massage training. The method was developed by founder Agnieszka Kadula. You can read more about the full approach on the BodyFix Method. A full overview of treatments can be found on connective tissue massage Amsterdam and lymphatic drainage Amsterdam.
A treatment at BodyFix is intended as a complement to, and does not replace, medical advice or medical treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between LPG® and connective tissue massage?
LPG® (Endermologie®) is a device-assisted roll-suction treatment that works mechanically on the skin. Connective tissue massage is a manual technique in which a therapist works deep into the connective tissue and the fascia with their hands. Both are aimed at improving the quality of the tissue, but via a different emphasis: device versus hands, standardised versus adaptive. Which method suits you better depends on your specific situation — this is not medical advice.
Does connective tissue massage help with cellulite compared with LPG® / Endermologie®?
Both methods are aimed at the structure of the tissue and may support the appearance of cellulite — "may support" is chosen deliberately here: a guarantee of results is not realistic. At BodyFix we work manually on the adhesions in the fascia that contribute to the dimpled effect, and combine this with lymphatic drainage. Many clients experience a change in skin structure after a series of treatments. If in doubt, or in the case of medical conditions, always consult a doctor.
How many sessions are needed — for LPG® and for connective tissue massage?
The number of sessions needed differs from person to person and from goal to goal, regardless of the method. At BodyFix we always begin with a free consultation (Bodyreading), so that we can discuss a treatment plan that fits your situation. We do not quote fixed session counts that apply to everyone.
Does BodyFix also combine connective tissue massage with a device-assisted treatment?
Yes. BodyFix's signature treatment is the combination of deep manual connective tissue massage and device-assisted lymphatic drainage in one session. The idea is that the deep manual work and the lymphatic stimulation may reinforce each other. BodyFix does not offer LPG® / Endermologie® itself — our lymphatic drainage is a different, device-assisted technique aimed at lymphatic circulation. You can find more explanation on the lymphatic drainage Amsterdam page.
Ready to get acquainted?
Would you like to know whether connective tissue massage — or the BodyFix combination of manual work and lymphatic drainage — suits your situation? Book a free 20-minute consultation. No obligations, just an honest conversation about what makes the most sense for you. A consultation or treatment does not replace medical advice.
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Free 20-minute consultation, included with your treatment
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Diagnosis-first approach: Bodyreading before the treatment
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A specialised practice in Amsterdam, in operation since 2008