At Istituto Image, we believe in an approach to beauty that stems from the health and deep well-being of tissues.
This is why we offer aesthetic and regenerative medicine programs that integrate the most advanced technologies with a profound understanding of skin biology. Among the various methodologies, thermotherapy in Milan, offered by Istituto Image, represents one of the most effective and versatile solutions for those who wish to naturally and lastingly improve the appearance of their skin. This treatment, based on the therapeutic use of heat, stimulates the body’s internal regenerative mechanisms, delivering visible results without being invasive. Thermotherapy: What Is It? Principles and Applications Thermotherapy is a therapeutic method that exploits the biological effects of heat to treat a wide range of skin concerns and conditions. At our clinic, we use an advanced form of thermotherapy known as diathermy , a cutting-edge treatment that employs electromagnetic energy to generate heat directly within the tissues (endogenous heat). This principle sets it apart from traditional techniques that apply heat externally. The energy is delivered through specific handpieces that operate in two complementary modes, allowing for deep, targeted action. The choice of mode depends on the treatment goals and the nature of the tissue involved. Resistive Mode : Ideal for acting on high-resistance tissues such as adipose tissue, bones, tendons, and cartilage. The non-insulated electrode concentrates heat deep within the tissue, making it effective for treating fat deposits as well as for rehabilitative applications. Capacitive Mode : The insulated electrode allows heat to focus on more superficial areas, primarily targeting soft tissues such as the dermis, muscles, and vascular and lymphatic systems. This is the preferred choice for improving skin quality and muscle tone. During treatment, our therapists precisely follow the Langer’s lines —the skin’s natural tension lines—to maximize effectiveness while respecting skin physiology. The Benefits of Thermotherapy in Aesthetic Medicine Diathermy is a cornerstone of our face and body rejuvenation programs, thanks to its ability to trigger a virtuous biological response. Controlled, deep heat acts as a powerful biostimulant, providing progressive and concrete benefits. Its main advantage is the direct stimulation of fibroblasts—the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. This translates into visible improvements in skin tone, firmness, and elasticity. From the very first session, patients may notice a subtle lifting effect due to the immediate contraction of existing collagen fibers. Applications include: Face : softens wrinkles, redefines contours, and combats skin laxity. Body : an excellent ally against cellulite, fluid retention, and swelling—particularly effective on legs, abdomen, and arms. The thermal effect also enhances oxygenation and microcirculation, promoting fluid and toxin drainage, while leaving the skin healthier and more radiant. How Does Thermotherapy Work for Muscle or Cervical Contractures? Beyond its well-known aesthetic benefits, diathermy also offers significant therapeutic effects, especially in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is highly effective for those suffering from contractures, muscle tension, and localized pain. The endogenous heat generated by diathermy works on several levels: Enhances vascularization : Improves blood and oxygen supply to inflamed tissues, accelerating healing and reducing inflammation. Relaxes muscles : Helps release tension and contractures, reducing stiffness and improving mobility. Acts on nerve endings : Produces a sedative effect on pain, providing progressive and lasting relief without the use of medication. This makes it particularly suitable for conditions such as neck pain, lower back pain, sciatica, tendinitis, and joint trauma, supporting the functional recovery of tissues. Indications and Contraindications of Thermotherapy Diathermy is a safe, versatile treatment, but like any medical procedure, it has specific indications and contraindications, carefully assessed during the initial consultation. Transparency is a core value, ensuring every patient begins their therapeutic journey with clarity and trust. Main Treatment Areas Main Contraindications Wrinkles and Skin Laxity – Face, Neck, Décolleté, Arms Pregnancy Cellulite and Water Retention – Legs, Buttocks, Abdomen Pacemakers Dull, Sagging Skin – Face and Body Severe cardiac or vascular conditions Contractures and Muscle Pain – Back, Neck, Shoulders, Limbs Active skin infections or lesions Swelling and Heaviness – Legs and Ankles Ongoing tumors or oncological conditions Tips to Maximize Thermotherapy Results Diathermy delivers excellent results, but its effectiveness reaches its peak within a personalized, integrated protocol. At Istituto Image, every treatment is part of a holistic pathway toward patient well-being. For this reason, diathermy is often combined with other methods to create powerful synergies. For instance: In our personalized medical weight-loss program , diathermy is essential to tone tissues that may lose elasticity during weight reduction, ensuring a firmer and more defined silhouette. To combat cellulite and localized fat, diathermy can be preceded by Shockwave Therapy , which prepares tissues for enhanced receptivity, and followed by draining or lipolytic mesotherapy sessions for targeted action. Technologies such as Coolwaves® can work in synergy for body contouring, while manual treatments like lymphatic drainage or cupping therapy enhance detox and draining effects, helping eliminate excess fluids. To maintain long-term benefits, we recommend following our specialists’ advice, staying well-hydrated, and adopting a healthy, active lifestyle. Thermotherapy at Istituto Image: Our Specialized Offering At Istituto Image, every treatment journey begins with a personalized regenerative analysis —an in-depth clinical evaluation performed by our medical team. This allows us to fully understand each patient’s unique needs and build a tailor-made protocol, where diathermy integrates with other cutting-edge technologies. Our approach is both scientific and holistic: we don’t just treat aesthetic concerns, but work to restore the biological balance of tissues. The expertise of our team, guided by the scientific vision of Professor Carlo Tremolada , along with state-of-the-art equipment, guarantees safety, comfort, and real results. Choosing diathermy treatment at our institute means placing your trust in an excellence of regenerative medicine—for well-being that can be both seen and felt. Contact Istituto Image today and book your regenerative analysis. Let’s begin your journey to well-being together! FAQ What is thermotherapy used for? Thermotherapy stimulates the body’s regenerative processes through heat. In aesthetic medicine, it is used to tone the skin, reduce wrinkles and cellulite, and improve circulation. In therapeutic applications, it relieves muscle pain, contractures, and inflammation. What is heat therapy used for? Heat therapy generates a controlled increase in tissue temperature to achieve specific benefits. It enhances blood flow, promotes oxygenation and toxin elimination, stimulates collagen production for firmer skin, and relaxes contracted muscle fibers with an analgesic effect. What kinds of pain does heat relieve? Heat is especially effective for relieving muscle and joint pain. It is recommended for contractures, neck tension, lower back pain, menstrual pain, and joint stiffness. It relaxes muscles, improves circulation, and reduces pain perception. How much does thermotherapy cost? The cost of a thermotherapy (diathermy) program varies, as it depends on the personalized treatment plan established during consultation. Factors include the number of sessions required, the size of the treatment areas, and any combination with other synergistic technologies. To receive a detailed, tailored quote, we recommend booking a consultation with our specialists.