Abstract: A low-profile self-charging and contouring bladder system assists circulation in a treatment region. Bladders capable of self-inflation and deflation incorporate entry and exit check valves having predetermined cracking pressures to maintain internal pressure above the ambient pressure of the ambient environment. Recharging check valves having low cracking pressures at or slightly above atmospheric pressure, combined with the self-inflation properties of the bladders promotes bladder pressurization. Bladders are disposed in sleeves designed to fit various parts of a wearer's body, and connected in series to allow the apparatus to work across a large region. The system is designed at pressures so that normal bodily movement, including skeletal bending and twisting, causes bladders to expel fluid and take in fluid in a manner causing pressure waves to move across the treatment region.