The scourge of modern man in his prime are varicose veins. The disease reduces the quality of life, which manifests itself in increased fatigue, heaviness, swelling and unsightly appearance of the legs, which is particularly oppressive for women. Varicose veins can only be completely cured by surgery. In order to keep the lower extremities in a normal condition and to slow down the development of the disease, doctors recommend comprehensive conservative treatment. Some types of massage on the legs with varicose veins, along with medication, compression stockings and physical activity, give a good result in the early stages of the disease.
Is it possible to have a foot massage with varicose veins?
When asked whether it is possible to massage the legs with varicose veins, doctors answer - it is possible and necessary. But with some caveats. The procedure will only be beneficial in the initial stages of the disease. Pronounced nodes and vascular networks should not be touched, this can be life-threatening and lead to a sharp deterioration in the condition.
Protruding tortuous veins are an absolute contraindication to any physical impact. In such cases, varicose veins are complicated by phlebitis, in which blood clots form. As a result of the physical impact, there is a risk of a blood clot shedding and thereby the blockage of vital blood vessels.
It is possible to have a foot massage for varicose veins at home. Self-massage works well - it can even be done at work to relieve fatigue and restore performance.
In some cases, the use of massage equipment is allowed, but only after consulting a phlebologist.
How does massage work for pathology?
There are several different techniques that are used for varicose veins, and they are all gentle. The effect of massage on varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- improves blood and lymph flow through the vessels;
- improves the outflow of fluid from tissues, reducing limb swelling;
- by reducing the swelling, the pressure on the vessels decreases, which improves blood circulation;
- eliminates heaviness and pain;
- relieves fatigue;
- prevents the appearance of the vascular network.
Strengthening blood circulation improves nutrition of muscles and all layers of the skin, tightens blood vessels, strengthens their walls. The stagnation disappears with the massage. The procedure has roughly the same effect as medical gymnastics.
Rules for an effective and safe limb massage
Foot massage for varicose veins is a delicate matter that requires certain knowledge and skills. The doctor should explain by himself how to do it correctly. But it is best to trust a specialist in the physiotherapy department. Basic rules:
- excludes a rough effect on the surface of the legs and massage in the area of the dilated veins;
- classic manual massage uses oil to make the masseur's hands slide better;
- Massage techniques - gentle stroking in circular movements, pressure relief;
- Massage lines are always drawn from the bottom up - from the foot along the shin to the knee and from the knee to the thigh.
Lymphatic drainage massage does not require the use of oil or cream. At home, for self-massage, anti-varicose vein ointments can be used as an oil base.
Preparation for the procedure
The patient is placed on a flat surface. A special massage table is used to make the masseur's work easier. When working on the back of the legs, a roll is placed under the feet. To massage the front, the patient lies on his back and the rollers are placed under the feet and knees. At home, before a massage session, you can sit with your legs raised for 10-15 minutes to slightly reduce the swelling.
Various massages
During the treatment, various massage techniques are used, which are carried out by hand or with the help of a special device. The classic massage technique and varicose veins are compatible if there are no external signs of illness, but there are subjective feelings of tiredness and heaviness in the legs. The procedures are carried out in courses daily or every other day in the scope of 10-12 sessions. The massage technique for varicose veins should be prescribed by a phlebologist.
Lymphatic drainage
According to doctors, the most effective foot massage for varicose veins is lymphatic drainage. It should be carried out by a specialist, since the technique provides for the study of the zones of the location of the lymph nodes and the passage of the lymphatic vessels. The massage begins with the buttocks and thighs, then goes to the lower legs and the feet are trained last.
By gently rubbing the skin and pressing with the palms of the hands, the masseur walks along the lymphatic vessels, stimulating the outflow of the accumulated fluid and cleansing the tissues of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage cannot be practiced on a daily basis. The course starts with 1 session per week and gradually increases to 3 times if the patient tolerates the treatment well. It is advisable to perform at least 15 procedures in total.
Anti-cellulite
There are two anti-cellulite massage techniques that can be used for varicose veins:
- Lymphatic drainage (it was mentioned above);
- Vacuum (discussed below).
Vacuum massage has several techniques. It is impossible to prescribe this type of massage yourself; as a rule, it is forbidden for varicose veins. It is strongly advised not to do this in a beauty salon without consulting a doctor.
honey
Like vacuum massage, honey massage has both supporters and opponents among doctors. On the one hand, honey has a beneficial effect on the tissue, improves blood circulation and nutrition, and relieves swelling. On the other hand, massage with honey for varicose veins of the legs can be dangerous - the viscous consistency enhances the effect. Therefore, it is better to use it for preventive purposes and to relieve fatigue and heaviness in the limbs.
Execute rules:
- Massage is performed no more than every seven days;
- for this, liquid honey is used (you can warm it a little in a water bath);
- honey is not applied to places where there is a vascular network;
- After the honey has been distributed on the skin, it is gently rubbed in with light kneading movements;
- the rest of the massage takes place with light strokes.
Self massage
Self-massage is a great way out of a situation where there is no way to visit a massage parlor. As an element of comprehensive treatment, self-massage of the legs with varicose veins brings relief and helps prevent the development of pathologies. Performance:
- the massage takes place while sitting with legs stretched out;
- if a leg is affected by varicose veins, massage begins with a healthy limb;
- Direction of movement - from the feet to the knee and above;
- the first movements are gentle stroking, then the pressure can be increased slightly (as if pressing the liquid from the bottom up);
- followed by tingling of the skin first, then with the capture of subcutaneous adipose tissue;
- Finish with light muscle tremors and stroking.
Shake your leg a little after the massage ends. The session for each leg should not last more than 10 minutes. With the help of self-massage for varicose veins, you can relieve fatigue and pain, and get rid of edema. You have to do it every day.
Hydromassage
Hydromassage for varicose veins is not only a useful, but also a very pleasant procedure. You can also do it yourself. The basic rules are simple:
- if you are using a contrast shower, start with warm water (not hot! );
- the pressure should be moderate;
- Do not hold the nozzles in certain places on the legs;
- Movements should be small circular;
- do not shower directly on dilated veins.
Start by massaging your foot and pouring it in a circular motion. Then gently move towards your lower legs and direct the jets from bottom to top along the venous blood flow. Take a minute for your knee - massage it in circular motions. Do the same with the other leg. Finally, it makes sense to massage the reflex zone - the lower back - with a shower.
Point
The acupressure massage works on biologically active points on the legs. His middle name is Tibetan. The stimulation of the points leads to the following result:
- improves local metabolism;
- removes muscle spasms;
- restores blood flow and tones blood vessels;
- improves the protective functions of the body.
Most commonly done on the feet, but sometimes other parts of the leg are affected as well. It should be carried out by a specialist who knows the exact location of the reflex points.
Foot massage
Rubbing the feet has a beneficial effect on the blood vessels, stimulates the drainage of fluids and relieves tired legs. The massage starts with the toes, then the soles of the feet and the back of the foot are rubbed. You need to start with a light stroking, gradually increasing the intensity and pace. The foot massage will only have a therapeutic effect if the procedure is carried out regularly.
taoist
Another technique that works well with varicose veins is Taoist massage. It consists of a light effect on the surface of the legs with circular strokes. A mixture of basic and essential oils is applied to the skin beforehand.
The movements are carried out from the feet to the hips, repeated 10 times each time. Taoist foot massage for varicose veins at home is performed once a week for 30 days.
Unwanted massages
For varicose veins, not all types of massage are indicated, not even in the early stages. The ban is due to their aggressive technique, which violates the integrity of the ships.
vacuum
Vacuum massage for varicose veins can only be done through hardware. Modern devices for the process provide for the setting of an individual program. The invention of the French Louis Paul Guite (his initials - LPG - and the technology is called) revolutionized cosmetics and brought some advantages from a medical point of view. The LPG massage for varicose veins or the vacuum roller massage certainly improves the blood circulation in the lower extremities by stimulating the lymph flow and destroying fat deposits.
However, it is necessary to use such a massage as an anti-varicose vein massage with great care and only after a medical examination. The vacuum massage is mainly used to prevent the disease. It is beneficial only at the first symptoms of varicose veins with the complete consistency of the venous valves, when there are no external manifestations of the disease. There is still no complete agreement among doctors about the safety of LPG massage for varicose veins.
The exposure technique consists in the fact that the manipula, which is guided along predetermined parts of the legs, pulls in the skin fold due to the vacuum. Inside the manipulator there are two rollers that move in opposite directions and knead the subcutaneous fat in the detected fold. With the help of a computer program, you can set the depth of recording and the intensity of movement of the rollers. It is forbidden to act on the inner thighs and the hollow of the knee.
Cans
Cupping massage is a type of vacuum massage. In principle, this procedure has been known for a long time - earlier banks were placed for cough and bronchitis. The principle of operation is the same - annoyingly distracting. The cupping massage is used as an anti-cellulite massage.
It is categorically contraindicated in varicose veins. Under the action of a vacuum, capillaries are destroyed (which is why bruises form on the skin after doses). And in the first stage of varicose veins, it is mainly the small vessels that suffer. It is better not to take any chances and prefer a safer type of therapeutic massage.
Thai
Another type of massage that is forbidden for varicose veins is Thai. Its essence is the effect on reflex points. But the method itself is not acceptable for diseased vessels. Pressing is done not only with the hands, but also with the elbow, knee or wrist. There is a risk of damage not only to superficial diseased vessels, but also of compression of deep veins.
Contraindications
Like any remedy, massage of varicose veins of the legs has contraindications:
- Thrombophlebitis and thrombosis;
- trophic ulcers;
- pronounced venous nodules;
- Dermatitis and itching;
- inflammatory processes or infectious diseases;
- high temperature;
- Cancers.
In the case of varicose veins, a therapeutic massage is only beneficial if it is part of a complex therapy and its type and implementation is coordinated with the doctor.