The scourge of modern man in his prime is varicose veins. The disease reduces the quality of life, manifested by increased fatigue, heaviness, swelling and ugly appearance of the legs, which is especially depressing for women. Varicose veins can only be completely cured by surgery. To keep the lower limbs in normal condition and slow the progression of the disease, doctors recommend a comprehensive conservative treatment. Some types of foot massage with varicose veins, along with medications, compression stockings and physical activity, give good results in the early stages of the disease.
Is it possible to massage the legs with varicose veins
When asked if it is possible to massage the legs with varicose veins, doctors answer - it is possible and necessary. But with some reservations. The procedure will be useful only in the initial stage of the disease. Provoked nodules and vascular network should not be touched, this can be life-threatening and cause a sharp deterioration of the condition.
Protruding crooked veins are an absolute contraindication to any physical impact. Varicose veins in such cases are complicated by inflammation of the veins, which form blood clots. As a result of physical exposure, there is a risk of a blood clot separating and blocking vital blood vessels from it.
It is possible to perform a foot massage for varicose veins at home. Self-massage helps well - it can be done even during work to relieve fatigue and restore efficiency.
In some cases it is permissible to use massagers, but only after consultation with a phlebologist.
How massage works in pathology
There are several techniques used for varicose veins and they are all gentle. The effect of massage for varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- improves blood and lymph flow through the vessels;
- enhances fluid leakage from the tissues, which reduces swelling of the limb;
- by reducing swelling, the pressure on the vessels decreases, which improves blood flow;
- eliminates heaviness and pain;
- relieves fatigue;
- prevents the appearance of the vascular network.
Strengthening blood flow improves the nutrition of muscles and all layers of the skin, tones blood vessels, strengthens their walls. As a result of the massage, the stagnation disappears. The procedure has approximately the same effect as medical gymnastics.
Rules for effective and safe massage of the limbs
Foot massage for varicose veins is a delicate matter that requires certain knowledge and skills. The doctor must tell you how to do it properly yourself. 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 varicose veins;
- in the classic manual massage oil is used for better sliding of the masseur's hands;
- massage techniques - smooth stroking with circular movements, removal of pressure;
- massage lines are always directed from the bottom up - from the foot to the shin to the knee and from the knee to the upper thigh.
Lymphatic drainage massage does not require the use of oil or cream. At home for self-massage, anti-varicose ointments can be used as an oil base.
Preparation for the procedure
The patient is placed on a flat surface. To make it comfortable for the masseur to work, a special massage table is used. If the back surface of the feet is treated, a roller is placed under the feet. To massage the anterior surface, the patient lies on his back and the rollers are placed under the legs and knees. At home, before a massage session, you can sit for 10-15 minutes with your legs raised to an elevation to slightly reduce swelling.
Varieties of massage
During the treatment, several massage techniques are used, performed by hand or with the help of a special device. The classic massage technique and varicose veins are compatible when there are still no external signs of the disease, but there are subjective feelings of fatigue and heaviness in the legs. The procedures are conducted in courses daily or every other day in the amount of 10-12 sessions. The technique of massage for varicose veins should be prescribed by a phlebologist.
Lymphatic drainage
The most effective anti-varicose foot massage, according to doctors, is lymphatic drainage. It should be performed by a specialist, as the technique involves examining the areas where the lymph nodes are located and the passage of lymph vessels. The massage begins with the buttocks and thighs, then goes to the lower leg and the legs are trained last.
Gently rubbing the skin and pressing with the palms, the masseur passes along the lines of the lymph vessels, stimulating the outflow of accumulated fluid and cleanses the tissues of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage cannot be practiced every day. The course starts with 1 session per week and is gradually increased to 3 times if the patient tolerates the treatment well. It is recommended to do at least 15 procedures in total.
Anti-cellulite
There are two anti-cellulite massage techniques that can be used for varicose veins:
- lymphatic drainage (mentioned above);
- vacuum (will be discussed below).
Vacuum massage has several techniques. It is impossible to prescribe this type of massage alone, as a rule it is forbidden for varicose veins. It is very discouraging to do it in a beauty salon without consulting a doctor.
Honey
Like vacuum massage, copper massage has supporters and opponents among doctors. On the one hand, honey has a beneficial effect on tissues, improves blood circulation and nutrition, relieves swelling. On the other hand, massage with honey for varicose veins of the legs can be dangerous - the viscous consistency makes the effect intensify. Therefore, it is better to use it for preventive purposes and to relieve fatigue and heaviness in the extremities.
Implementation of rules:
- massage is done no more than once every seven days;
- liquid honey is used for it (you can heat it a little in a water bath);
- honey is not applied in places where there is a vascular network;
- after the honey is distributed on the skin, it is gently rubbed in with light kneading movements;
- additional massage is performed with light taps.
Self-massage
Self-massage is a good way out of a situation when there is no opportunity to visit a massage parlor. As an element of a comprehensive treatment, self-massage of the legs with varicose veins will bring relief and help prevent the development of pathology. Productivity:
- the massage is done in a sitting position with outstretched legs;
- if one leg is affected by varicose veins, the massage begins with a healthy limb;
- direction of movement - from leg to knee and up;
- the first movements are gentle stroking, then the pressure may increase slightly (do as if pushing the liquid from the bottom up);
- followed by tingling first on the skin, then with the capture of subcutaneous adipose tissue;
- complete the procedure by gently shaking the muscles and stroking.
Shake your legs shortly after the end of the massage. The session for each leg should last no more than 10 minutes. With the help of self-massage for varicose veins you can relieve fatigue and pain, get rid of edema. You have to do it every day.
Hydromassage
Hydromassage for varicose veins is not only useful but also a very pleasant procedure. You can do it yourself. The basic rules are simple:
- if you use a contrast shower, start with warm water (not hot! );
- the pressure should be moderate;
- do not hold the jets on certain parts of the legs;
- the movements must be small circular;
- do not direct the shower to varicose veins.
Start massaging your foot by watering it in a circular motion. Then move smoothly to the lower legs, directing the jets from the bottom up along the venous blood. Take a minute to your knee - massage it in a circular motion. Do the same with the other leg. Finally, it is useful to massage the reflex area - the lower back with a shower.
Point
Acupressure massage has an effect on the biologically active points of the feet. His middle name is Tibetan. Stimulating the points gives the following result:
- improves local metabolism;
- eliminates muscle spasm;
- restores blood flow and tones blood vessels;
- improves the protective functions of the body.
It is most often performed for the legs, but sometimes other parts of the legs are involved. It should be performed by a specialist who is well acquainted with the location of the reflex points.
Foot massage
Rubbing the feet has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, stimulates the outflow of fluids and brings relief to tired legs. The massage begins with the toes, then the sole and the back of the foot are rubbed. You should start with a light stroking, gradually increasing the intensity and pace. Foot massage will give a therapeutic effect only if the procedure is performed regularly.
Taoists
Another technique that works well for varicose veins is Taoist massage. It consists of a light effect on the surface of the feet with circular stroking belts. A mixture of base and essential oils is applied to the skin beforehand.
The movements are performed from the feet to the hips, each repeated 10 times. Taoist foot massage for varicose veins at home is done once a week for 30 days.
Unwanted massages
Not all types of massage are indicated for varicose veins, even in the initial stages. The ban is due to their aggressive technique, which violates the integrity of the vessels.
Vacuum
Vacuum massage for varicose veins can be performed only by hardware. Modern devices for the procedure provide for setting up an individual program. The invention of the Frenchman Louis Paul Guit (his initials - LPG - and the technique is called) revolutionized cosmetology and brought some benefits from a medical point of view. LPG massage for varicose veins or vacuum roller massage certainly improves blood circulation in the lower extremities by stimulating lymph flow and destroying fat deposits.
But it is necessary to use such a massage as anti-varicose massage with great care and only after a medical examination. Vacuum massage mainly serves as a disease prevention. It is useful only at the first symptoms of varicose veins with the full 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 manipulation, which is performed on predetermined parts of the legs, being pulled into the skin fold due to the vacuum. Inside the collector there are two rollers that move in opposite directions, mixing the subcutaneous fat into the trapped fold. With the help of a computer program you can adjust the depth of capture and the intensity of the movement of the rollers. The impact on the inner sides of the thighs and in the popliteal fossa is prohibited.
Canned
Blended massage is a type of vacuum massage. In general, this procedure has long been well known - previously placed banks for cough and bronchitis. The principle of operation is the same - annoyingly distracting. Blending massage is used as an anti-cellulite.
In varicose veins it is strongly contraindicated. Under the action of vacuum, the capillaries are destroyed (due to which bruises form on the skin after boxes). And in the first stage of varicose veins, the small vessels suffer first. It is better not to take risks and to 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 unacceptable for diseased vessels. Pressing is done not only with the hands, but also with the elbow, knee or wrist. There is a danger of damage not only to superficially diseased vessels, but also to compression of deep veins.
Contraindications
Like any medicine, massage for varicose veins of the legs has contraindications:
- thrombophlebitis and thrombosis;
- trophic ulcers;
- pronounced venous nodules;
- dermatitis and itching;
- inflammatory processes or infectious diseases;
- fever;
- cancers.
In varicose veins, therapeutic massage will be useful only if it is part of a complex therapy, and its type and implementation is agreed with the doctor.