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 unsightly appearance of the legs, which is especially oppressive for women. Varicose veins can be completely cured only by surgery. To maintain the lower extremities in a normal state and slow down the development of the disease, doctors recommend a comprehensive conservative treatment. Some types of massage on the legs with varicose veins, along with medicines, compression hosiery and physical activity, give a good result in the initial stages of the disease.
Is it possible to do 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 reservations. The procedure will be beneficial only at the initial stage of the disease. Pronounced nodes and vascular network should not be touched, it can be life-threatening and cause a sharp deterioration in the condition.
Protruding tortuous veins are an absolute contraindication for any physical impact. Varicose veins in such cases are complicated by inflammation of the veins, in which blood clots form. As a result of physical impact, there is a threat of detachment of a blood clot and blockage of vital blood vessels by it.
It is possible to carry out a foot massage for varicose veins at home. Self-massage helps well - it can be done even at work to relieve fatigue and restore efficiency.
In some cases, it is permissible to use massagers, but only after consulting a phlebologist.
How does massage work for 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 the outflow of fluid from the tissues, which reduces the swelling of the limb;
- by reducing puffiness, 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 up blood vessels, strengthens their walls. As a result of the massage, stagnation disappears. The procedure has about the same effect as medical gymnastics.
Rules for effective and safe limb massage
Foot massage for varicose veins is a delicate matter that requires certain knowledge and skills. The doctor should tell how to do it correctly on his own. But it's best to trust a specialist in the physiotherapy department. Fundamental rules:
- excludes a rough effect on the surface of the legs and massage in the area of dilated veins;
- in classic manual massage, oil is used to better glide the masseur's hands;
- massage techniques - smooth stroking in a circular motion, eliminating pressure;
- massage lines are always directed from bottom to top - from the foot along the lower leg 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.
Preparing for the procedure
The patient is placed on a flat surface. To make it convenient for the masseur to work, a special massage table is used. If the back surface of the legs is being worked out, then a roller is placed under the feet. To massage the front surface, 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 for 10-15 minutes with your legs raised to a height to slightly reduce swelling.
Varieties of massage
In the treatment, several massage techniques are used, performed by hand or with the help of a special apparatus. The classical massage technique and varicose veins are compatible when there are still no external signs of the disease, but there are subjective sensations of fatigue and heaviness in the legs. The procedures are carried out 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 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 leg and the feet are worked out last.
Lightly rubbing the skin and pressing with palms, the masseur goes along the lines of the lymphatic vessels, stimulating the outflow of accumulated fluid and cleansing the tissues of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage cannot be practiced every day. The course begins with 1 session per week and gradually increases to 3 times, if the patient tolerates the treatment well. It is advisable 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 (it was mentioned above);
- vacuum (it will be discussed below).
Vacuum massage has several techniques. It is impossible to prescribe this type of massage on your own, as a rule, it is prohibited with varicose veins. It is highly discouraged to do it in a beauty salon, without consulting a doctor.
Honey
Like vacuum massage, honey massage has supporters and opponents among doctors. On the one hand, honey has a beneficial effect on tissues, improves blood circulation and their 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 limbs.
Carrying out rules:
- massage is done no more than once every seven days;
- liquid honey is used for it (you can warm it up a little in a water bath);
- honey is not applied to places where there is a vascular network;
- after the honey is distributed over the skin, it is gently rubbed in with light kneading movements;
- further massage is performed with light pats.
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. Performance:
- the massage is done in a sitting position with outstretched legs;
- if one leg is affected by varicose veins, massage begins with a healthy limb;
- direction of movement - from feet to knee and above;
- the first movements are soft stroking, then the pressure can be slightly increased (do as if you are pushing the liquid from the bottom up);
- followed by tingling first of the skin, then with the capture of subcutaneous adipose tissue;
- end the procedure with light muscle shaking and stroking.
After the end of the massage, shake your leg a little. 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 need to do it every day.
Hydromassage
Hydromassage for varicose veins is not only a useful, but a very pleasant procedure. You can also do it yourself. The basic rules are simple:
- if using 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;
- movements should be small circular;
- do not direct shower at dilated veins.
Start massaging your foot, watering it in a circular motion. Then smoothly move to the lower legs, directing the jets from the bottom up along the venous blood flow. 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 zone - the lower back with a shower.
Point
Acupressure massage is an effect on biologically active points on the legs. Its second name is Tibetan. Stimulating the points gives the following result:
- improves local metabolism;
- removes muscle spasm;
- restores blood flow and tones blood vessels;
- improves the protective functions of the body.
Most often performed for the feet, but sometimes other parts of the leg are involved. It should be performed by a specialist who is well aware of the location of reflex points.
Foot massage
Rubbing the feet has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, stimulates the outflow of fluid and brings relief to tired legs. The massage begins with the toes, then the sole and the back of the foot are rubbed. You need to start with a light stroking, gradually increasing the intensity and pace. Foot massage will give a therapeutic effect only if the procedure is carried out regularly.
Taoist
Another technique that gives a good result for varicose veins is Taoist massage. It consists in a light effect on the surface of the legs with circular stroking passes. A mixture of base and essential oils is preliminarily applied to the skin.
The movements are carried out 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 its 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 carried out only by hardware. Modern devices for the procedure provide for the setting of an individual program. The invention of the Frenchman Louis Paul Guite (his initials - LPG - and the technique is named) 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 an anti-varicose massage with great care and only after a medical examination. Vacuum massage is more of a disease prevention. 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 full agreement among doctors about the safety of LPG massage for varicose veins.
The technique of exposure consists in the fact that the maniple, which is carried out along predetermined parts of the legs, draws in the skin fold due to the vacuum. Inside the maniple there are two rollers that move in opposite directions, kneading the subcutaneous fat in the captured fold. With the help of a computer program, you can adjust the depth of capture and the intensity of movement of the rollers. It is forbidden to influence on the inner sides of the thighs and in the popliteal fossa.
Canned
Cupping massage is a type of vacuum massage. In principle, this procedure has long been well known - before, banks were put for coughs and bronchitis. The principle of operation is the same - annoyingly distracting. Cupping massage is used as an anti-cellulite one.
With varicose veins, it is categorically contraindicated. Under the action of a vacuum, capillaries are destroyed (which is why bruises form on the skin after cans). And at the first stage of varicose veins, it is the small vessels that first of all suffer. It is better not to take risks and prefer a safer type of therapeutic massage.
Thai
Another type of massage prohibited 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 your hands, but also with your elbow, knee or wrist. There is a danger of damage not only to superficial diseased vessels, but also to compression of deep veins.
Contraindications
Like any remedy, massage for varicose veins of the legs has contraindications:
- thrombophlebitis and thrombosis;
- trophic ulcers;
- pronounced venous nodes;
- dermatitis and itching;
- inflammatory processes or infectious diseases;
- high temperature;
- cancers.
With varicose veins, therapeutic massage will be beneficial only if it is part of a complex therapy, and its type and implementation is agreed with the doctor.