The scourge of modern man at his best is varicose veins. The disease reduces the quality of life, which is manifested by increased fatigue, heaviness, swelling and an unpleasant appearance of the legs, which is especially oppressive for women. Varicose veins can be completely cured only by surgery. To keep the lower extremities in a normal state and slow down the development of the disease, doctors recommend comprehensive conservative treatment. Some types of varicose leg massages, along with medications, compression stockings, and physical activity, work well in the early stages of the disease.
Is it possible to do a foot massage 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 beneficial only in the initial stage of the disease. Pronounced nodes and the vascular network should not be touched, as they can be life-threatening and cause acute deterioration of the condition.
Protruding tortuous veins are an absolute contraindication to any physical impact. Varicose veins in such cases are complicated by inflammation of the veins, in which blood clots form. As a result of the physical impact, there is a threat of detachment of a blood clot and blockage of vital blood vessels.
It is possible to perform 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 allowed to use massagers, but only after consulting a phlebologist.
How does massage work for pathology?
There are several techniques that are used for varicose veins and they are all mild. The effect of massage for varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- improves blood and lymphatic flow through vessels;
- improves the outflow of fluid from the tissues, which reduces the swelling of the limb;
- by reducing swelling, the pressure on the vessels decreases, which improves blood flow;
- removes 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 and strengthens their walls. As a result of the massage, the stagnation disappears. The procedure has approximately 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 tell you how to do it correctly on your own. But it is better to trust a specialist from the physiotherapy department. Fundamental rules:
- exclude 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: gentle stroking with circular movements, eliminating pressure;
- The massage lines always run from the bottom up, from the foot along 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, 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, 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 elevated to slightly reduce swelling.
Varieties of massages.
Various massage techniques are used in the treatment, 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 carried out in daily courses or every other day in the amount of 10-12 sessions. The massage technique 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 must be performed by a specialist, since the technique foresees the study of the lymph node location areas and the passage of the lymphatic vessels. The massage begins with the buttocks and thighs, then moves to the lower leg and the feet are exercised last.
Slightly rubbing the skin and pressing with the palms, the masseuse runs along the lines of the lymphatic vessels, stimulating the discharge 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 up 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 (mentioned above);
- empty (to 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.
Dear
Like vacuum massage, honey massage has supporters and opponents among physicians. 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 best used for preventive purposes and to relieve fatigue and heaviness in the limbs.
Realization of rules:
- massage is carried out no more than once every seven days;
- liquid honey is used (it can be heated a little in a water bath);
- honey is not applied to places where there is a vascular network;
- after the honey is distributed on the skin, it is rubbed gently with light kneading;
- Additional massage is done with light patting.
Self-massage
Self-massage is a good way out of a situation where there is no opportunity to visit a massage parlor. As an element of a comprehensive treatment, self-massage of legs with varicose veins will bring relief and help prevent the development of pathology. Performance:
- the massage is performed in a sitting position with the legs extended;
- if one leg is affected by varicose veins, the massage begins with a healthy limb;
- direction of movement: from feet to knee and higher;
- the first movements are gentle strokes, then the pressure can be slightly increased (pretend to push the liquid from the bottom up);
- followed by tingling first in the skin, then with the capture of the subcutaneous adipose tissue;
- Finish the procedure with light muscle movements and movements.
Shake your leg a bit after finishing the massage. 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, get rid of edema. You have to do it every day.
Hydromassage
The hydromassage for varicose veins is not only a useful procedure, but a very pleasant one. You can also do it yourself. The basic rules are simple:
- if you use a contrast shower, start with warm (not hot! ) water;
- pressure should be moderate;
- do not hold the jets on certain parts of the legs;
- movements should be small circular;
- do not direct the shower at the enlarged veins.
Begin to massage your foot, watering it in circular motions. Then gently move up the legs, directing the jets from the bottom up through the venous blood flow. Take a minute on your knee and massage in circular motions. 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 the biologically active points of the legs. 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.
Most of the time it is done for the feet, but sometimes other parts of the leg are involved. It must be performed by a specialist who knows well the location of the reflex points.
Foot massage
Rubbing the feet has a beneficial effect on the blood vessels, stimulates the flow of fluid and relieves tired legs. The massage begins with the toes, then the sole and back of the foot are rubbed. It should start with a gentle caress, 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 works well for varicose veins is Taoist massage. It consists of a light effect on the surface of the legs with circular strokes. A mixture of base and essential oils is preliminarily applied to the skin.
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 their initial stages. The ban is due to its aggressive technique, which undermines the integrity of the boats.
Vacuum cleaner
Vacuum massage for varicose veins can be done with hardware only. Modern devices for the procedure provide for the setting of an individual program. The invention of the French Louis Paul Guite (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 lymphatic flow and destroying fat deposits.
But it is necessary to use a massage like an antiviral massage very carefully and only after a medical examination. Vacuum massage serves primarily as a prophylaxis of the disease. It is beneficial only in 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 not full agreement among doctors on the safety of LPG massage for varicose veins.
The exposure technique consists in the fact that the manipulation, which is carried out along predetermined parts of the legs, attracts the skin fold due to the vacuum. Inside the handpiece are two rollers that move in opposite directions, kneading the subcutaneous fat into the captured crease. 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 the inner thighs and the popliteal fossa.
Canned
Cupping massage is a type of vacuum massage. In principle, this procedure has been well known for a long time; previously, cough and bronchitis benches were placed. The principle of operation is the same: an annoying distraction. Cupping massage is used as an anti-cellulite.
With varicose veins, it is categorically contraindicated. Under the action of a vacuum, the capillaries are destroyed (this is why bruises are formed on the skin after the cans). And in the first stage of varicose veins, it is the small vessels that suffer in the first place. It is better not to take risks and prefer a safer type of therapeutic massage.
Thai
Another type of forbidden massage for varicose veins is Thai. Its essence is the effect on the reflex points. But the method itself is unacceptable for diseased vessels. The pressure is done not only with the hands, but also with the elbow, knee or wrist. There is a danger of damaging not only diseased superficial vessels, but also 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.