The scourge of modern man in his prime are varicose veins. The disease reduces the quality of life, manifested by increased fatigue, heaviness, swelling and unsightly appearance of the legs, which is particularly oppressive for women. Varicose veins can only be completely cured with surgery. To keep the lower limbs in a normal state and slow down the development of the disease, doctors recommend comprehensive conservative treatment. Some types of leg massage with varicose veins, along with medicines, compression stockings and physical activity, give a good result in the initial 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 reservations. The procedure will be useful only at the initial stage of the disease. Pronounced nodes and the vascular network should not be touched, they can be life-threatening and cause a sharp deterioration of the condition.
Protruding tortuous veins are an absolute contraindication for any physical impact. Varicose veins in these cases are complicated by inflammation of the veins, in which blood clots are formed. As a result of the physical impact, there is the threat of detachment of a blood clot and blockage of vital blood vessels by it.
It is possible to perform a foot massage for varicose veins at home. Self-massage helps well: it can also be done at work to relieve fatigue and restore efficiency.
In some cases, the use of massagers is allowed, but only after consulting a phlebologist.
How does massage for pathology work
There are several techniques used for varicose veins and they are all delicate. The effect of massage for varicose veins of the lower limbs:
- improves blood and lymphatic flow through the vessels;
- improves the outflow of fluid 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 nutrition of muscles and all layers of the skin, tones blood vessels, strengthens their walls. As a result of the massage, stagnation disappears. The procedure has about the same effect as in 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 you how to do it correctly yourself. But it is better to rely on a specialist in the physiotherapy department. Fundamental rules:
- excludes a rough effect on the surface of the legs and a massage in the area of dilated veins;
- in classic manual massage oil is used to make the masseur's hands slide better;
- massage techniques: gently stroking in a circular motion, eliminating pressure;
- the massage lines are always directed from the bottom up - from the foot along the shin to the knee and from the knee to the top of the thigh.
The 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 the work of the masseur convenient, a special massage table is used. If the back surface of the legs is processed, a roller is placed under the feet. To massage the anterior surface, the patient lies on his back and 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 slightly reduce swelling.
Variety of massages
In the treatment, different massage techniques are used, performed manually or with the aid of a special apparatus. The classic massage technique and varicose veins are compatible when there are still no external signs of the disease, but there are subjective sensations of tiredness 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
According to doctors, the most effective anti-varicose foot massage is lymphatic drainage. It should be performed by a specialist, since the technique involves the study of the localization zones of the lymph nodes and the passage of lymphatic vessels. The massage starts with the buttocks and thighs, then comes to the lower leg and the feet are worked up last.
By lightly rubbing the skin and pressing with the palms, the massager runs along the lines of the lymphatic vessels, stimulating the outflow of accumulated fluids and purifying the tissues of toxins. The 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 recommended 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);
- blank (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 forbidden with varicose veins. It is highly not recommended to do this 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 nutrition, relieves swelling. On the other hand, massage with honey for varicose veins in the legs can be dangerous: the viscous consistency intensifies the effect. Therefore, it is best to use it for preventive purposes and to relieve fatigue and heaviness in the limbs.
Execution of the rules:
- massage is performed no more than once every seven days;
- liquid honey is used for this (you can warm it a little in a water bath);
- honey is not applied in places where there is a vascular network;
- after the honey has spread over the peel, it is gently massaged with light kneading movements;
- further massage is performed with light pats.
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 the legs with varicose veins will bring relief and help prevent the development of pathologies. 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 the feet to the knee and beyond;
- the first movements are gently 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;
- finish the procedure with light shaking and muscle stroking.
Shake your leg slightly after the massage is over. 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 this 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 you use a contrast shower, start with warm (not hot! ) water;
- pressure should be moderate;
- do not hold the jets on some parts of the legs;
- movements should be small circular;
- do not direct the shower on dilated veins.
Start massaging your foot, watering it in a circular motion. Then smoothly move to your lower legs, directing the jets from the bottom up along the venous blood stream. Take a minute for the knee - massage it in a circular motion. Do the same with the other leg. Finally, it is helpful to massage the reflex zone - the lower back with a shower.
Point
The acupressure massage acts on the biologically active points of the legs. His middle name is Tibetan. Stimulation of 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 it is done for the feet, but sometimes other parts of the leg are involved. It should be performed by a specialist who knows the location of the reflex points well.
Foot massage
Rubbing the feet has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, stimulates the flow of liquids and relieves tired legs. The massage begins with the toes, then rubs the sole and the back of the foot. It is necessary to start with a light 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 gives a good result for varicose veins is the Taoist massage. It consists of a light effect on the surface of the legs with circular brush 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 performed once a week for 30 days.
Unwanted massages
Not all types of massage are suitable for varicose veins, even in the initial stages. The ban is due to their aggressive technique, which violates the integrity of the ships.
Empty
Vacuum massage for varicose veins can only be done by hardware. Modern devices for the procedure provide for the setting of an individual schedule. The invention of Frenchman Louis Paul Guite (his initials - LPG - and the technique is named after) revolutionized cosmetology and brought some medical benefits. LPG massage for varicose veins or vacuum roller massage definitely improves blood circulation in the lower limbs by stimulating lymphatic 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 serves primarily as a prophylaxis of the disease. It is useful 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 on the safety of LPG massage for varicose veins.
The technique of exposure consists in the fact that the handpiece, which is carried out along predetermined parts of the legs, attracts the fold of the skin due to the vacuum. Inside the handpiece there are two rollers that move in opposite directions, kneading the subcutaneous fat in the captured crease. With the help of a computer program, you can adjust the capture depth and the intensity of the movement of the rollers. It is forbidden to influence on the inner sides of the thighs and in the popliteal fossa.
In box
Cupping massage is a type of vacuum massage. In principle, this procedure has long been known: earlier, banks were made available for cough and bronchitis. The principle of operation is the same: annoyingly annoying. The cupping massage is used as an anti-cellulite massage.
With varicose veins, it is categorically contraindicated. Under the action of vacuum, the capillaries are destroyed (which is why bruises are formed on the skin after the 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 to prefer a safer type of therapeutic massage.
Thai
Another type of massage prohibited for varicose veins is Thai. Its essence is the effect on the reflex points. But the method itself is unacceptable for sick vessels. The pressure is performed not only with the hands, but also with the 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;
- tumors.
With varicose veins, therapeutic massage will be useful only if it is part of a complex therapy and its type and implementation are agreed with the doctor.