Varicose veins are the scourge of modern man. The disease reduces the quality of life, manifests itself with increased fatigue, heaviness, swelling and unpleasant appearance of the legs, which is especially oppressive for women. Varicose veins can be completely cured only with surgery. Doctors recommend comprehensive conservative treatment to keep the lower extremities normal and slow the progression of the disease. Some types of massage on the legs 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 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 under certain conditions. The procedure will be useful only in the early stages of the disease. Avoid contact with vocal cords and vascular network, which can be life-threatening and can lead to severe deterioration of the condition.
Protruding curved veins are an absolute contraindication to any physical impact. In such cases, varicose veins are complicated by inflammation of the blood vessels where blood clots form. There is a risk of blood clots separating as a result of physical exposure, thereby blocking vital blood vessels.
It is possible to do a foot massage for varicose veins at home. Self-massage helps well - it can even be done at work to relieve fatigue and restore effectiveness.
In some cases, the use of masseurs is allowed, but only after consultation with a phlebologist.
How massage works for pathology
There are several techniques used for varicose veins, and they are all subtle. The effect of massage for varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- improves blood and lymph flow from the arteries;
- enhances the outflow of fluid from the tissues, reducing swelling of the joint;
- by reducing swelling, the pressure in the arteries improves, which improves blood flow;
- relieves heaviness and pain;
- eliminates fatigue;
- prevents the appearance of vascular network.
Strengthening blood flow improves the nutrition of muscles and all layers of the skin, tones blood vessels, strengthens their walls. Massage eliminates stagnation. The procedure has the same effect as medical gymnastics.
Effective and safe extreme massage rules
Foot massage for varicose veins is a delicate matter that requires a certain amount of knowledge and skills. The doctor should explain to himself how to do it right. But it is better to trust a specialist in the physiotherapy department. Basic rules:
- excludes rough effects on the surface of the legs and massage in the area of dilated veins;
- in classic hand massage, oil is used to make the masseur's hands slide better;
- massage techniques - smooth caressing in a circular motion, relieving pressure;
- massage lines are always directed from the bottom up - from the foot to the knee along the tire and from the knee to the upper thigh.
Lymphatic drainage massage does not require the use of oil or cream. Anti-varicose ointments can be used as an oil base for self-massage at home.
We are preparing for the procedure
The patient is placed on a flat surface. A special massage table is used to make the massager work comfortably. If the back surface of the legs is processed, a roll is placed under the feet. To massage the anterior surface, the patient is stretched behind and the cylinders are placed under the feet and knees. At home, you can sit for 10-15 minutes before the massage session, raising your legs to reduce swelling a bit.
Types of massage
The treatment uses several methods of massage, which are performed manually or with the help of special equipment. The classic massage technique and varicose veins are still suitable when there are no external signs of the disease, but there is a subjective feeling of fatigue and heaviness in the legs. Procedures are performed daily or in courses of 10-12 sessions per day. Massage techniques for varicose veins should be prescribed by a phlebologist.
Lymphatic drainage
According to doctors, the most effective foot massage against varicose veins is lymphatic drainage. It should be performed by a specialist, because the technique allows the passage of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. The massage begins with the thighs and thighs, then moves to the lower leg and the legs are worked to the end.
By massaging the skin lightly and pressing it with the palm, the masseur runs along the lines of the lymphatic vessels, which stimulates the release of accumulated fluid and cleanses the tissues of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage can not be applied every day. The course begins with 1 session per week and gradually increases to 3 times if the patient tolerates the treatment well. In total, it is recommended to perform at least 15 procedures.
Anti-cellulite
There are two anti-cellulite massage methods that can be used on varicose veins:
- lymphatic drainage (noted above);
- vacuum (discussed below).
There are several methods of vacuum massage. This type of massage can not be prescribed alone, as a rule, is prohibited with varicose veins. It is very courageous to do in a beauty salon without consulting a doctor.
Honey
Like vacuum massage, honey massage has its supporters and rivals among doctors. On the one hand, honey has a beneficial effect on tissues, improves blood circulation and nutrition, eliminates swelling. On the other hand, for varicose veins of the legs, massage with honey can be dangerous - the effect of viscous consistency is even stronger. Therefore, it is better to use it for prophylactic purposes and to eliminate fatigue and heaviness in the limbs.
Maintaining the rules:
- massage is not performed more than once in seven days;
- liquid honey is used for this (you can heat it a little in a water bath);
- points are not applied to the places where there is a vascular network;
- After the honey is distributed on the skin, it is gently rubbed with light kneading movements;
- further massage is performed with light pats.
Self-massage
Self-massage is a good way out of the situation when you do not have an opportunity to visit a massage parlor. As an element of comprehensive treatment, self-massage of the legs with varicose veins will bring relief and help prevent the development of pathology. Performance:
- massage is performed 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 the feet to the knees and up;
- first movements gently stroking, then the pressure can be increased slightly (as if pushing the liquid from the bottom up);
- followed by tingling, first with skin, then with subcutaneous adipose tissue retention;
- Complete the procedure by lightly shaking and stroking the muscle.
After the massage, shake your feet a little. The session for each leg should not exceed 10 minutes. Self-massage for varicose veins can relieve fatigue and pain, get rid of edema. You have to do this 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 contrasting shower, start with warm water (not hot! );
- the pressure should be moderate;
- do not hold jets on certain parts of the legs;
- movements should be small circular;
- Do not shower in varicose veins.
Start massaging your feet, moisturize in a circular motion. Then move to the lower legs, directing the planes from bottom to top along the venous blood flow. Apply to your knee for a minute - massage in a circular motion. Do the same with your other foot. Finally, it is useful to massage the reflex zone - with a shower on the lower back.
The point
Acupressure massage affects biologically active points in the legs. The second name is Tibet. Stimulating points gives the following results:
- improves local metabolism;
- eliminates muscle spasms;
- restores blood flow and tones blood vessels;
- improves the body's protective functions.
Most are performed for the legs, 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 outflow of fluid and brings comfort to tired feet. The massage begins with your toes, then rubs the sole and back of the foot. You should start with a light stroke, gradually increasing the intensity and tempo. Foot massage will have a therapeutic effect only if the procedure is performed regularly.
Taoist
Another method that gives good results for varicose veins is Taoist massage. Consists of a slight impact on the surface of the legs with circular stroking transitions. A mixture of essential and essential oils is applied to the skin beforehand.
The movements are performed from the legs to the hips, each of which is repeated 10 times. Taoist foot massage for varicose veins at home is once a week for 30 days.
Unwanted massages
Not all types of massage are indicated for varicose veins, even in the early stages. The ban is due to aggressive techniques that violate the integrity of ships.
Vacuum cleaner
Vacuum massage for varicose veins can be performed only with the help of the device. Modern devices for the procedure allow you to install an individual program. The invention of the Frenchman Louis Paul Guite (capital letters - LPG - and called technique) revolutionized cosmetology and brought some medical benefits. 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.
However, such a massage as an anti-varicose massage should be used with great care and only after a medical examination. Vacuum massage mainly serves as a prevention of the disease. It is useful in the first symptoms of varicose veins, with complete consistency of venous valves, in the absence of external manifestations of the disease. There is still no complete agreement among doctors on the safety of LPG massage for varicose veins.
The method of exposure is to apply a vacuum to the skin layer by manipulating the pre-defined parts of the legs. Inside the manipulator, there are two rollers that move in opposite directions by kneading the subcutaneous fat in the captured layer. With the help of a computer program you can adjust the grip depth and the intensity of movement of the rollers. It is forbidden to affect the inner sides of the thighs and the popliteal fossa.
Canned
Trash massage is a type of vacuum massage. In principle, this procedure has long been known - in the past, banks were set for coughs and bronchitis. The principle of operation is the same - nervously distracting. Garbage massage is used as an anti-cellulite massage.
It is completely contraindicated in varicose veins. Under the influence of vacuum, the capillaries are destroyed (therefore, after canning, caries develops on the skin). In the first stage of varicose veins are small veins that suffer first. It is better not to take risks and prefer a safer therapeutic massage.
Thai
Another type of massage that is prohibited for varicose veins is Thai. Its essence is the effect on reflex points. However, the method itself is unacceptable for sick vessels. Pressing is done not only with your hands, but also with your elbows, knees or wrists. It can damage not only superficial arteries, but also deep veins.
Contraindications
As with any remedy, there are contraindications to massage for varicose veins of the legs:
- thrombophlebitis and thrombosis;
- trophic ulcers;
- venous nodules;
- dermatitis and itching;
- inflammatory processes or infectious diseases;
- high temperature;
- cancer.
Therapeutic massage with varicose veins will be useful only if it is part of a complex therapy and the type and application are agreed with the doctor.