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 an unsightly appearance of the legs, which is especially oppressive for women. Varicose veins can only be completely cured with 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 massage on the legs with varicose veins, as well as medication, 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 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 only be beneficial at the initial stage of the disease. Pronounced nodes and the vascular network should not be affected, this can be life threatening and cause a sharp deterioration of the condition.
The 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 a blood clot detaching and blocking vital blood vessels by it.
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 permissible to use massagers, but only after consulting a phlebologist.
<1_img_centerxx>How massage works 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 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 circulation;
- eliminates heaviness and pain;
- relieves fatigue;
- prevents the appearance of the vascular network.
Strengthening blood circulation improves 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 roughly 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 must tell how to do it correctly by himself. But it is better 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 dilated veins;
- in classic manual massage, the oil is used to better slide the hands of the masseur;
- massage techniques - gentle caresses in a circular motion, relieving 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.
Lymphatic drainage massage does not require the use of oil or cream. At home for self-massage, anti-varicose veins ointments can be used as an oil base.
Preparation of the procedure
The patient is placed on a flat surface. To facilitate the work of the masseur, a special massage table is used. If the back surface of the legs is being worked out, 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 to 15 minutes with your legs elevated to slightly reduce swelling.
Varieties of massages
In 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 is still no outward sign of the disease, but there are subjective sensations of fatigue and heaviness in the legs. The procedures are carried out in progress every day or every other day at the rate of 10 to 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 carried out by a specialist, because the technique provides for the study of the areas of localization of the lymph nodes and the passage of the lymphatic vessels. The massage begins with the buttocks and thighs, then goes to the bottom of the leg and the feet are worked last.
By lightly rubbing the skin and pressing with the palms, the massager follows the lines of the lymphatic vessels, stimulating the flow of accumulated fluids and cleansing the tissues of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage cannot be done 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 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);
- empty (this 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 strongly recommended not to do it in a beauty salon, without consulting a doctor.
Honey
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 on the legs can be dangerous - the viscous consistency intensifies the effect. Therefore, it is better to use it for preventive purposes and to relieve fatigue and heaviness in the limbs.
Rules of execution:
- massage is not done more than once every seven days;
- liquid honey is used for this (you can warm it up a little in a water bath);
- honey is not applied to places where there is a vascular network;
- after distributing the honey on the skin, it is gently rubbed with light kneading movements;
- additional massage is performed with light tapping.
Self massage
Self-massage is a good way out of a situation where there is no possibility of visiting a massage parlor. As part of a comprehensive treatment, self-massage of the legs with varicose veins will provide relief and help prevent the development of pathologies. Performance:
- the massage is done in a seated position with the legs straight;
- if one leg is affected by varicose veins, the massage begins with a healthy limb;
- direction of movement - from feet to knee and above;
- the first movements are gentle strokes, then the pressure can be slightly increased (pretend you are pushing the liquid from the bottom up);
- followed by tingling first of the skin, then by capture of subcutaneous adipose tissue;
- finish the procedure with light muscle twitches and strokes.
Shake your leg lightly after the massage is finished. The session for each leg should not last more than 10 minutes. With the help of self-massage of 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 a useful procedure, but a very pleasant one. You can also do it yourself. The basic rules are simple:
- if you are using a contrast shower, start with lukewarm (not hot! ) water;
- the 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 on the dilated veins.
Begin massaging your foot, spraying it in a circular motion. Then slowly move down the legs, directing the jets up and down along the venous blood stream. Take a minute on 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 the biologically active points of the legs. Its second name is Tibetan. Stimulation of the points gives the following result:
- improves local metabolism;
- removes muscle spasms;
- 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 must be performed by a specialist familiar with the location of the reflex points.
Foot massage
Rubbing the feet has a beneficial effect on the blood vessels, stimulates the flow of fluids and relieves tired legs. The massage begins with the toes, then the sole and back of the foot are rubbed. You should start with a light caress, gradually increasing the intensity and pace. Massage of the feet 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 of a luminous effect on the surface of the legs with circular strokes of strokes. A mixture of base oils and essential oils is first applied to the skin.
Movements are performed from feet to 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 suitable for varicose veins, even in its early stages. The ban is due to their aggressive technique, which violates the integrity of ships.
Empty
Vacuum massage for varicose veins can only be done by hardware. Modern devices for the procedure allow the setting of an individual program. The invention of the French Louis Paul Guite (his initials - LPG - and the technique bears his name) 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 limbs by stimulating lymphatic flow and destroying fatty deposits.
But it is necessary to use such a massage as an anti-varicose vein massage with great care and only after a medical examination. Vacuum massage serves primarily as a prophylaxis for the disease. It is beneficial only at the first symptoms of varicose veins with the full consistency of venous valves, when there are no external manifestations of the disease. There is still no complete 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, sucks up the skin fold thanks to the vacuum. Inside the manipulates, 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 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.
Canned
Cupping massage is a type of vacuum massage. In principle, this procedure has been well known for a long time - previously, banks were set up for cough and bronchitis. The principle of operation is the same - annoying and distracting. Cupping massage is used as an anti-cellulite.
With varicose veins it is categorically contraindicated. Under the action of vacuum, capillaries are destroyed (this is why bruises form on the skin after cans). And in the first stage of varicose veins, it is the small vessels that suffer first. It is better not to take any risks and to favor a safer type of therapeutic massage.
Thai
Another type of massage that is prohibited for varicose veins is Thai. Its essence is the effect on reflex points. But the method itself is unacceptable for diseased vessels. The pressure is not only done with the hands, but also with the elbow, knee or wrist. There is a risk of damaging not only the superficial diseased vessels, but also the compression of the deep veins.
Contraindications
Like any remedy, massage of varicose veins on the legs has contraindications:
- thrombophlebitis and thrombosis;
- trophic ulcers;
- pronounced venous nodes;
- dermatitis and itching;
- inflammatory processes or infectious diseases;
- high temperature;
- cancerous.
With varicose veins, therapeutic massage will be of benefit only if it is part of a complex therapy and its type and implementation are agreed with the doctor.