Varicose veins require a complex treatment that includes drug therapy and the use of conservative and surgical methods. One way to relieve the symptoms of the disease is varicose vein massage.
There are several techniques available to improve the health of veins and reduce congestion. However, experts do not recommend using them without consulting your doctor, as improperly selected varicose veins can aggravate symptoms and lead to serious complications.
Is it possible to have a massage against varicose veins?
Impairment of venous circulation in the lower extremities is caused by weakness of the veins, but the primary source of the disease is often insufficient muscle tension. Therefore, doctors consider varicose vein massage to be a fairly effective method of preventing and treating the disease.
A course of 10-12 treatments is required to significantly improve the condition of the blood vessels and reduce symptoms.
The main function of the varicose veins is to reduce the load on the walls of the blood vessels and increase their tone. In addition to drugs, this can also be done by conservative methods. Even a classic relaxing massage against varicose veins can significantly improve a patient’s condition.
With the right technique, you can:
- improves the general condition of blood vessels by increasing the venous wall;
- increases venous blood flow and reduces vascular load by increasing muscle tone;
- to reduce soft tissue congestion by increasing microcirculation;
- relieves swelling by increasing lymph outflow.
Measured by the official standard, only certain types of massage against varicose veins can be performed. In addition, their selection should focus on the patient's current condition, stage of the disease, and related complications.
Unfortunately, such factors are often overlooked and many women do not think about the consequences of procedures. They do not consult a doctor about whether it is possible to perform an anti-cellulite massage against varicose veins, but rely on the choice of a massage salon employee.
Even a qualified professional cannot assess all the risks in varicose veins. At best, he asks for a certificate from the doctor before the first session, at worst, he ignores the presence of varicose veins.
Phlebologists say varicose veins should be performed with extreme caution, especially if the disease progresses.
Inadequate physical exposure to soft tissues and blood vessels is thought to cause complications:
- further stretching of the veins with the formation of large "pockets" in which blood clots can form;
- rupture of the vessel wall with subsequent bleeding;
- inflammation of the vessel wall;
- detachment of a thrombus that can float along the venous network to the internal organs.
Before deciding whether a varicose vein massage is possible, the patient should undergo a preliminary examination that includes conditions that preclude the use of this therapeutic method.
Contraindications
There may be a number of contraindications to varicose veins in the lower extremities: from skin lesions in the area of the intended effect to systemic pathologies that can immediately lead to complications during physical activity on the tissues.
The absolute reasons why massage techniques should not be used on the varicose veins of the foot are:
- Acute inflammatory and infectious processes. The direct physical effects of such diseases can provoke the spread of infection or thrombosis.
- Thrombophlebitis or predisposition to blood clots. During the session, the blood clot may break with a later onset of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or thromboembolism of the internal organs (most often the lungs).
- 3. high blood pressure. An increase in blood pressure puts additional stress on the veins and increases the amount of venous blood. The vessel wall may become excessively elongated and crack.
- Vascular changes with atherosclerosis. Because of the procedure, the lipid plaque can separate and trigger thrombosis, ischemia, and other complications.
Massaging the lower extremities with varicose veins is strictly prohibited in patients with dermatitis and other skin conditions at the site of exposure.
In addition to the unconditional, the method has relative contraindications. For example, a procedure using certain oils or topical preparations is not performed for those who suffer from individual intolerance to funds.
The list of contraindications also depends on the type of massage:
- contraindication to varicose veins LPG massage, vacuum and anti-cellulite techniques subcompensated process;
- hydromassage is not used for signs of trophic ulcer formation;
- pulse exposure with household electronic devices is contraindicated in arrhythmias and other heart diseases, epilepsy.
Important!Do not hide from a specialist or treating doctor from concomitant or underlying illnesses that may prevent you from taking up the occupation. This can have dangerous consequences for your health and life.
Types of varicose veins massage
There are several types of varicose veins that have unique characteristics and are therefore used in different stages of the disease and in different concomitant health disorders. There are not many techniques that predominate with a pronounced anti-varicose effect. Most types of varicose vein foot massage are borrowed from cosmetology practice. It is a process that involves vacuum, lymphatic drainage and modern LPG hardware techniques, hydromassage and others.
The use of cupping massage in varicose veins of the lower extremities is permitted only in stage 1, in which there are no signs of decompensation (visible veins, tissue ischemia). With the development of venous insufficiency, the vacuum created by the banks helps to normalize capillary and venous blood flow, removes edema, and normalizes tissue nutrition. In the later stages, as well as in chronic varicose veins, any type of varicose vein massage is contraindicated, including canned.
The use of LPG massage in the vein - a more advanced device vacuum technique - shows excellent results in stages 1 and 2 of the disease. This technique is contraindicated for chronic and rapidly progressing varicose veins.
The use of gentle lymphatic drainage techniques in the varicose veins of the foot is warranted at any stage of the disease as it is accompanied by stagnant processes.
Hardware or mechanical lymphatic drainage can be significantly improved in several ways:
- to eliminate the swelling;
- Improving tissue nutrition and reducing ischemic changes;
- restoration of venous blood flow;
- Eliminate muscle cramps and reduce pain.
As for the popular anti-cellulite foot massage, it can be used with extreme caution against varicose veins and only in the absence of superficial dilated veins and pronounced ischemic changes. In the initial stages of the disease, any technique of this type of therapy will be helpful, especially if the patient is overweight.
In case of varicose veins, the anti-cellulite effect should not be accompanied by tissue heating. Massage is recommended for patients with this diagnosis without warming ointments and preheating of the limbs.
Due to varicose veins, hydromassage of the legs is possible at any stage of the disease. It can be done in salons and special clinics as well as at home. A special hydromassage bath or several water pressure shower heads can act as a hydromassage.
In addition to the usual warm water, you can also use therapeutic solutions during the procedures:
- firming and toning essential oils;
- chamomile or marigold decoctions;
- In case of severe foot fatigue you can use relaxing decoctions (mint, rosemary).
In case of varicose veins, you can also use mechanical household foot massagers with pimples, soft needles or vibrating fasteners. Such devices are most effective in the early stages of varicose veins and help relieve the symptoms of the disease in chronic severe venous lesions.
Home foot massage for varicose veins
Home (independent) varicose vein massage is an affordable and completely free alternative for those who, for various reasons, cannot visit a clinic or massage parlor. Self-massage of varicose legs is the same as taking oral medications and external agents.
However, in order to prevent exposure to damage to blood vessels, a number of rules must be followed:
- Before performing a varicose vein massage, consult a doctor and follow his recommendations;
- carefully study the literature describing the different techniques and select the type of exposure according to the current condition and extent of the varicose veins;
- study the contraindications and assess your condition soberly, ignoring signs of changes that hinder the use of massage techniques.
To perform a varicose foot massage at home, you will need not only theoretical knowledge but also special tools: massagers, creams and gels, a special shower head (if a hydromassage is chosen) and compression underwear, which must be put on immediately after the session. . . . It is advisable to buy them in specialty stores.
How
The algorithm for massaging the lower extremities with varicose veins is standard in all types of procedures:
- Relaxation and relief of the circulatory system of the limbs. It is recommended that you lie down 10-30 minutes before the start of the session and place your feet on a pillow or roller so that they are slightly above heart level.
- After resting, the procedure should be started immediately, without getting up and moving. It is enough to sit on a comfortable chair or on the edge of the bed, with your feet flat on the floor.
- Before performing a foot massage, a varicose vein (any venotonic cream or ointment prescribed by your doctor) should be applied to the skin. It is not necessary to distribute over the entire surface of the legs - it is enough to push the medicine into the palm of your hand and warm it up a bit.
- The punch should start at the bottom of the legs, gradually rising from the legs to the hips.
- Movements should be performed smoothly, without sudden jerks and pressure. The range of motion is wide. When performing a hydromassage, circular movements of limited amplitude are performed.
- In places where spider veins and protruding veins are visible, the amount of pressure on the tissue should be kept to a minimum.
Each foot should be massaged for at least 20 minutes, after which they will return to their starting position - with their legs slightly raised - and remain in it for 10-15 minutes. You can then pick up the compression garments.
If a burning sensation occurs during the session, the skin has received a faint shade, swelling and pain have increased, it should be stopped.
Positive dynamics require at least 10 self-massages. An interval of 1 or 2 days should be observed between each treatment. Varicose daily massage can cause complications.