Varicose veins require complex treatment, which includes drug therapy and the use of conservative and surgical methods. One of the ways to alleviate the symptoms of the disease is massage for varicose veins.
There are many techniques available to improve venous health and reduce congestion. However, experts do not recommend their use without consulting your doctor, as a wrongly chosen massage for varicose veins can worsen symptoms and lead to serious complications.
Is it possible to massage varicose veins?
Violation of venous circulation in the lower extremities is caused by venous weakness, but the main source of disease is often insufficient muscle tension. This is why doctors consider varicose vein massage as a very effective method for preventing and treating the disease.A course therapy consisting of 10-12 sessions is needed for a marked improvement in the condition of the blood vessels and the reduction of symptoms.
The main task for varicose veins is to reduce the load on the walls of blood vessels and increase their tone. In addition to medications, this can be done using conservative methods. Even a classic relaxing massage for varicose veins can significantly improve the patient's condition.
With the right technique you can:
- improve the general condition of blood vessels by enlarging the venous wall;
- increase venous blood flow and reduce the load on the veins by increasing muscle tone;
- to reduce soft tissue congestion by increasing microcirculation;
- facilitates bloating by increasing lymph flow.
According to official standards, only certain types of massage can be done for varicose veins. In addition, when choosing them, it is necessary to focus on the current condition of the patient, the stage of the disease and the accompanying complications.
Unfortunately, such factors are often overlooked and many women do not think about the consequences of the procedures. They do not consult a doctor if it is possible to do anti-cellulite massage with varicose veins, but rely on choosing a massage parlor employee.
Phlebologists say that foot massage with varicose veins should be done very carefully, especially if the disease progresses.Even a certified specialist cannot assess all the risks in patients with varicose veins. In the best case, before the first session, he will seek a certificate from a doctor, in the worst case, he will ignore the presence of varicose veins.
It is believed that improper physical impact on soft tissues and blood vessels can provoke complications:
- additional dilation of veins with the formation of large "pockets" in which blood clots can form;
- rupture of vessel wall with subsequent bleeding;
- inflammation of the vascular wall;
- detachment of a thrombus that can float along the venous network in the internal organs.
Before deciding whether it is possible to massage varicose veins, the patient should undergo a preliminary examination, during which conditions that prevent the use of this method of therapy can be found.
Contraindications
There may be several contraindications to massaging the lower extremities with varicose veins: from existing skin lesions in the target area to systemic pathologies that can immediately lead to complications during physical tissue action.
The absolute reasons why massage techniques should not be used for varicose veins of the legs are:
- Acute inflammatory and infectious processes. Direct physical impact on such diseases can provoke the spread of infection or thrombosis.
- Thrombophlebitis or a tendency to form blood clots. During the session, a blood clot may break down with the subsequent development of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or thromboembolism of internal organs (most often the lungs).
- Hypertension rate 3. Increased blood pressure puts extra stress on the veins and increases venous blood volume. Excessive stretching of the vessel walls and rupture may occur.
- Atherosclerotic vascular changes. The procedure can cause a lipid plaque to separate and cause thrombosis, ischemia and other complications.
It is strictly forbidden to massage the lower extremities with varicose veins in patients suffering from dermatitis and other skin diseases in the exposure area.
In addition unconditionally, the method has relative contraindications. For example, a procedure that uses certain oils or topical preparations is not performed for those suffering from individual intolerance to funds.
The list of contraindications may also depend on the type of massage:
- a contraindication to LPG massage for varicose veins, vacuum and anti-cellulite techniques is an undercompensated process; hydromassage
- is not used for signs of trophic ulcer formation; Impulse exposure
- using home electronics is contraindicated in arrhythmias and other heart diseases, epilepsy.
Important!Do not hide from the specialist or doctor attending to the comorbid or underlying conditions that may cause you to refuse to have a hearing. This can turn into dangerous consequences for health and life.
Types of massage for varicose veins
There are several types of foot massage for varicose veins, which have individual characteristics and are therefore used in different stages of the disease and for different health-related disorders. There are not many techniques with a predominance of pronounced anti-varicose action. Most types of foot massage for varicose veins are borrowed from cosmetological practice. This is a cup procedure and exposure to vacuum, lymphatic drainage and modern LPG equipment, hydromassage and more.
The use of cup massage for varicose veins of the lower extremities is allowed 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 helps normalize tissue nutrition. In the later stages, as well as in chronic varicose veins, any type of vacuum massage for varicose veins, including canned ones, are contraindicated.
Using LPG massage for varicose veins - a more modern vacuum apparatus technique - shows excellent results in stages 1 and 2 of the disease. With veins with chronic varicose veins and rapid progression, this technique is contraindicated.
The use of gentle lymphatic drainage massage techniques for varicose veins of the legs is justified at any stage of the disease, as it is associated with stagnant processes.
With the help of hardware or mechanical lymphatic drainage, a noticeable improvement can be achieved in several ways:
- elimination of bloating;
- improving tissue nutrition and reducing ischemic changes;
- restoration of venous blood flow;
- eliminates muscle spasms and reduces pain.
As for the popular anti-cellulite foot massage, for varicose veins, it can be used very carefully, and only in the absence of enlarged superficial veins and pronounced ischemic changes. In the early stages of the disease, any technique of this type of therapy will be helpful, especially if the patient is overweight.
With varicose veins, the anti-cellulite effect should not be associated with tissue heating. Massage for patients with such a diagnosis is recommended to be done without the use of heating oils and pre-heating of the limbs.
Foot hydromassage for varicose veins is possible at any stage of the disease. It can be performed in specialized salons and clinics, as well as at home. A separate whirlpool tub or shower head with several water pressure modes can act as a whirlpool.
Along with ordinary warm water, you can use healing solutions during the procedures:
- essential oils with tonic and tonic effect;
- decoction of chamomile or calendula;
- with severe leg fatigue, you can use decoctions with relaxing effect (mint, rosemary).
For varicose veins, you can also use mechanical foot massages equipped with acne, soft needles or a vibrating attachment. Such devices are most effective in the initial stage of varicose veins, and in case of severe chronic venous damage, it helps in relieving the symptoms of the disease.
Foot massage for varicose veins at home
Anti-varicose massage at home (independent) is an affordable and completely free alternative for those who can not visit a clinic or massage parlor for various reasons. Self-massage of the feet with varicose veins is the same necessity as taking oral medication and using external agents.
However, in order for the exposure not to damage the vessels, a number of rules must be followed:
- Before getting a massage for varicose veins, consult a doctor and follow his recommendations;
- carefully study the literature describing the different techniques and choose the type of exposure according to the current condition and degree of varicose veins;
- study the contraindications and assess your condition carefully, not ignoring the signs of changes that are an obstacle to the use of massage techniques.
To perform a foot massage at home with varicose veins, you will need not only theoretical knowledge, but also special equipment: a massager, creams and gels, a special shower head (if hydromassage is chosen), asand compression underwear, which should be placed immediately after the session. . . It is advisable to buy them in specialty stores.
How to
Algorithm for performing lower limb massage with varicose veins is standard for any type of procedure:
- Rest and relaxation of the circulatory system of the limbs. It is recommended to lie down 10-30 minutes before the start of the session, placing the legs on a pillow or roller so that they are slightly above the level of the heart.
- it is necessary to start the procedure immediately after the break, without getting up or moving. Just sit in a comfortable chair or on the edge of the bed with your feet flat on the floor.
- Before doing a foot massage, an anti-varicose agent (any venotonic cream or oil prescribed by a doctor) should be applied to the skin. It is not necessary to spread it all over the surface of the feet - just squeeze the medicine in the palm of your hand and warm it up a bit.
- it is necessary to start hitting from the bottom of the legs, gradually rising from the legs to the groin.
- it is necessary to perform the movements smoothly, without sudden jerk and pressure. The range of motion is wide. When performing hydromassage, circular motions with limited amplitudes are performed.
- In places where spider veins and protruding veins are visible, the degree of pressure on the tissue should be minimal.
Each foot should be massaged for at least 20 minutes, after which they assume the starting position - lying down with the legs slightly raised - and stay in it for 10-15 minutes. After that, you can wear compression garments.
If during the session a burning sensation appears, the skin has acquired a pale shade, the swelling and pain have intensified, it should be stopped.
At least 10 self-massage sessions are required to display positive dynamics. An interval of 1 or 2 days should be observed between individual treatments. Daily massage for varicose veins can provoke complications.