Varicose veins require complex treatment, which includes drug therapy and the use of conservative and surgical methods. One of the ways to relieve the symptoms of the disease is by massaging varicose veins.
There are many techniques available to improve vein health and reduce congestion. However, experts do not recommend using them without consulting your doctor, as improperly chosen massage for varicose veins can exacerbate symptoms and lead to serious complications.
Is it possible to massage for varicose veins?
Violation of venous circulation in the lower extremities is caused by weakness of the veins, but the main source of the disease is often insufficient muscle tension. This is why doctors consider massage for varicose veins to be a fairly effective method of preventing and treating the disease.
A course of 10 to 12 sessions is necessary for a noticeable improvement in the condition of the blood vessels and a reduction in symptoms.
The main task of varicose veins is to reduce the load on the walls of blood vessels and increase their tone. In addition to medication, 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 increasing 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;
- relieves puffiness by increasing lymphatic flow.
According to official standards, only certain types of massage can be performed 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 associated complications.
Unfortunately, these factors are often overlooked and many women do not think about the consequences of the procedures. They do not consult a doctor on whether it is possible to do an anti-cellulite massage with varicose veins, but rely on the choice of an employee of the massage parlor.
Even a certified specialist cannot assess all the risks in patients with varicose veins. At best, before the first session, he will ask a doctor for a certificate, at worst, he will ignore the presence of varicose veins.
Phlebologists say that massaging feet with varicose veins should be done with extreme caution, especially if the disease progresses.
It is believed that inappropriate physical impact on soft tissues and blood vessels can 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 vascular wall;
- detachment of a thrombus which may float along the venous system to internal organs.
Before deciding whether it is possible to do massage for varicose veins, the patient should undergo a preliminary examination, during which conditions can be found that prevent the use of this method of therapy.
Contraindications
There may be several contraindications to massage of the lower limbs with varicose veins: existing skin lesions in the area of the expected impact to systemic pathologies that can instantly lead to complications during the physical action on the tissues.
The absolute reasons why massage techniques should not be used for varicose veins in the legs are:
- Acute inflammatory and infectious processes. The direct physical impact of these diseases can cause the spread of infection or thrombosis.
- Thrombophlebitis or a tendency to form blood clots. During the session, a blood clot may rupture with the further development of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or thromboembolism of internal organs (most often the lungs).
- Grade 3 hypertension. The increased blood pressure places additional stress on the veins and increases the volume of venous blood. Excessive stretching of the vessel walls and rupture can occur.
- Atherosclerotic vascular changes. The procedure can cause a lipid plaque to separate and trigger thrombosis, ischemia, and other complications.
It is strictly forbidden to massage the lower extremities with varicose veins in patients who suffer from dermatitis and other skin diseases in the exposure area.
Besides the unconditional, the method has relative contraindications. For example, a procedure using certain oils or topical preparations is not carried out for those who suffer 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 under-compensated process; hydromassage
- is not used for signs of the formation of trophic ulcers; Pulse exposure
- using household electronic devices is contraindicated in arrhythmias and other heart disease, epilepsy.
Important!Do not hide from the specialist or the doctor treating concomitant or underlying diseases that can lead to a refusal to conduct a session. This can lead to 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 at different stages of the disease and for various concomitant health 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 the practice of cosmetology. It is a procedure with cupping and exposure to vacuum, lymphatic drainage and modern techniques of LPG, hydromassage and other equipment.
The use of suction 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, eliminates 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 veins, is contraindicated.
The use of LPG massage for varicose veins - a more modern suction technique - shows excellent results in stages 1 and 2 of the disease. With chronic and rapidly evolving varicose veins, 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 accompanied by stagnant processes.
Using mechanical lymphatic material or drainage, significant improvement can be achieved in several ways:
- elimination of puffiness;
- improvement of tissue nutrition and reduction of ischemic changes;
- restoration of venous blood flow;
- elimination of muscle spasms and reduction of pain.
As for the popular anti-cellulite foot massage, for varicose veins it can be used with extreme caution, and only in the absence of superficial dilated 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 accompanied by heating of the tissues. Massage for patients with such a diagnosis is recommended to dispense with the use of warming ointments and preliminary warming of the limbs.
Hydromassage of the legs for varicose veins is possible at any stage of the disease. It can be performed in salons and specialized clinics, as well as at home. A special hydromassage tub or a shower head with several water pressure modes can act as a hydromassage.
In addition to ordinary warm water, you can use healing solutions during the procedures:
- essential oils with firming and toning effect;
- decoctions of chamomile or calendula;
- in case of severe fatigue in the legs, you can use decoctions with a relaxing effect (mint, rosemary).
With varicose veins, you can also use mechanical household massagers for the legs, equipped with buttons, soft needles or a vibrating accessory. These devices are most effective at the initial stage of varicose veins, and in cases of severe chronic venous damage, they help alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
Foot massage for varicose veins at home
In-home (freelance) anti-varicose vein massage is an affordable and completely free alternative for those who cannot visit a clinic or massage parlor for various reasons. Self-massage of the legs with varicose veins is the same necessity as taking oral medications and using external agents.
However, in order for the exhibition not to harm ships, a number of rules must be observed:
- before performing 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 state and degree of varicose veins;
- Study the contraindications and soberly assess your condition, without ignoring the signs of changes that are hindering the use of massage techniques.
To perform a leg massage at home with varicose veins, you will need not only theoretical knowledge, but also special devices: a massager, creams and gels, a special shower head (if thehydromassage is selected), as well as compression underwear, which should be put on immediately after the session. . . It is advisable to buy them in specialized stores.
How to
The algorithm for performing massage of the lower extremities with varicose veins is standard for any type of procedure:
- Rest and relief of the circulatory system of the limbs. It is recommended to lie down 10 to 30 minutes before the start of the session, placing your feet on a pillow or roller, so that they are just above heart level.
- It is necessary to start the procedure immediately after resting, without getting up or moving. Just sit on 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 vein agent (any veinotonic cream or ointment prescribed by a doctor) should be applied to the skin. It is not necessary to distribute it over the entire surface of the legs - just squeeze the medicine into the palm of your hand and warm it slightly.
- It is necessary to start the impact with the lower part of the legs, gradually moving up from the feet to the hips.
- It is necessary to perform smooth movements, without sudden jerks and pressures. The range of motion is wide. During the hydromassage, circular movements of limited amplitude are performed.
- In places where spider veins and protruding veins are visible, the degree of pressure on the tissue should be minimal.
Each leg should be massaged for at least 20 minutes, after which it assumes the starting position - lying down with the legs slightly raised - and stays there for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, you can put on the compression clothes.
If during the session a burning sensation appears, the skin has acquired a pale color, swelling and intensified pain, it should be stopped.
For the appearance of a positive dynamic, at least 10 self-massage sessions are necessary. An interval of 1 or 2 days should be observed between individual treatments. Daily massage of varicose veins can cause complications.