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 massage for 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 an incorrectly selected massage for varicose veins can exacerbate symptoms and lead to serious complications.
Is it possible to do massages for varicose veins?
Violation of venous circulation in the lower extremities is caused by weakness of the veins, however, the primary source of the disease is often insufficient muscle tension. That is why doctors consider massage for varicose veins to be a fairly effective method of preventing and treating the disease.
A course therapy consisting of 10-12 sessions is required for a noticeable improvement in the state of blood vessels and reduction of 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 drugs, 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:
- improves the general condition of blood vessels by increasing the venous wall;
- increases venous blood flow and reduces the load on the veins by increasing muscle tone;
- to reduce congestion in soft tissues by increasing microcirculation;
- relieves swelling by increasing lymphatic outflow.
According to official standards, only certain types of massage can be performed for varicose veins. In addition, when choosing, it is necessary to focus on the current condition of the patient, the stage of the disease and associated complications.
Unfortunately, such factors are often overlooked and many women do not think about the consequences of the procedures. They do not consult with a doctor to find out if it is possible to have an anti-cellulite massage with varicose veins, but they rely on the choice of a massage parlor employee.
Even a certified specialist cannot assess all the risks in patients with varicose veins. At best, before the first session, he will ask for a certificate from a doctor, at worst he will ignore the presence of varicose veins.
Phlebologists say that foot massage with varicose veins should be done with extreme caution, especially if the disease progresses.
Improper physical impact on soft tissue and blood vessels is believed to cause complications:
- additional stretching of the veins with the formation of large "pockets" in which blood clots can form;
- rupture of the vessel wall resulting in bleeding;
- inflammation of the vascular wall;
- detachment of a thrombus which can float along the venous network to the internal organs.
Before deciding whether it is possible to perform massage with varicose veins, the patient must 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: from skin lesions existing in the area of the expected impact to systemic pathologies that can instantly lead to complications during physical action on the tissues.
The absolute reasons why massage techniques cannot be used for varicose veins of the legs are:
- Acute inflammatory and infectious processes. Direct physical impact in such diseases can result in the spread of infection or thrombosis.
- Thrombophlebitis or a tendency to form blood clots. During the session, a blood clot can rupture with the subsequent development of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction or thromboembolism of internal organs (most often lungs).
- Grade 3 hypertension. An increase in blood pressure increases the stress on the veins and increases the volume of venous blood. Excessive stretching of the vessel walls and rupture may 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 limbs with varicose veins in patients suffering from dermatitis and other skin diseases in the area 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 may also depend on the type of massage:
- a contraindication to LPG massage for varicose veins, vacuum and anti-cellulite techniques is a subcompensated process;
- hydromassage is not used for signs of trophic ulcer formation;
- Impulse exposure using household electronic devices is contraindicated in case of arrhythmias and other heart diseases, epilepsy.
Important!Do not hide from the specialist or attending physician concomitant or underlying diseases that may cause you to refuse to conduct a session. 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 therefore are used in different stages of the disease and for various concomitant health ailments. There are not many techniques with a predominance of a pronounced anti-varicose action. Most types of foot massage for varicose veins are borrowed from cosmetological practice. This is a procedure with cupping and vacuum exposure, lymphatic drainage, and modern LPG hardware techniques, hydromassage and others.
The use of cupping massage for varicose veins of the lower limbs is allowed only in phase 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 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, is contraindicated.
The use of LPG massage for varicose veins - a more modern technique of vacuuming the apparatus - shows excellent results in stages 1 and 2 of the disease. With chronic and rapidly progressing 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.
With the help of hardware or mechanical lymphatic drainage, significant improvement can be achieved in several ways:
- elimination of swelling;
- improvement of tissue nutrition and reduction of ischemic changes;
- restoration of venous blood flow;
- elimination of muscle spasms and reduction of pain.
As with the popular anti-cellulite foot massage, for varicose veins it can be used with extreme caution, and only in the absence of dilated superficial veins and marked ischemic changes. In the early stages of the disease, any technique of this type of therapy will be useful, especially if the patient is overweight.
With varicose veins, the anti-cellulite effect should not be accompanied by tissue heating. Massage for patients with such a diagnosis is recommended to do without the use of warming ointments and preliminary warming of the limbs.
Leg hydromassage for varicose veins is possible at any stage of the disease. It can be carried out in specialized salons and clinics, as well as at home. A special whirlpool tub or shower head with different water pressure modes can act as a whirlpool.
Along with ordinary warm water, you can use healing solutions during the procedures:
- essential oils with firming and toning effect;
- decoctions of chamomile or calendula;
- with severe leg fatigue, you can use decoctions with a relaxing effect (mint, rosemary).
For varicose veins, you can also use mechanical home foot massagers equipped with pimples, soft needles or a vibrating accessory. Such devices are most effective in the initial stage of varicose veins, and in the case of severe chronic venous damage, they help relieve the symptoms of the disease.
Foot massage for varicose veins at home
Home (independent) anti-varicose massage is an inexpensive and completely free alternative for those who cannot visit a clinic or massage parlor for various reasons. Self-massage of legs with varicose veins is the same need as taking medications by mouth and using external agents.
However, in order for the exposure not to damage the vessels, a series of rules must be followed:
- 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 based on the current state and degree of varicose veins;
- studies the contraindications and soberly assesses your condition, not ignoring the signs of changes that are an obstacle to the use of massage techniques.
To perform 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 hydromassage is selected), as well as compression underwear, which should be worn immediately after the session. . . It is recommended to buy them in specialized stores.
Like
The algorithm for performing the massage of the lower limbs 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 10-30 minutes before the start of the session, placing your feet on a cushion or roller so that they are slightly above the level of the heart.
- It is necessary to start the procedure immediately after resting, without getting up or moving. Simply sit in a comfortable chair or on the edge of the bed with your feet flat on the floor.
- Before performing a foot massage, apply an anti-varicose agent (any venotonic cream or ointment prescribed by a doctor) to the skin. It is not necessary to distribute it over the entire surface of the legs - it is enough to squeeze the drug into the palm of your hand and slightly warm it.
- It is necessary to start the impact from the lower legs, gradually moving up from the feet to the hips.
- It is necessary to perform the movements smoothly, without jolts and sudden pressure. The range of motion is wide. When performing 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 with the legs slightly raised - and remains there for 10-15 minutes. After that, you can put on the compression garments.
If a burning sensation occurs during the session, the skin becomes pale, swelling and pain intensify, the treatment should be stopped.
For the appearance of positive dynamics, at least 10 self-massage sessions are required. It is necessary to observe an interval of 1 or 2 days between the individual treatments. Daily massage for varicose veins can cause complications.