Varicose veins require complex treatment that includes drug treatment 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 vascular health and reduce congestion. However, experts do not recommend using them without consulting your doctor, as a wrongly chosen massage for varicose veins can exacerbate symptoms and lead to serious complications.
Is it possible to massage for varicose veins?
Impaired venous circulation in the lower extremities is caused by vascular weakness, but the main source of the disease is often insufficient muscle tension. For this reason, doctors consider massage for varicose veins a fairly effective method for the prevention and treatment of the disease.
A course of 10-12 sessions is needed to significantly improve the condition of the blood vessels and reduce symptoms.
The main task for varicose veins is to reduce the load on the walls of the veins and increase their tone. In addition to medications, these conservative methods can be used. Even a classic soothing massage for varicose veins significantly improves the patient's condition.
With the right technique, you can do the following:
- improve the general condition of blood vessels by increasing the venous wall;
- increase venous blood flow and reduce the load on the arteries by increasing muscle tone;
- reduce density in soft tissues by increasing microcirculation;
- eliminates swelling 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 pay attention to the current condition of the patient, the stage of the disease and the associated complications.
Unfortunately, such factors are often overlooked and many women do not think about the consequences of the procedure. They do not consult a doctor about the possibility of anti-cellulite massage with varicose veins, but 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, it will require a certificate from a doctor before the first session, at worst, it ignores 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 exposure to soft tissues and blood vessels is believed to cause complications:
- additional elongation of blood vessels with the formation of large "pockets" where blood clots can form;
- rupture of the vessel wall with subsequent bleeding;
- inflammation of the vascular wall;
- A piece of thrombus that can float to internal organs along the venous network.
Before deciding whether to massage for varicose veins, the patient should undergo an initial examination, during which time there may be conditions that prevent the use of this method of therapy.
Contraindications
Massage of the lower extremities with varicose veins can have several contraindications: from existing skin lesions in the affected area to systemic pathologies that can cause immediate complications during physical exposure to tissues.
The absolute reasons for not using massage methods for varicose veins of the legs are:
- Acute inflammatory and infectious processes. In such diseases, direct physical exposure can lead to the spread of infection or thrombosis.
- Thrombophlebitis or a tendency to form blood clots. During a session, a blood clot may break with the subsequent development of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or thromboembolism of the internal organs (mostly the lungs).
- Hypertension rate 3. Increased pressure creates additional stress in the arteries and increases the volume of venous blood. Excessive elongation and rupture of the vessel walls may occur.
- Atherosclerotic vascular changes. The procedure can lead to the separation of a lipid plaque and thrombosis, ischemia and other complications.
In patients suffering from dermatitis and other skin diseases in the affected area, massage of the lower extremities with varicose veins is strictly prohibited.
Unconditionally, there are relative contraindications to the method. For example, foundations do not have a procedure that uses certain oils or topical medications for those who suffer from individual intolerance.
The list of contraindications may also depend on the type of massage:
- Contraindications to LPG massage for varicose veins, vacuum and anti-cellulite techniques is a compensated process;
- hydromassage is not used for signs of trophic ulcer formation;
- Pulse exposure using household electronic devices is contraindicated in arrhythmias and other heart diseases, epilepsy.
Important!Don't hide from specialists or attending physicians who may refuse to hold a session. This can have 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 in various accompanying health disorders. There are not many techniques with the obvious advantage of anti-varicose action. Most types of foot massage for varicose veins are derived from cosmetology practice. This is a procedure with scooping and vacuum exposure, lymphatic drainage and modern LPG apparatus techniques, hydromassage and others.
The use of scoop massage for varicose veins of the lower extremities is allowed only in stage 1, without signs of decompensation (visible veins, tissue ischemia). The vacuum created by the banks with developing venous insufficiency helps to normalize capillary and venous blood flow, eliminates edema and normalizes tissue nutrition. In the later stages, as well as in chronic varicose veins, any vacuum massage is contraindicated for varicose veins, including canned ones.
The use of LPG massage for varicose veins - a more modern apparatus vacuum technique - shows excellent results in stages 1 and 2 of the disease. This technique is contraindicated in chronic and rapidly progressing varicose veins.
The use of gentle methods of lymphatic drainage massage for varicose veins of the legs is justified at any stage of the disease, as it is accompanied by stagnant processes.
Significant improvement can be achieved in several ways with the help of hardware or mechanical lymphatic drainage:
- elimination of swelling;
- improve tissue nutrition and reduce ischemic changes;
- restoration of venous blood flow;
- Eliminate muscle spasms and reduce pain.
When it comes to the popular anti-cellulite foot massage, it can be used with extreme caution for varicose veins and only in the absence of superficial varicose veins and obvious ischemic changes. In the early stages of the disease, any method of this type of therapy will be useful, especially if the patient is overweight.
In varicose veins, the anti-cellulite effect should not be accompanied by tissue warming. For patients with such a diagnosis, it is recommended to massage with warming ointments and pre-warming the limbs.
Hydromassage of the feet 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 regular hot water, you can use healing solutions during procedures:
- essential oils with strengthening and tonic effect;
- chamomile or calendula sources;
- With severe leg fatigue, you can use mint (mint, rosemary), which has a soothing effect.
For varicose veins, you can also use acne, soft needles or mechanical home foot massagers equipped with a vibrating device. Such devices are most effective in the early stages of varicose veins and help reduce the symptoms of the disease in case of chronic severe venous damage.
Foot massage for varicose veins at home
Home (independent) anti-varicose massage is a convenient and completely free alternative for those who for various reasons can not go to a clinic or massage parlor. Self-massage of the legs with varicose veins is as necessary as the oral administration of drugs and the use of foreign substances.
However, a number of rules must be followed to avoid exposure to damage to ships:
- Before doing a massage for varicose veins, consult a doctor and follow his recommendations;
- Carefully study the literature describing different techniques and choose the type of exposure according to the current condition and degree of varicose veins;
- Investigate the contraindications and carefully assess your condition without seeing any signs of changes that prevent 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 equipment: masseurs, creams and gels, a special shower head (if hydromassage is chosen), as well as compression underwear to be put on immediately after the session. . . . It is advisable to buy them in specialized stores.
How
The algorithm for massaging the lower extremities with varicose veins is standard for any type of procedure:
- Relaxation and relaxation of the circulatory system of the limbs. It is recommended to lie down on a pillow or roll 10-30 minutes before the session so that your feet are slightly above the level of your heart.
- The procedure should be started immediately after rest, without getting up or moving. It is enough to sit in a comfortable chair or on the edge of the bed, put your feet flat on the floor.
- Before performing a foot massage, an anti-varicose agent (venotonic cream or ointment prescribed by a doctor) should be injected into the skin. It is not necessary to spread it on the entire surface of the legs - just squeeze the medicine in your palm and warm it up a bit.
- The blow should be started from the lower part of the legs and gradually raised from the legs to the hips.
- The movements should be performed smoothly, without sudden shocks and pressure. The range of motion is wide. Circular movements of limited amplitude are performed during hydromassage.
- Tissue pressure should be kept to a minimum where spider veins and protruding veins are visible.
Each foot should be massaged for at least 20 minutes, then take the starting position - stretch with slightly raised legs and stay for 10-15 minutes. After that, you can wear compression garments.
If there is a burning sensation during the session, if the skin has a pale shade, if the swelling and pain are severe, it should be stopped.
At least 10 self-massage sessions are required to see positive dynamics. There should be a break of 1 or 2 days between individual treatments. Daily massage for varicose veins can cause complications.