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 the 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 a massage incorrectly selected for varicose veins can exacerbate symptoms and lead to serious complications.
Is it possible to massage varicose veins?
The 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 very effective method of preventing and treating disease.
A course of therapy consisting of 10-12 sessions is necessary for a noticeable improvement in the state of the blood vessels and reduction of symptoms.
The main task of varicose veins is to reduce the load on blood vessel walls and increase their tone. In addition to drugs, this can be done by 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, increasing muscle tone;
- to reduce soft tissue congestion by increasing microcirculation;
- relieves swelling by increasing the flow of lymph.
By 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 state 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 the doctor to find out if it is possible to do anti-cellulite massage with varicose veins, but they rely on the choice of a massage therapist.
Even a certified specialist cannot assess all risks in patients with varicose veins. At best, before the first session, he will ask for a medical certificate; at worst, it will ignore the presence of varicose veins.
Phlebologists say foot massage with varicose veins should be done with extreme caution, especially if the disease progresses.
It is believed that the improper 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 that can float along the venous network to the internal organs.
Before deciding whether it is possible to massage varicose veins, the patient needs to do a preliminary examination, in which conditions that prevent the use of this method of therapy can be found.
Contraindications
There may be several contraindications for massage of the lower extremities with varicose veins: from existing skin lesions in the intended impact area to systemic pathologies that can immediately lead to complications during 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 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).
- Hypertension grade 3. The increase in blood pressure puts additional pressure on the veins and increases the volume of venous blood. Excessive stretching of 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 extremities with varicose veins in patients suffering from dermatitis and other skin diseases in the exhibition area.
In addition to the unconditional, the method has relative contraindications. For example, a procedure with 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:
- an undercompensated process is a contraindication to LPG massage for varicose veins, vacuum and anti-cellulite techniques;
- hydromassage is not used for signs of trophic ulcer formation; Exposure to the
- impulse using home electronic devices is contraindicated in arrhythmias and other heart diseases, epilepsy.
Important!Do not hide concurrent or underlying diseases from the specialist or attending physician that may cause a refusal 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 massages for varicose veins, which have individual characteristics and, therefore, are 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 tasting and vacuum exposure, lymphatic drainage and modern LPG, hydromassage and other hardware techniques.
The use of a suction cup massage for varicose veins of the lower limbs is only allowed 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 to 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 - the most modern device of the vacuum technique - 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 stagnation processes.
With the help of hardware or mechanical lymphatic drainage, a significant improvement can be achieved in several ways:
- elimination of swelling;
- improved tissue nutrition and reduced 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 enlarged superficial veins and pronounced 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.
In varicose veins, the anti-cellulite effect should not be accompanied by tissue heating. Massage is recommended for patients with this diagnosis, without the use of heating ointments and preliminary heating 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 spa bath or a shower with various water pressure modes can function as a whirlpool.
Along with ordinary warm water, healing solutions can be used during the procedures:
- essential oils with firming and tonic effect;
- decoctions of chamomile or marigold;
- with severe leg fatigue, you can use decoctions with a relaxing effect (mint, rosemary).
For varicose veins, you can also use mechanical household foot massagers equipped with spines, soft needles or a vibrating accessory. These devices are most effective in the initial stage of varicose veins and, in case of severe chronic venous damage, they help to relieve the symptoms of the disease.
Foot massage for varicose veins at home
The home anti-varicose massage (independent) is an affordable and totally 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 medications orally and using external agents.
However, so that the exposure does not harm the vessels, some rules must be followed:
- before giving 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 the degree of varicose veins;
- study the contraindications and soberly assess your condition, not forgetting the signs of changes that hinder the use of massage techniques.
To perform leg 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 (if hydromassage is selected), as well as acompression underwear, which should be placed immediately after the session. . . It is advisable to purchase them at specialized stores.
How to do
The massage algorithm 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 pillow or roll 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. Just sit in a comfortable chair or on the edge of the bed with your feet flat on the floor.
- Before giving a foot massage, an anti-varicose agent (any venotonic cream or ointment prescribed by a doctor) must be applied to the skin. It is not necessary to distribute it over the entire surface of the legs - just squeeze the medicine in the palm of your hand and warm it slightly.
- It is necessary to start the impact from the lower legs, gradually rising from the feet to the hips.
- It is necessary to perform movements smoothly, without sudden shocks and pressures. The range of motion is wide. When performing 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 must be massaged for at least 20 minutes, after which they assume the initial position - lying with their legs slightly raised - and remain on it for 10-15 minutes. After that, you can put on the compression garments.
If a burning sensation appears during the session, the skin has acquired a pale tone, the swelling and pain have intensified, it should be stopped.
For the appearance of a positive dynamic, at least 10 self-massage sessions are required. An interval of 1 or 2 days should be observed between individual treatments. Daily massage for varicose veins can cause complications.