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 wrongly chosen varicose vein massage can worsen the 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, however, the main source of the disease is often insufficient muscle tension. This is why doctors consider varicose vein massage to be a fairly effective method of preventing and treating the disease.
A course treatment consisting of 10-12 sessions is required to significantly improve the condition of the blood vessels and reduce the symptoms.
The main purpose 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:
- improve the general condition of blood vessels by enlarging the venous wall.
- increase venous blood flow and reduce venous load by increasing muscle tone.
- to reduce soft tissue congestion by increasing microcirculation.
- relieve swelling by increasing lymph outflow.
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 associated 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 about whether it is possible to massage against cellulite with varicose veins, but they are based on the choice of an employee.
Even a certified specialist can not evaluate all the risks in patients with varicose veins. In the best case, before the first session, he will ask for a certificate from a doctor, in the worst case, he will ignore the presence of varicose veins.
It is believed that improper physical effect on soft tissues and blood vessels can cause complications:
- additional stretching of the veins by forming large "pockets" in which blood clots can form.
- rupture of the vessel wall with subsequent bleeding.
- inflammation of the vascular wall.
- thrombus detachment that may 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 treatment can be found.
Contraindications
There may be several contraindications to massaging the lower extremities with varicose veins: from existing skin lesions in the area of the intended impact to systemic pathologies that can directly lead to complications during physical tissue activity.
The absolute reasons why foot massage techniques should not be used are:
- Acute inflammatory and infectious processes. The immediate physical impact on such diseases can cause the infection or thrombosis to spread.
- Thrombophlebitis or tendency to form blood clots. During the session, a blood clot may rupture with the subsequent development of an ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or thromboembolism of internal organs (most often the lungs).
- Hypertension grade 3. An increase in blood pressure puts extra pressure on the veins and increases the volume of venous blood. Excessive stretching of the vessel walls and rupture can occur.
- Atherosclerotic vascular changes. The process 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 to being unconditional, the method has related contraindications. For example, a procedure that uses certain oils or topical preparations is not performed for those who suffer from individual money intolerance.
The list of contraindications may also depend on the type of massage:
- a contraindication to LPG massage for varicose veins, vacuum techniques and anti-cellulite is a compensatory procedure.
- hydromassage is not used for signs of trophic ulcer formation.
- Pulse exposure using home electronics is contraindicated in arrhythmias and other heart conditions, epilepsy.
Important!Do not hide from the specialist or treating physician a concomitant or underlying illness that may cause a refusal to perform an appointment. This can turn into dangerous consequences for health and life.
Types of massage for varicose veins
There are different types of foot massage for varicose veins, which have individual characteristics and are therefore used at different stages of the disease and for different concomitant health disorders. There are not many techniques with the dominance of intense action against varicose veins. Most types of foot massage for varicose veins are borrowed from the practice of cosmetology. This is a procedure with suction cup and vacuum exposure, lymphatic drainage and modern LPG techniques, hydromassage and more.
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 compensation (visible veins, tissue ischemia). With the development of venous insufficiency, the gap created by the banks helps to normalize capillary and venous blood flow, removes swelling and helps to normalize tissue nutrition. In later stages, as well as in chronic varicose veins, any type of vacuum massage for varicose veins, including canned, is contraindicated.
The use of LPG massage for varicose veins - a more modern vacuum device technique - shows excellent results in stages 1 and 2 of the disease. With chronic and rapidly developing 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 procedures.
With the help of material or mechanical lymphatic drainage, significant improvement can be achieved in several ways:
- elimination of swelling?
- improve tissue nutrition and reduce ischemic changes.
- restore 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 only if there are no superficial dilated veins and severe ischemic changes. In the early stages of the disease, any technique of this type of treatment will be useful, especially if the patient is overweight.
With varicose veins, the anti-cellulite effect should not be accompanied by tissue heating. It is recommended to massage patients with such a diagnosis without the use of heating 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 bath or shower head with several water pressure functions can act as a whirlpool.
In addition to the usual hot water, you can use therapeutic solutions during the procedures:
- essential oils with firming and tonic effect.
- decoction of chamomile or calendula?
- with severe fatigue in the legs, you can use a decoction with a relaxing effect (mint, rosemary).
Foot massage for varicose veins at home
Home massage (independent) against varicose veins is an affordable and completely free alternative for those who can not visit a clinic or massage parlor for various reasons. Self-massage of varicose veins is the same need as taking oral medications and using external agents.
However, in order for the report not to damage the vessels, certain rules must be followed:
- Before getting a varicose vein massage, 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.
- study contraindications and soberly assess your condition, without ignoring the signs of change that hinder the use of massage techniques.
To do a foot massage at home with varicose veins, you will need not only theoretical knowledge, but also special devices: massage, creams and gels, a special shower head (if a whirlpool is selected), as well as compression underwear, which shouldto be worn immediately after the session. . . It is recommended to buy them in specialty stores.
How to
The algorithm for massaging the lower extremities with varicose veins is typical for every 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 roller so that they are slightly above the level of the heart.
- It is necessary to start the process 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 doing a foot massage, an anti-varicose vein agent (any benton 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 feet - as long as you press the medicine in the palm of your hand and warm it slightly.
- It is necessary to start the impact from the bottom of the legs, gradually increasing from the feet to the hips.
- It is necessary to make smooth movements, without sudden injuries and pressure. The range of motion is wide. When performing a hydromassage, circular movements of limited width are performed.
- In places where cobwebs and protruding veins are visible, the degree of pressure on the tissue should be minimal.
Each foot should be rubbed for at least 20 minutes, after which they take the starting position - lying down with slightly raised legs - and remain in it for 10-15 minutes. After that, you can wear compression garments.
If a burning sensation occurs during the session, the skin has acquired a light tinge, swelling and severe pain, it should be stopped.
At least 10 self-massage sessions are required to show positive dynamics. An interval of 1 or 2 days should be observed between individual treatments. Daily massage for varicose veins can cause complications.