The plague of modern man in his best years are varicose veins. The disease reduces the quality of life, which is manifested by increased fatigue, weight, swelling and unsightly appearance of the legs, which is especially oppressive for women. Varicose veins can be completely cured only by surgery. In order to keep the lower limbs in a normal state and slow down the development of the disease, doctors recommend a comprehensive conservative treatment. Some types of foot massages for varicose veins, along with medications, compression stockings and physical activity, give a good result in the initial stages of the disease.
Is it possible to do a foot massage for varicose veins?
When asked if it is possible to massage the legs with varicose veins, doctors answer - it is possible and necessary. But with some reservations. The procedure will be useful only in the initial phase of the disease. Pronounced nodules and vascular network should not be touched, it can be life-threatening and cause a sudden deterioration of the condition.
Protruding tortuous veins are an absolute contraindication to any physical impact. Varicose veins in such cases are complicated by inflammation of the veins in which blood clots form. As a result of the physical shock, there is a danger of the blood clot separating and clogging the vital blood vessels.
Foot massage for varicose veins can be reported at home. Self-massage helps well - you can even work at work to relieve fatigue and restore efficiency.
In some cases it is allowed to use massagers, but only after consulting a phlebologist.
How massage affects pathology
There are several techniques used in varicose veins and they are all gentle. The effect of massage on varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- improves blood and lymph flow through vessels;
- increases the outflow of fluid from the tissues, which reduces swelling of the limbs;
- reducing swelling reduces the pressure on the veins, which improves blood flow;
- removes weight and pain;
- relieves fatigue;
- prevents the appearance of a vascular network.
Strengthening the blood flow improves the nutrition of muscles and all layers of the skin, tones blood vessels, strengthens their walls. As a result of the massage, stagnation disappears. The procedure has approximately the same effect as medical gymnastics.
Rules for efficient and safe limb massage
Foot massage for varicose veins is a sensitive thing that requires certain knowledge and skills. The doctor should tell you how to do it properly. But it is best to trust an expert from the physiotherapy department. Basic rules:
- excludes a rough effect on the surface of the legs and massage in the area of varicose veins;
- in classic hand massage oil is used for better gliding of the masseur's hands;
- massage techniques - smooth smoothing with circular movements, removal of pressure;
- massage lines are always directed from the bottom up - from the feet along the lower leg to the knees and from the knees to the upper thighs.
Lymphatic drainage massage does not require the use of oil or cream. At home for self-massage, anti-varicose ointments can be used as an oil base.
Preparation for the procedure
The patient is placed on a flat surface. To make the masseur suitable for work, a special massage table is used. If the back surface of the legs is machined, then a roller is placed under the legs. To massage the front surface, the patient lies on his back, and rollers are placed under his feet and knees. At home, before the massage, you can sit for 10-15 minutes with your legs raised in height to reduce swelling a bit.
Various massages
Several massage techniques are used in the treatment, which are performed manually or with the help of a special device. The classic massage technique and varicose veins are compatible when there are still no external signs of the disease, but there are subjective feelings of fatigue and heaviness in the legs. Procedures are performed in courses daily or every other day in the amount of 10-12 sessions. The technique of varicose vein massage should be prescribed by a phlebologist.
Lymphatic drainage
The most effective anti-varicose foot massage, according to doctors, is lymphatic drainage. This should be carried out by an expert, as the technique involves studying the zones of lymph node location and lymph vessel passage. The massage begins with the buttocks and thighs, then goes to the lower leg and the feet are the last to be exercised.
By gently rubbing the skin and pressing with the palms, the masseur follows the lines of the lymphatic vessels, stimulating the outflow of accumulated fluid and cleansing the tissues of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage cannot be practiced every day. The course begins with one session per week and is gradually increased to 3 times, if the patient tolerates treatment well. It is recommended to do at least 15 procedures in total.
Anti-cellulite
There are two anti-cellulite massage techniques that can be used for varicose veins:
- lymphatic drainage (mentioned above);
- vacuum (this will be discussed below).
Vacuum massage has several techniques. It is impossible to prescribe this type of massage on your own, as a rule, it is forbidden for varicose veins. It is very discouraging to work in a beauty salon without consulting a doctor.
Honey
Like vacuum massage, honey massage has supporters and opponents among doctors. On the one hand, honey has a beneficial effect on tissues, improves blood circulation and nutrition, relieves swelling. On the other hand, honey massage for varicose veins on the legs can be dangerous - the viscous consistency enhances the effect. Therefore, it is better to use it for preventive purposes and to relieve fatigue and heaviness in the limbs.
Enforcement of rules:
- massage is done no more than once in seven days;
- liquid honey is used (you can heat it a little in a water bath);
- honey is not applied in places where there is a vascular network;
- after the honey is spread on the skin, it is rubbed lightly with light kneading movements;
- further massage is performed with a light pat.
Self-massage
Self-massage is a good way out of a situation when there is no possibility to visit a massage parlor. As an element of a comprehensive treatment, self-massage of the legs in varicose veins will bring relief and prevent the development of pathology. Performance:
- the massage is done in a sitting position with outstretched legs;
- if one leg is affected by varicose veins, the massage begins with a healthy limb;
- direction of movement - from feet to knees and more;
- the first movements are light stroking, and then the pressure may increase slightly (make it as if you are pushing the liquid from the bottom up);
- followed by tingling of the skin, followed by involvement of subcutaneous adipose tissue;
- finish the procedure by gently shaking and stroking the muscles.
Shake your foot a little after the massage. The session for each leg should last a maximum of 10 minutes. With the help of self-massage for varicose veins, you can relieve fatigue and pain, get rid of edema. You have to do it every day.
Hydromassage
Hydromassage for varicose veins is not only useful, but also a very pleasant procedure. You can do it yourself. The basic rules are simple:
- if you use a contrast shower, start with warm water (not hot! );
- the pressure should be moderate;
- do not hold jets on certain parts of the legs;
- movements should be small circular;
- do not direct the shower at varicose veins.
Start massaging the foot, irrigating it in a circular motion. Then move smoothly to the lower legs, directing the jets from the bottom up along the venous blood flow. Take a minute to your knees - massage it in a circular motion. Do the same with the other leg. And finally, it is useful to shower the reflex zone - the lower back.
Point
Acupressure massage affects the biologically active points on the feet. His other name is Tibetan. Stimulation of points gives the following result:
- improves local metabolism;
- removes muscle cramps;
- restores blood flow and tones blood vessels;
- improves the protective functions of the body.
It is most often performed for the feet, but sometimes other parts of the foot are also affected. It should be reported by an expert who knows well where the reflex points are.
Foot massage
Rubbing the feet has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, stimulates the outflow of fluid and brings relief to tired legs. The massage begins with the toes, then the sole and the back of the foot are rubbed. You need to start with a light anointing, gradually increasing the intensity and pace. Foot massage will give a therapeutic effect only if the procedure is performed regularly.
Taoist
Another technique that gives a good result in varicose veins is Taoist massage. It consists of a light effect on the surface of the feet with circular strokes for smoothing. The mixture of base and essential oils is previously applied to the skin.
The movements are performed from the feet to the hips, each repeated 10 times. Taoist foot massage for varicose veins at home is done once a week for 30 days.
Unwanted massages
Not all types of massage are indicated for varicose veins, even in the initial stages. The ban is a consequence of their aggressive technique that violates the integrity of the vessel.
Vacuum
Vacuum massage for varicose veins can only be performed by hardware. Modern devices for the procedure enable the installation of an individual program. The invention of the Frenchman Louis Paul Guite (his initials - LPG - and the technique is called) revolutionized cosmetology and brought some benefits from a medical point of view. LPG massage for varicose veins or vacuum roller massage certainly improves blood circulation in the lower extremities by stimulating lymph flow and destroying fat deposits.
But it is necessary to use such a massage, as an anti-varicose massage, with great care and only after a medical examination. Vacuum massage mainly serves as a disease prophylaxis. It is useful only at the first symptoms of varicose veins with complete consistency of venous valves, when there are no external manifestations of the disease. There is still no full agreement among doctors on the safety of LPG massage for varicose veins.
The exposure technique consists in the fact that a distributor running along predetermined parts of the legs is drawn into the skin fold due to the vacuum. Inside the manifold are two rollers moving in opposite directions, squeezing the subcutaneous fat in a trapped crease. With the help of a computer program, you can adjust the depth of grip and the intensity of the rollers. It is forbidden to affect the inner sides of the thighs and in the popliteal fossa.
Canned
Kupping massage is a type of vacuum massage. In principle, this procedure has long been well known - before the banks were placed against coughs and bronchitis. The principle of operation is the same - boring interferes. Kupping massage is used as an anti-cellulite.
It is categorically contraindicated in varicose veins. Under the action of the vacuum, the capillaries are destroyed (which is why bruises form on the skin after the cans). And in the first stage of varicose veins, small vessels suffer first of all. It is better not to take risks and prefer a safer type of therapeutic massage.
Thai
Another type of massage that is forbidden for varicose veins is Thai. Its essence is the influence on the reflex points. But the method itself is unacceptable for diseased veins. The pressure is applied not only with the hands, but also with the elbow, knee or wrist. There is a danger of damage not only to superficially diseased vessels, but also to compression of deep veins.
Contraindications
Like any medicine, massage for varicose veins on the legs has contraindications:
- thrombophlebitis and thrombosis;
- trophic ulcers;
- pronounced venous nodules;
- dermatitis and itching;
- inflammatory processes or infectious diseases;
- high temperatures;
- carcinomas.
In varicose veins, therapeutic massage will be useful only if it is part of a complex therapy, and its type and application are agreed with the doctor.