The plague of modern man at its peak is varicose veins. The disease reduces the quality of life, manifested by increased fatigue, weight, swelling and ugly appearance of the legs, which is especially oppressive for women. Varicose veins can be completely cured only with surgery. To maintain the lower extremities in a normal state and to slow down the development of the disease, doctors recommend a comprehensive conservative treatment. Several types of foot massage with varicose veins, along with medication, compression stockings and physical activity, give a good result in the early stages of the disease.
Is it possible to do a foot massage with varicose veins
When asked if it is possible to massage the feet with varicose veins, doctors answer - it is possible and necessary. But with some reservations. The procedure will be useful only in the initial stage of the disease. The pronounced joints and vascular network should not be touched, it can be life threatening and cause a sharp deterioration of the condition.
Protruding curved 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 physical impact, there is a threat of detachment of a blood clot and blockage of vital blood vessels from it.
It is impossible to perform a foot massage for varicose veins at home. Self-massage helps well - it can also be done at work to relieve fatigue and restore efficiency.
In some cases, it is permissible to use massages, but only after consulting a phlebologist.
How massage works for pathology
There are several techniques used for varicose veins and they are all mild. The effect of massage for varicose veins of the lower extremities:
- improves blood and lymph flow through vessels;
- increases fluid flow from the tissues, which reduces swelling of the limb;
- by reducing swelling, the pressure on the vessels is reduced, which improves blood flow;
- eliminates aggravation and pain;
- relieves fatigue;
- prevents the appearance of the vascular network.
Strengthening 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, the stagnation disappears. The procedure has approximately the same effect as medical gymnastics.
Rules for effective and safe limb massage
Foot massage for varicose veins is a delicate matter that requires certain knowledge and skills. The doctor must show you how to do it correctly yourself. But it is better to trust a specialist in the physiotherapy department. Basic rules:
- excludes a rough effect on the surface of the feet and massage in the area of varicose veins;
- in classic manual massage, the oil is used to better slide the massager's hands;
- massage techniques - gentle strokes in a circular motion, eliminating pressure;
- the massage lines are always directed from the bottom up - from the foot along the knee to the knee and from the knee to the upper thigh.
Lymphatic drainage massage does not require the use of oil or cream. At home for self-massage, anti-varicose oils can be used as an oil base.
Preparation for the procedure
The patient is placed on a flat surface. To make it more suitable for the work of the masseur, a special massage table is used. If the back surface of the feet is being machined, then a roller is placed under the foot. To massage the anterior surface, the patient lies on his back and the rollers are placed under the legs and knees. At home, before a massage session, you can sit for 10-15 minutes with your legs raised to a height to slightly reduce swelling.
Types of massage
In the treatment, several massage techniques are used, performed by hand 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 sensations of fatigue and heaviness in the legs. The procedures are performed in courses every day or every day in the amount of 10-12 sessions. The massage technique for varicose veins should be prescribed by a phlebologist.
Lymphatic drainage
The most effective anti-varicose leg massage, according to doctors, is lymphatic drainage. It should be performed by a specialist, as the technique involves studying the areas of location of the lymph nodes and the passage of the lymph vessels. The massage starts with the buttocks and thighs, then goes to the lower part of the leg and the legs are processed last.
Lightly rubbing the skin and pressing with the palms, the massager runs along the lines of the lymphatic vessels, stimulating the flow of accumulated fluid and cleansing the tissues of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage can not be practiced every day. The course starts with 1 session per week and gradually increases up to 3 times, if the patient tolerates the treatment well. It is advisable 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 (will be discussed below).
Vacuum massage has several techniques. It is impossible to describe this type of massage yourself, as a rule, it is forbidden with varicose veins. Highly it is very discouraged to do it in a beauty salon without consulting a doctor.
HEART
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 of the legs can be dangerous - viscous consistency makes the effect intensify. 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;
- to use liquid honey (you can heat it slightly 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 gently with light kneading movements;
- further massage is performed with light pats.
Self-massage
Self-massage is a good way to get out of a situation when there is no opportunity to visit a massage parlor. As an element of a comprehensive treatment, self-massage of the feet with varicose veins will bring relief and help prevent the development of pathology. Performance:
- the massage is done in a sitting position with outstretched legs;
- if a foot is affected by varicose veins, the massage begins with a healthy limb;
- direction of movement - from feet to knees and above;
- the first movements are gentle strokes, then the pressure may increase slightly (pretend to be pushing the fluid from the bottom up);
- followed by a tingling sensation at the beginning of the skin, then by the capture of subcutaneous adipose tissue;
- complete the procedure with vibrations and light muscle strokes.
Shake your leg shortly after the massage is over. The session for each leg should last no more than 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 a useful procedure, but very enjoyable. You can also do it yourself. The basic rules are simple:
- if using a contrast bath, start with warm (not hot! ) water;
- pressure should be moderate;
- do not hold aircraft in certain parts of the legs;
- movements should be small circular;
- do not shower in varicose veins.
Start massaging your foot, watering it with a circular motion. Then move smoothly to the bottom of the legs, directing the planes from bottom to top along the venous blood flow. Take a minute on the knee - massage it in a circular motion. Do the same with the other leg. Finally, it is helpful to massage the reflex area - the lower back with a shower.
point
Acupressure massage is an effect on biologically active points on the foot. His second name is Tibetan. Stimulation of points gives the following result:
- improves local metabolism;
- relieves muscle spasm;
- restores blood flow and tones blood vessels;
- improves the protective functions of the body.
Most often performed for the foot, but sometimes other parts of the foot are involved. It should be performed by a specialist who is aware of the location of the reflex points.
Foot massage
Rubbing the feet has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, stimulates fluid flow and brings relief to tired feet. The massage starts with the toes, then rubs the back and the back of the foot. You should start with a light stroke, 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 for varicose veins is Taoist massage. It consists of a slight effect on the surface of the feet with circular strokes. A mixture of base and essential oils is pre-applied to the skin.
The movements are performed from the legs to the groin, 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. Prohibition is due to their aggressive technique, which violates the integrity of the dishes.
Vacuum
Vacuum massage for varicose veins can only be performed with equipment. Modern equipment for the procedure provides for the establishment of an individual program. The invention of the Frenchman Louis Paul Guite (his initials - LPG - and the technique is named) revolutionized cosmetology and brought some medical benefits. LPG massage for varicose veins or roller massage certainly improves blood circulation to the lower limbs by stimulating lymph flow and destroying fat deposits.
But it is necessary to use such a massage as an anti-varicose massage very carefully and only after a medical examination. Vacuum massage mainly serves as a prophylaxis of the disease. It is useful only in the first symptoms of varicose veins with full stability of venous valves, when there are no external manifestations of the disease. There is still no complete agreement between doctors on the safety of LPG massage for varicose veins.
The exposure technique consists in the fact that the manipulation, which is performed along the predetermined parts of the legs, pulls on the part of the skin due to the vacuum. Inside the manipulator there are two rolls that move in opposite directions, kneading the subcutaneous fat in the captured part. With the help of a software program, you can adjust the grip depth and intensity of the scroll movement. It is forbidden to affect the inner sides of the thighs and the popliteal fossa.
army beef
Cup massage is a type of vacuum massage. In principle, this procedure has long been known - in the past, banks were put for coughs and bronchitis. The principle of operation is the same - annoying distractor. Cup massage is used as anti-cellulite.
With varicose veins, it is categorically contraindicated. Under the action of a vacuum, the capillaries are destroyed (hence bruising forms on the skin behind the cans). And in the first stage of varicose veins, it is the small vessels that suffer. It is better not to take risks and prefer a safer therapeutic massage.
Thai
Another type of forbidden massage for varicose veins is Thai. Its essence is the effect on the reflex points. But the method itself is unacceptable for diseased dishes. Pressing is done not only with the hands, but also with the elbow, knee or wrist. There is a risk of damaging not only diseased superficial vessels, but also deep vein compression.
Contraindications
Like any medicine, massage for varicose veins of the legs has contraindications:
- thrombophlebitis and thrombosis;
- trophic ulcers;
- pronounced venous nodes;
- dermatitis and itching;
- inflammatory processes or infectious diseases;
- high temperature;
- cancer.
With varicose veins, therapeutic massage will be useful only if it is part of a complex therapy and its type and application agree with the doctor.