Foot massage for varicose veins: when can it be performed and what techniques is best to use?

Is it possible to do massage for varicose veins

Varicose veins require complex treatment, including drug therapy and the use of conservative and surgical methods. One of the ways to alleviate the symptoms of the disease is 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 an incorrectly selected massage for varicose veins can exacerbate symptoms and lead to serious complications.

Is it possible to perform massages for varicose veins?

The alteration of the venous circulation in the lower extremities is due to the weakness of the veins; however, the main source of the disease is usually insufficient muscle tension. That is why doctors consider massage for varicose veins to be quite an effective method of preventing and treating the disease.

A course of therapy consisting of 10-12 sessions is required for a marked improvement in the condition of the blood vessels and the reduction of symptoms.

The main task of varicose veins is to reduce the load on the walls of blood vessels and increase their tone. In addition to medications, this can be done using conservative methods. Even a classic relaxing massage for varicose veins can significantly improve the patient's condition.

With proper technique, you can:

  • improve the general condition of the blood vessels by increasing the venous wall;
  • increases venous blood flow and reduces the load on the veins by increasing muscle tone;
  • to reduce congestion in soft tissues by increasing microcirculation;
  • relieve swelling by increasing lymphatic flow.
what massage can be done with varicose veins

According to official standards, only certain types of massage can be performed for varicose veins. Also, 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, these factors are often overlooked and many women do not think about the consequences of the procedures. They do not consult with a doctor about whether it is possible to perform anti-cellulite massage with varicose veins, but rather rely on the choice of a massage parlor employee.

Even a certified specialist cannot assess all 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.

Phlebologists say that varicose vein foot massages should be performed with extreme caution, especially if the disease progresses.

It is believed that inappropriate physical impact on soft tissues and blood vessels can lead to complications:

  • additional 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 internal organs.

Before deciding whether it is possible to perform varicose massage, the patient should undergo a preliminary examination, during which conditions may be found that prevent the use of this method of therapy.

Contraindications

There may be several contraindications for massage of the lower extremities with varicose veins: from existing skin lesions in the area of ​​intended impact to systemic pathologies that can instantly lead to complications during physical action on the tissues.

The absolute reasons why massage techniques should not be used for varicose veins of the legs are:

how to do massage for varicose veins
  1. Acute inflammatory and infectious processes. The direct physical impact on such diseases can lead to the spread of infections or thrombosis.
  2. 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).
  3. Grade 3 hypertension. Increased blood pressure puts additional pressure on the veins and increases the volume of venous blood. Excessive stretching of the vessel walls and rupture may occur.
  4. 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 area of ​​exposure.

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 suffering from individual intolerance of funds.

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 an undercompensated process;
  • Hydromassage is not used for signs of trophic ulcer formation;
  • Impulse exposure using household electronic devices is contraindicated in arrhythmias and other heart diseases, epilepsy.

Important!Do not hide from the specialist or the treating doctor about concomitant or underlying diseases that may cause the refusal to carry out 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 at different stages of the disease and for various concomitant health disorders. There are not many techniques with a predominance of a pronounced anti-varicose action. Most types of foot massage for varicose veins are borrowed from the practice of cosmetology. This is a procedure with cupping and vacuum exposure, lymphatic drainage, and modern LPG, whirlpool and other hardware techniques.

The use of suction cups for varicose veins of the lower extremities is allowed only 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 normalize capillary and venous blood flow, removes edema, and helps normalize tissue nutrition. In later stages, as in chronic varicose veins, any type of vacuum massage for varicose veins is contraindicated, including canned ones.

The use of GLP massage for varicose veins, a more modern vacuum technique with appliances, 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 stagnant processes.

With the help of hardware or mechanical lymphatic drainage, significant improvement can be achieved in several ways:

  • removal of swelling;
  • improvement of tissue nutrition and reduction of ischemic changes;
  • restoration of venous blood flow;
  • elimination of muscle spasms and pain reduction.

As for the popular anti-cellulite foot massage, for varicose veins, it can be used with extreme caution and only in the absence of superficial dilated veins and pronounced ischemic changes. In the initial stages of the disease, any technique of this type of therapy will be useful, especially if the patient is overweight.

In the case of varicose veins, the anti-cellulite effect should not be accompanied by heating of the tissues. Massage for patients with such a diagnosis is recommended to be carried out without the use of warming ointments and preliminary warming of the limbs.

The leg massage for varicose veins is possible at any stage of the disease. It can be done in salons and specialized clinics, as well as at home. A special hot tub or shower head with various water pressure modes can act as a hydromassage.

Along with ordinary warm water, you can use healing solutions during the procedures:

  • essential oils with firming and toning effect;
  • decoctions of chamomile or calendula;
  • with severe fatigue in the legs, you can use decoctions with a relaxing effect (mint, rosemary).

For varicose veins, you can also use household mechanical foot massagers equipped with pimples, soft needles, or a vibrating attachment. Such devices are most effective in the early stage of varicose veins and, in severe chronic venous damage, help to alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

Foot massage for varicose veins at home

Home (independent) varicose vein massage is an affordable and completely free alternative for those who cannot visit a massage clinic or salon for various reasons. Self-massage of legs with varicose veins is the same need as taking oral medications and using external agents.

However, so that the exposure does not damage the glasses, a series of rules must be followed:

  • before performing a massage for varicose veins, consult a doctor and follow his recommendations;
  • carefully study the literature that describes the different techniques and choose the type of exposure according to the current state and degree of varicose veins;
  • study the contraindications and seriously evaluate your condition, without ignoring the signs of changes that are an obstacle to the use of massage techniques.

To perform a leg massage at home with varicose veins, you will not only need theoretical knowledge, but also special devices: a massager, creams and gels, a special shower head (if hydromassage is selected), as well as underwear fromcompression, which should be applied immediately after the session. . . . It is advisable to buy them in specialized stores.

How

The algorithm to massage the lower limbs with varicose veins is standard for any type of procedure:

  1. Rest and relief of the circulatory system of the extremities. It is recommended to lie down 10-30 minutes before the start of the session, placing the feet on a pillow or roller so that they are slightly above the level of the heart.
  2. It is necessary to start the procedure immediately after the break, without getting up or moving. Simply sit in a comfortable chair or on the edge of the bed with your feet flat on the floor.
  3. Before performing a foot massage, an anti-varicose agent (any venotonic 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 legs; just squeeze the medicine into the palm of your hand and warm it slightly.
  4. It is necessary to start the impact from the lower part of the legs, gradually rising from the feet to the hips.
  5. It is necessary to perform the movements smoothly, without jerks and sudden pressure. The range of motion is wide. When performing the hydromassage, circular movements of limited amplitude are made.
  6. In places where spider veins and bulging veins are visible, the degree of pressure on the tissue should be minimal.

Each leg should be massaged for at least 20 minutes, after which they take the starting position, lying down with their legs slightly raised, and remain in it for 10-15 minutes. After that, you can put on the compression garments.

If a burning sensation occurs during the session, the skin has turned pale, the swelling and pain intensify, it should be stopped.

For the appearance of positive dynamics, 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 lead to complications.