Massage techniques are used in combination to deal with both medical and aesthetic problems.
Manual action improves blood flow, relieves swelling, relieves tension, but it has an intense effect on soft tissues, blood vessels, especially large ones. Therefore, varicose veins are a conditional contraindication for sessions. Phlebologists are not so categorical: if you follow simple rules, you can perform procedures even with a diagnosis.
Is it possible to massage for varicose veins
Manual techniques will significantly improve the condition of the legs, veins, will relieve unpleasant symptoms, will relieve pain that worries patients. Therefore, proper massage is not only acceptable but also recommended. There is an important condition: exposure is possible in the first, second stage of the disease. It will not be superfluous to consult your doctor.
Note!
Regular calf and thigh procedures will be the best prevention of varicose veins along with moderate physical activity.
The alternation of movements, such as pinching, stroking, pressure, rubbing allows you to train large vessels, small subcutaneous capillaries. At the same time, some techniques can further dilate the veins in the legs, which is not always desirable. Therefore, massage can be performed, but only with a specialist who knows exactly how to work with patients with pathology.
How it works
The massage has a complex effect:
- enhances lymph flow;
- accelerates blood flow;
- warms the tissues
- tones soft tissues, vessel walls.
The result of the procedure can be so powerful that the blood pressure temporarily rises, even if there is a slight dizziness. Therefore, immediately after the procedure, you should have some rest, well-being, important parameters will quickly stabilize.
An important action is the improvement of metabolic processes in tissues, their supply of blood, oxygen due to uniform, rapid heating. In this case, the amount of interstitial fluid decreases to normal. In this way, it is possible to achieve a stable reduction in swelling, relief of cramps, heaviness and painful pain.
As the tissues decrease in size, the pressure on the vessels, both subcutaneous and deep, decreases significantly. Such an effect is very harmful to the walls, it contributes to the active development of varicose veins. Reducing the pressure in the limbs is an important effect of proper massage.
Therapy can replace physical activity in the early stages of treatment. Active movements will increase blood flow, but with pain, swelling is not easy and not always safe to perform. Therefore, you should start with a massage, gentle effect without active rubbing, strokes, without undue pressure. Then it will be much easier to combine physical therapy exercises.
Note!
Varicose vein massage should not be accompanied by unpleasant sensations that were not before the procedure. A very delicate blow is required, otherwise damage, hematomas cannot be avoided.
Types of therapy: what to choose
You can use different techniques during the same procedure, but most professionals prefer to work in one direction. It is important to choose the most effective option for this. Classic massage does not always give the desired effect, you can significantly reduce the treatment time without losing progress by choosing modern hardware techniques.
Lymphatic drainage
Lymph flow is characterized by the lowest speed, so the actions of the master will be fast and accurate, which is necessary for varicose veins. This technique is recommended because:
- has a complex effect: reducing swelling, warming;
- allows you to cultivate the entire area;
- relieves discomfort for a long time.
It is not necessary to use oil even for manual massage. The pressure will be very low, which eliminates all the risks of damaging blood vessels. Notable results can be achieved by choosing hardware. In this case, the massage is performed even in the second stage of the disease, as the negative effect on the skin is not performed at all, and the pressure is controlled precisely.
You can perform the simplest lymphatic drainage massage for varicose veins, if so far only the first symptoms have appeared and this treatment is approved by the doctor. Normal hand movements, gentle stroking, light pressing should be performed in standard lines from bottom to top and from top to bottom. The technique is very simple, so mastering it will not be difficult. This type of massage is the most preferred.
Anti-cellulite
A popular service for most masseurs is the treatment of cellulite with the help of warming compounds, honey, special jars, etc. Opinions about the permissible effect of varicose veins differ. However, progressive doctors and cosmetologists adhere to the "golden mean" and respond that it is necessary to choose the right technique and pay attention to existing risks and complications.
It is strictly forbidden to perform anti-cellulite procedure in the presence of thrombophlebitis, ulcers, skin lesions with inflammation and discoloration. You cannot use deep techniques that can make a significant volume adjustment after a few sessions. They are effective but dangerous in venous diseases.
Note!
Deep impact techniques can also be manual, so you need to discuss the type of impact with the master in advance.
The safest are:
- soft manual techniques;
- hydromassage;
- roller impact.
All vacuum methods should be excluded, they can further damage the veins and capillaries, accelerating the development of pathology. Mild anti-cellulite massage will improve the condition of blood vessels, so it is allowed and even shown to patients.
LPG
This is one of the types of impact of the vacuum apparatus, LPG technology is widely used in the fight against obesity, age-related changes in the contours of the figure. Most experts do not recommend this type of massage in the presence of varicose veins. Even a slight effect of vacuum can cause increased discomfort and the appearance of new symptoms.
We allow LPG massage only if the diagnosis itself has not yet been made, but there are already the first signs of vascular damage. Vacuum exposure will relieve fluid retention and swelling, but will not bring other positive effects.
Limits
Massage should be excluded in the presence of complications of the disease, among which the most dangerous will be:
- thrombophlebitis;
- venous hypertrophy;
- fever;
- trophic ulcers.
Varicose veins often develop against the background of other pathologies, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic infections, hypertension, problems with blood supply to the limbs and brain. In these cases it is better to turn off the massage.
It is strictly forbidden to affect the feet with any kind of massage movements, if the disease has passed in stages 3 and 4. Such procedures can provoke negative consequences, up to the release of blood clots and subcutaneous bleeding.
Side Effects
If the type of massage is chosen correctly, there will be no pronounced side effects. It is important to ensure that after the procedure there are no bruises or redness on the skin of the affected limbs that do not disappear for a long time. In varicose veins, such phenomena indicate too aggressive exposure.
The most common side effect is a feeling of tiredness, drowsiness, lack of energy. This is due to the active outflow of lymph, muscle relaxation and saturation of tissues with oxygen. Therefore, you should lie down or sit for a while, do not drive immediately, do not run away from the masseur's office and do not start active physical work immediately.
Against the background of long sessions, the temperature may rise slightly. Tissue heating is a natural process, but you should definitely consult a doctor. Then there may be a slight dizziness when getting up from the couch. Active lower blood flow is the main cause of this phenomenon. It is worth worrying when the feeling does not disappear within 10-15 minutes.
Note!
After the massage you should get up gradually: get up on your elbows, sit down, lower your legs and only then take a vertical position.
Massage for varicose veins is not only not contraindicated, but also desirable when it comes to the first and second stages of the pathology. The best choice would be a manual or hardware lymphatic drainage type procedure. The mild effect will reduce the severity of symptoms, will improve the condition of tissues. A noticeable effect can be achieved by conducting sessions in courses of 10-15 days with a break of 2-3 months.