Massage techniques are used in combination to treat both medical and aesthetic problems.
Manual impact improves blood flow, relieves swelling, relieves tension, however, this is a strong 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.
It is possible to massage varicose veins
Manual techniques will significantly improve the condition of the legs, the veins, will relieve the unpleasant symptoms, will relieve the pain that bothers the patients. Therefore, proper massage is not only acceptable but recommended. There is an important condition: exposure is possible in the first, second stages of disease development. It will not be unnecessary to consult your doctor.
On a note!
Regular surgery on the calves and thighs will be the best way to prevent the development of varicose veins along with moderate physical activity.
Alternating movements such as pinching, stroking, squeezing, rubbing allows you to train large vessels, small subcutaneous capillaries. At the same time, some techniques can further extend the veins of 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 does it work
Massage has a complex effect:
- enhances lymph outflow.
- accelerates blood flow.
- warms the tissues
- brings to tone the soft tissues, the walls of the vessels.
The effect of the procedure can be so strong that the blood pressure rises temporarily, even a slight dizziness. Therefore, immediately after the procedure, you should have some rest, wellness, important parameters will be stabilized quickly.
An important action is the improvement of metabolic processes in the tissues, their supply with blood, oxygen due to the uniform, rapid heating. In this case, the amount of interstitial fluid is reduced to normal. Thus, it is possible to achieve a steady reduction of edema, relief from cramps, heaviness and pain.
As the tissues shrink in size, the pressure on the vessels, both subcutaneous and deep, decreases significantly. Such an effect is very harmful to the walls, contributes to the active development of varicose veins. Reducing pressure on the extremities is an important result of proper massage.
Treatment can replace physical activity in the early stages of treatment. Active movements will increase blood flow, but with pain, swelling, it is not easy and it is not always safe to perform them. Therefore, you should start with a massage, a gentle result without active rubbing, strokes, without unnecessary pressure. After that, it will be much easier to combine physiotherapy exercises.
On a note!
The massage for varicose veins should not be accompanied by unpleasant sensations that did not exist before the procedure. A very fine impact is required, otherwise damage, hematomas can not be avoided.
Types of treatment: what to choose
In the same process, you can use different techniques, but most experts 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 result, you can significantly reduce the treatment time without losing progress by choosing modern material techniques.
Lymphatic drainage
Lymph flow is characterized by the lowest speed, so the actions of the master will be effortless and accurate, something that is required for varicose veins. This technique is recommended because:
- has a complex effect: reduction of edema, heating.
- allows you to exercise the whole area.
- relieves discomfort for a long time.
It is not necessary to use oil even with a manual massage. The pressure will be very low, which eliminates all the risk of damage to the blood vessels. Remarkable results can be achieved by choosing a hardware technique. In this case, the massage takes place even in the second stage of the development of the disease, as the negative effect on the skin does not take place at all and the pressure is precisely controlled.
You can do the simplest lymphatic drainage massage for varicose veins yourself, if so far only the first symptoms have appeared and this treatment has been approved by the doctor. Normal hand movements, gentle stroking, light squeezing should be performed along standard lines from bottom to top and from top to bottom. The technique is very simple, so it will not be difficult to master. This type of massage is the most preferred.
Against cellulite
A popular service for most massage therapists are cellulite treatments that use heating compounds, honey, special jars, etc. Opinions about the permissible impact with varicose veins differ. However, progressive doctors and cosmetologists adhere to the "golden mean" and answer that it is necessary to choose the right technique and pay attention to the existing risks and complications.
It is strictly forbidden to carry out a procedure against cellulite in the presence of thrombophlebitis, ulcers, skin lesions with inflammation and discoloration. You can not use in-depth techniques that can give significant correction to the volumes after a few sessions. They are effective, but dangerous in diseases of the veins.
On a note!
Deep Impact techniques can also be manual, so you should discuss the type of impact with the master in advance.
The safest are:
- soft manual techniques.
- whirlpool;
- roller impact.
All vacuum methods should be excluded, they can also damage the veins and capillaries, accelerating the development of pathology. Gentle anti-cellulite massage will improve the condition of blood vessels, which is why it is allowed and even occurs in patients.
LPG
This is one of the types of vacuum device impact, LPG technology is widely used to fight overweight, 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 vacuum effect 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. Exposure to vacuum will relieve fluid stagnation and swelling, but will have no other positive effects.
Restrictions
Massage should be ruled out if there are complications of the disease, among which the most dangerous will be:
- thrombophlebitis;
- venous hypertrophy;
- increased temperature;
- food ulcers.
Varicose veins often develop against the background of other pathologies, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic infections, hypertension, problems with the blood supply to the extremities and the brain. In these cases, it is best to exclude massage.
It is strictly forbidden to affect the feet with massage movements of any kind, if the disease has progressed to stages 3 and 4. Such procedures can have negative consequences, up to the separation of blood clots and subcutaneous bleeding.
Side effects
If the type of massage is chosen correctly, there will be no severe side effects. It is important to ensure that after the procedure there are no bruises or redness on the skin of the affected limbs, which do not disappear for a long time. With varicose veins, such phenomena indicate a very aggressive exposure.
The most common side effect is fatigue, drowsiness, lack of energy. This is due to the active outflow of lymph, muscle relaxation and oxygen saturation of the tissues. Therefore, you should lie down or sit for a while, do not drive immediately, do not run outside the massage therapist's office and do not start active physical work immediately.
During long sessions, the temperature may rise slightly. Tissue warm-up is a natural process, but you should definitely consult a doctor. After that, there may be a slight dizziness when you get up from the couch. Active blood flow to the lower body is the main reason for this phenomenon. It is worth worrying about when the sensation does not subside within 10-15 minutes.
On a note!
You should get up gradually after the massage: get up on your elbows, sit down, lower your legs and only then take a vertical position.
Varicose vein massage is not only not contraindicated, but also desirable when it comes to the first and second stage of pathology development. The best option would be a manual or material lymphatic drainage procedure. A mild effect will reduce the severity of the symptoms, will improve the condition of the tissues. A remarkable result can be achieved by conducting sessions in courses of 10-15 days with a break of 2-3 months.