Massage techniques are used together to solve both medical and aesthetic problems.
Manual effect improves blood flow, eliminates edema, relieves tension, but it has a strong effect on soft tissues, blood vessels, especially large ones. Therefore, varicose veins are a conventional contraindication for sessions. Phlebologists are not so categorical: if you follow the simple rules, you can perform such procedures with a diagnosis.
Is it possible to massage with varicose veins?
Manual methods will significantly improve the condition of the legs and blood vessels, relieve unpleasant symptoms, and eliminate the pain that bothers patients. Therefore, proper massage is not only acceptable, but also recommended. There is an important condition: exposure is possible in the first and second stages of the disease. It is no longer necessary to consult your doctor.
On a note!
Regular procedures on the legs and thighs, combined with moderate physical activity, will be the best way to prevent the development of varicose veins.
Changes in movements such as pinching, tapping, pressure, rubbing allow you to train large vessels, small subcutaneous capillaries. At the same time, some techniques can further dilate the arteries of the legs, which is always undesirable. Therefore, massage can be performed only with a specialist who knows exactly how to work with patients with pathology.
This is how it works
Massage has a complex effect:
- increases lymph flow;
- accelerates blood flow;
- heats the tissues
- soft tissues, tones the walls of blood vessels.
The result of the procedure can be so severe that the blood pressure rises temporarily, even a small dizziness appears. Therefore, you should rest a bit immediately after the procedure, well-being, important parameters will quickly stabilize.
An important action is to improve metabolic processes in the tissues, to provide the blood with oxygen due to a single, rapid warming. In this case, the amount of interstitial fluid decreases to normal. Thus, it is possible to get rid of cramps, heaviness and excruciating pain with a steady reduction in edema.
As the size of the tissues decreases, the pressure on both subcutaneous and deep vessels decreases significantly. Such an effect causes great damage to the walls, promotes the active development of varicose veins. Reducing pressure on the limbs is an important effect of proper massage.
Therapy can replace physical activity in the early stages of treatment. Active exercises will increase blood flow, but it is not easy to perform them with pain, swelling and is not always safe. Therefore, you should start with a massage, a gentle effect without active friction, swelling, unnecessary pressure. After that, it will be very easy to combine physiotherapy exercises.
On a note!
Massage for varicose veins should not be accompanied by unpleasant sensations that are not there before the procedure. A very gentle effect is required, otherwise the damage will not prevent hematomas.
Types of therapy: what to choose
You can use different methods during the same procedure, but most professionals prefer to work in one direction. It is important to choose the most effective option. Classic massage does not always give the desired effect, you can significantly reduce the duration of treatment without losing progress by choosing modern apparatus methods.
Lymphatic drainage
Lymph flow is characterized by the lowest velocity, so the actions of the master will be the haste and precision required for varicose veins. This technique is recommended because:
- has a complex effect: reduction of edema, warming;
- allows you to work the whole field;
- eliminates anxiety for a long time.
It is not necessary to use such oil with hand massage. The pressure will be very low, which eliminates all the risk of damage to blood vessels. Significant results can be obtained by choosing hardware. In this case, massage is performed even in the second stage of the disease, because the adverse effects on the skin are not carried out 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 appear and this treatment is approved by a doctor. Normal hand movements, gentle tapping, light squeezing should be performed from bottom to top and from top to bottom along standard lines. The technique is very simple, so it will not be difficult to master. This type of massage is most preferred.
Anti-cellulite
Popular services for most massage therapists include warming compounds, honey, special jars, etc. is the treatment of cellulite using. Opinions differ on the permissible effects of varicose veins. 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 the existing risks and complications.
Anti-cellulite procedure is strictly prohibited in the presence of thrombophlebitis, ulcers, inflammatory skin lesions and discoloration. After a few sessions, you will not be able to use in-depth techniques that can make a significant adjustment in volume. They are effective, but dangerous in vascular disease.
On a note!
Deep impact methods can also be done manually, so you should discuss the type of impact with the master in advance.
The safest are:
- soft hand techniques;
- hydromassage;
- roller effect.
All vacuum methods should be excluded, they can additionally damage blood vessels and capillaries, accelerate the development of pathology. Gentle 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 excess weight, 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 small vacuum effect can increase anxiety and cause new symptoms.
We only allow LPG massage if the diagnosis itself has not yet been made, but there are already the first signs of vascular damage. Vacuum exposure will eliminate fluid stagnation and swelling, but will not have other positive effects.
Restrictions
Massage should be excluded in case of any complications of the disease, the most dangerous of which are:
- thrombophlebitis;
- vascular hypertrophy;
- high temperature;
- trophic ulcers.
Often, varicose veins develop against the background of other pathologies, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic infections, hypertension, problems with the blood supply to the limbs and brain. In these cases, it is better to exclude massage.
If the disease progresses to stages 3 and 4, it is strictly forbidden to affect the feet with any massage movements. Such procedures can lead to 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 obvious side effects. After the procedure, it is important to ensure that there are no bruises or redness on the skin of the affected limbs that do not disappear for a long time. With varicose veins, such events indicate a very aggressive exposure.
The most common side effects are fatigue, drowsiness, and a lack of energy. This is due to the active flow of lymph, muscle relaxation and oxygen saturation of tissues. Therefore, it is necessary to lie down or sit for a while, do not drive immediately, do not run away from the office of a massage therapist and do not immediately start active physical activity.
Against the background of long sessions, the temperature may rise slightly. Tissue warming is a natural process, but you must consult a doctor. After that, there may be a slight dizziness when getting off the couch. Active blood flow in the lower body is the main cause of this phenomenon. It's worth worrying if the feeling doesn't go away in 10-15 minutes.
On a note!
After the massage, you should gradually stand up: stand on your elbows, sit down, lower your legs, and only then hold a vertical position.
Massage for varicose veins is not only contraindicated, but also desirable when it comes to the first and second stages of pathology. The best choice is the type of manual or apparatus lymphatic drainage. Mild exposure will reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the condition of the tissues. Significant impact can be achieved by conducting sessions on 10-15 day courses with an interval of 2-3 months.