Massage techniques are used in combination to treat both medical and aesthetic issues.
Manual impact improves blood circulation, relieves edema, relieves tension, but this is an intense effect on soft tissues, blood vessels, especially large ones. Therefore, varicose veins are a conditional contraindication to sessions. Phlebologists are not so categorical: if you follow simple rules, you can carry out interventions even with a diagnosis.
Is it possible to massage varicose veins?
Manual techniques significantly improve the condition of the legs and veins, relieve unpleasant symptoms and relieve pain that bothers patients. Therefore, a proper massage is not only acceptable, but recommended. There is one important condition: exposure is possible in the first and second stages of the development of the disease. It will not be superfluous to consult your doctor.
On a note!
Regular procedures on the calves and thighs are the best prevention against the development of varicose veins along with moderate physical activity.
The alternation of movements, such as pinching, stroking, pressing, rubbing allows you to train large vessels, small subcutaneous capillaries. At the same time, some techniques can further expand the veins of the legs, which is not always desirable. Therefore, massage can be done, but only with a specialist who knows exactly how to work with patients with pathology.
How it works
Massage has a complex effect:
- improves the outflow of lymph;
- accelerates blood flow;
- warms up the tissue
- brings soft tissues, vessel walls into tone.
The result of the procedure can be so severe that blood pressure rises temporarily, even slight dizziness appears. Therefore, immediately after the procedure, you should rest a little, well-being, important parameters will quickly stabilize.
An important measure is the improvement of metabolic processes in tissues, their supply of blood and oxygen through uniform, rapid heating. In this case, the amount of interstitial fluid decreases to normal. Thus, it is possible to achieve stable edema reduction, spasm relief, heaviness and aching pain relief.
With a decrease in the size of the tissue, the pressure on the vessels, both subcutaneous and deep, is significantly reduced. Such an effect is very harmful to the walls and contributes to the active development of varicose veins. Reducing pressure in the limbs is an important effect of the right massage.
Therapy can replace physical activity in the early stages of treatment. Active movements increase blood flow, but when there is pain and swelling, it is not easy and not always safe to perform them. Therefore, you should start with a massage, a gentle effect without active rubbing, impact, without unnecessary pressure. After that, it will be much easier to connect physical therapy exercises.
On a note!
Massage of varicose veins should not be accompanied by unpleasant sensations that were absent before the procedure. A very fine blow is required, otherwise damage, hematoma cannot be avoided.
Types of therapy: what to choose
During the same procedure, you can use different techniques, but most specialists prefer to work in one direction. It is important to choose the most effective option for this. Classic massage does not always bring the desired effect, you can significantly reduce the treatment time without losing progress, choosing modern hardware techniques.
lymphatic drainage
The lymph flow is characterized by the lowest speed, so the master's actions are leisurely and accurate, which is necessary for varicose veins. This technique is recommended because:
- has a complex effect: reducing edema, warming;
- allows you to train the entire range;
- relieves discomfort for a long time.
Even with manual massage, the use of oil is not necessary. The pressure will be very low, eliminating all risks of damaging blood vessels. Noticeable results can be achieved by choosing a hardware technique. In this case, massage is also performed at the second stage of the development of the disease, since the negative effect on the skin is not exerted at all, and the pressure is strictly controlled.
You can carry out the simplest lymphatic drainage massage for varicose veins yourself if only the first symptoms have appeared so far and this treatment has been approved by the doctor. Normal hand movements, gentle stroking, light squeezing must be performed along standard lines in the bottom-up and top-down directions. The technique is very simple, so mastering it will not be difficult at all. This type of massage is the most preferred.
Anti cellulite
A favorite service for most massage therapists is cellulite treatments using warming compounds, honey, special glasses and so on. Opinions about the permissible effect on 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 an anti-cellulite procedure in the presence of thrombophlebitis, ulcers, skin lesions with inflammation and discoloration. You can not use deep techniques that can produce significant volume correction after a few sessions. They are effective, but dangerous in diseases of the veins.
On a note!
Low blow techniques can also be manual, so you should discuss the type of blow with the master beforehand.
The safest are:
- soft manual techniques;
- hydromassage;
- roller hit.
All vacuum methods should be excluded, they can additionally damage the veins and capillaries and accelerate the development of pathology. Gentle anti-cellulite massage improves the condition of blood vessels, so it is allowed and even shown to patients.
LPG
This is one of the types of vacuum device impact. LPG technology is widely used in the fight against obesity and age-related changes in the contours of the figure. Most experts advise against this type of massage for varicose veins. Even a slight vacuum effect can lead to an increase in discomfort and the manifestation of new symptoms.
We only allow the LPG massage if the diagnosis has not yet been made, but the first signs of vascular damage are already present. Vacuum exposure relieves fluid stagnation and swelling, but does not bring other beneficial effects.
restrictions
Massage should be excluded in the presence of complications of the disease, among which the most dangerous will be:
- thrombophlebitis;
- venous hypertrophy;
- high temperature;
- trophic ulcers.
Varicose veins often develop against the background of other diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic infections, hypertension, impaired blood circulation in the limbs and brain. In these cases, it is better to exclude massage.
It is strictly forbidden to affect the legs with massage movements of any kind if the disease has progressed to stages 3 and 4. Such procedures can provoke negative consequences up to the separation of blood clots and subcutaneous bleeding.
side effects
With the right choice of massage type, there are no pronounced side effects. It is important to ensure that after the procedure there is no bruising or redness on the skin of the affected limbs, which will not disappear for a long time. With varicose veins, such phenomena indicate too aggressive exposure.
The most common side effect is a feeling of tiredness, drowsiness and lack of energy. This is due to the active outflow of lymph, muscle relaxation and oxygen saturation of tissues. Therefore, you need to lie down or sit a little, do not immediately drive, do not run from the masseur's office and do not immediately start active physical work.
Against the background of long sessions, the temperature may rise slightly. Tissue heating is a natural process, but you should definitely consult a doctor. After that, a slight dizziness may occur when getting up from the couch. The active blood flow in the lower body is the main reason for this phenomenon. It's worth worrying if the feeling doesn't go away within 10-15 minutes.
On a note!
After the massage, you should get up in stages: lean 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 development of pathology. The best choice would be manual or hardware lymph drainage. A mild effect reduces the severity of symptoms and improves 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.