Massage techniques are used in combination to deal with both medical and aesthetic problems.
Manual impact improves blood flow, relieves edema, relieves tension, however, this is an intense effect on soft tissues, blood vessels, especially large ones. Therefore, varicose veins is a conditional contraindication for sessions. Phlebologists are not so categorical: if you follow simple rules, you can carry out procedures even with a diagnosis.
Is it possible to do massage with varicose veins
Manual techniques will significantly improve the condition of the legs, veins, alleviate unpleasant symptoms, relieve pain that bothers patients. Therefore, proper massage is not only acceptable, but recommended. There is an important condition: exposure is possible in the first, second stages of the development of the disease. It will not be superfluous to consult with your doctor.
On a note!
Regular procedures on the calves, thighs will be the best prevention of the development 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 expand the veins of the legs, which is not always desirable. Therefore, massage can be carried out, but only with a specialist who knows exactly how to work with patients with pathology.
How it works
Massage has a complex effect:
- enhances the outflow of lymph;
- accelerates blood flow;
- warms up tissues
- brings soft tissues, vessel walls into tone.
The result of the procedure can be so powerful that blood pressure temporarily rises, even a slight dizziness appears. Therefore, immediately after the procedure, you should have a little rest, well-being, important parameters will quickly stabilize.
An important action is the improvement of metabolic processes in tissues, their supply with blood, oxygen due to uniform, rapid heating. In this case, the amount of interstitial fluid decreases to normal. Thus, it is possible to achieve a stable reduction in edema, relief from cramps, heaviness, and aching pain.
As the tissues decrease in size, the pressure on the vessels, both subcutaneous and deep, is significantly reduced. Such an effect is very harmful to the walls, it contributes to the active development of varicose veins. Reducing 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, it is not easy and not always safe to perform them. Therefore, you should start with a massage, a gentle effect without active rubbing, blows, without unnecessary pressure. After that, it will be much easier to connect physical therapy exercises.
On a note!
Massage for varicose veins should not be accompanied by unpleasant sensations that were not there before the procedure. A very delicate impact is required, otherwise damage, hematomas cannot be avoided.
Types of therapy: what to choose
During the same procedure, you can use various techniques, but most specialists prefer to work with some one direction. It is important to choose the most effective option for this. Classical 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
The lymph flow is characterized by the lowest speed, therefore the actions of the master will be unhurried and accurate, which is required for varicose veins. This technique is recommended because:
- has a complex effect: reduction of edema, warming;
- allows you to work out the entire area;
- relieves discomfort for a long time.
It is not necessary to use oil even with manual massage. The pressure will be very small, which eliminates all the risks of damage to blood vessels. Noticeable results can be achieved by choosing a hardware technique. In this case, massage is carried out even at the second stage of the development of the disease, since the negative effect on the skin is not carried out at all, and the pressure is precisely controlled.
You can carry out the simplest lymphatic drainage massage for varicose veins on your own, if so far only the first symptoms have appeared and this treatment has been approved by the doctor. Normal hand movements, soft stroking, light squeezing must be carried out along standard lines in the direction from bottom to top and from top to bottom. The technique is very simple, so mastering it will not be difficult at all. This type of massage is the most preferable.
Anti-cellulite
A popular service for most massage therapists is cellulite treatments using warming compounds, honey, special jars, and so on. Opinions regarding 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 an anti-cellulite procedure in the presence of thrombophlebitis, ulcers, skin lesions with inflammation and discoloration. You can’t use deep techniques that can give a significant correction in volumes after a couple of 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;
- hydromassage;
- roller impact.
All vacuum methods should be excluded, they can additionally damage the veins and capillaries, accelerating the development of pathology. Soft 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 vacuum hardware exposure, 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 slight vacuum effect can cause an increase in discomfort and the manifestation of new symptoms.
We allow LPG massage only in the case when the diagnosis itself has not yet been made, but there are already the first signs of vascular damage. Vacuum exposure will relieve fluid stagnation and swelling, but it will not bring other positive effects.
Restrictions
Massage should be excluded in the presence of any complications of the disease, among which the most dangerous will be:
- thrombophlebitis;
- vein hypertrophy;
- elevated temperature;
- trophic ulcers.
Often, varicose veins develop against the background of other pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic infections, hypertension, problems with the blood supply to the limbs and the brain. In these cases, it is better to exclude massage.
It is strictly forbidden to influence the legs with massage movements of any kind if the disease has passed into stages 3 and 4. Such procedures can provoke negative consequences, up to the separation of blood clots and subcutaneous hemorrhages.
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, which do not disappear for a long time. With varicose veins, such phenomena indicate too aggressive exposure.
The most common side effect is a feeling of fatigue, drowsiness, 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 out of the massage therapist's office and do not immediately start active physical work.
Against the background of long sessions, the temperature may slightly increase. Warming up tissues is a natural process, but you should definitely consult a doctor. After that, there may be a slight dizziness while getting up from the couch. Active blood flow in the lower body is the main reason for this phenomenon. It is worth worrying when the feeling does not go away within 10-15 minutes.
On a note!
You should get up after the massage gradually: rise 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 a manual or hardware lymphatic drainage type of procedure. A mild effect will reduce the severity of symptoms, improve the condition of the tissues. A noticeable effect can be achieved by conducting sessions in courses of 10-15 days with a break of 2-3 months.