Massage techniques are used in combination to address 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 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 do massage with varicose veins
Manual techniques will significantly improve the condition of the legs, veins, relieve unpleasant symptoms, relieve pain that bothers patients. Therefore, a proper massage is not only acceptable, but recommended. There is an important condition: exposure is possible in the first, second stage of the development of the disease. It will not be superfluous to consult with your doctor.
On a note!
Regular procedures on the calves and thighs will be the best prevention of the development of varicose veins along with moderate physical activity.
The alternation of movements, such as pinching, caressing, pressing, rubbing allows you to train large vessels, small subcutaneous capillaries. At the same time, some techniques can further expand the veins in the legs, which is not always desirable. Therefore, the massage can be carried out, but only with a specialist who knows exactly how to work with patients with pathology.
How does it work
Massage has a complex effect:
- improves the outflow of lymph;
- accelerates blood flow;
- warms the fabrics
- tones the soft tissues and vessel walls.
The result of the procedure can be so powerful that blood pressure temporarily rises, a slight dizziness also 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 the tissues, their supply of blood, oxygen due to rapid and uniform heating. In this case, the amount of interstitial fluid decreases to normal. Thus, stable reduction of edema, relief of cramps, heaviness and aching pain can be achieved.
As the size of the tissues decreases, the pressure on the vessels, both subcutaneous and deep, is significantly reduced. Such an effect is very harmful to the walls, contributes to the active development of varicose veins. The reduction of pressure in the limbs is an important effect of an adequate 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, bumps, 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 gentle 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 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 treatment times without losing progress by choosing modern hardware techniques.
Lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic flow is characterized by the lowest speed, so the actions of the master will be unhurried and precise, as is required for varicose veins. This technique is recommended because:
- has a complex effect: reduction of edema, warming;
- allows you to train the entire area;
- relieves discomfort for a long time.
It is not necessary to use the oil even with manual massage. The pressure will be very small, which eliminates all risks of damage to blood vessels. Remarkable results can be obtained by choosing a hardware technique. In this case, the massage is also carried out in 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 perform 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, soft stroking, light squeezing should be performed along the standard lines in the bottom-up and top-down direction. 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 treatment which uses heating compounds, honey, special jars and so on. Opinions on the permissible impact with varicose veins differ. However, progressive doctors and cosmetologists adhere to the "golden means" 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 significant volume correction 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 beforehand.
The safest are:
- soft manual techniques;
- hydromassage;
- impact of the roller.
All vacuum methods should be excluded, they can further 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 apparatus impact, LPG technology is widely used in the fight against excess weight, age-related changes in the contours of the figure. Most experts advise against this type of massage in the presence of varicose veins. Even a slight vacuum effect can cause increased discomfort and the manifestation of new symptoms.
We allow LPG massage only in the event that the diagnosis itself has not yet been made, but there are already the first signs of vascular damage. Exposure to vacuum relieves fluid stagnation and swelling, but 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;
- venous hypertrophy;
- high temperature;
- trophic ulcers.
Varicose veins often develop against the background of other pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic infections, hypertension, problems with blood supply to the limbs and brain. In such 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 to 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 tiredness, sleepiness, lack of energy. This is due to the active outflow of lymph, muscle relaxation and oxygen saturation of tissues. Therefore, it is necessary to lie down or sit down a little, do not immediately drive, do not rush out of the masseur's office and do not immediately start active physical work.
Against the background of long sessions, the temperature may rise slightly. Tissue warming is a natural process, but you should definitely see a doctor. After that, there may be a slight dizziness as you get up from the sofa. Active blood flow in the lower body is the main reason for this phenomenon. It is worth worrying when the sensation does not go away within 10-15 minutes.
On a note!
After the massage you should gradually get up: 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 type of lymphatic drainage 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.