From this article you will learn: how effective is massage with varicose, whether it is possible to cure varicose with it. When the procedure is applied, how it works. Features of classical and lymphatic drainage massage, contraindications to the application of the procedure.
When the massage is applied for varicose veins
Varicose veins are a fairly common disease and have long been covered with myths about the methods of treatment and prevention. How effective is massage with varicose and whether it is worth using it in such a vascular pathology?
With varicose veins, certain massage techniques really help reduce the swelling of the tissues and thereby eliminate the physical compression of the blood vessels. The goal is to maximize the gentle mechanical effect( stroking, easy palm press) to increase the outflow of intercellular fluid and lymph drainage( motion of the lymphatic fluid through the vessels).
As a result, the procedure helps to reduce pain, relieve fatigue, swelling, prevent the appearance of vascular asterisks and reticular mesh, but will not remove the already existing manifestations of varicose veins. An additional bonus in massage can be considered improvement of blood flow and respiration of muscle tissue and skin, which increases the recovery and tone of the vascular walls.
The optimal massage methods for varicose veins are classic therapeutic and lymphatic drainage. The first method is often used for preventive purposes, and in the process exclude any mechanical effect on the area of the affected vessels or vascular network, which is clearly visible through the skin. The second method is also used to treat the initial stages of varicose veins, it is based on the slow study of large clusters of lymph nodes and vessels on the body.
It is impossible to finally cure varicose veins by massage. When primary manifestations of the disease( severity, fatigue, tension, edema in the legs at the end of the day), any of the methods is effective for strengthening the vascular walls and help to stop the development of pathology. After the appearance of a visible mesh of deformed veins and knots, the disease can be complicated by the possible separation of the thrombus, and this is a direct contraindication to any kind of mechanical action on the vessels.
Qualitative anti-varicose massage can be done by any graduate doctor who has completed the relevant courses. However, due to the specificity of the disease, it is better to consult a physiotherapist and only after consulting a phlebologist.
When massage is applied for varicose disease
Varicosity affects not only the lower limbs, although this is the most common type of disease. Veins of the small pelvis, genitals, uterus, rectum( hemorrhoids), stomach and esophagus can be affected.
Disease of internal organs is diagnosed usually by accident, when the deformation of the veins is well expressed. Due to their anatomical location and late diagnosis, the massage effect for varicosity of internal organs is not used, as this is ineffective and can damage rather than improve a patient's condition.
The procedure is usually prescribed for varicose veins of the lower extremities, for the prevention and treatment of the very first manifestations of the disease. Apply two types of massage: classical healing and lymph drainage, both types differ from each other in a complex of movements, but for any varicose varieties the massage therapist uses the same techniques.
All types of varicose veins are equally dangerous for complications in the form of thrombophlebitis( formation of blood clots in blood vessels), thrombosis( clotting of the blood clot) and thromboembolism( death as a result of clot lysis), therefore, with severe veins any massage effects are strictly contraindicated.
The course is agreed with the attending physician and must observe the manifestations of varicose veins: if the number of vascular asterisks does not increase, do not appear bruises( bruises), the patient feels relief, then the process goes in the right direction.
How does the massage work
The main task of the masseur is to work the surface of the limb with soft, maximally gentle movements, starting from the hip and ending with the foot. With varicose massage in no case should be intense, deforming, chopping or sharp, as the increased fragility of the vascular walls will lead to hemorrhages and bruises.
As a result of the procedure:
- The lymph drainage and blood flow is improved, the fluids circulate more actively through the vessels.
- Improving blood circulation increases oxygen supply to tissues, improves regeneration and vascular tone.
- By improving lymph circulation, the intercellular fluid is cleared more actively and removed.
- The tissue swelling around the vessels decreases.
- The pressure on the vessels and their internal valves decreases, normalizing the blood flow.
Massage removes all stagnation in the tissues of the lower limbs, its action is similar to physical exercises, but it has a softer and relaxing effect.
Features of classical massage
Classical massage of lower limbs:
- procedure is performed by putting the patient on a flat surface;
- in the "lying on the back" position for effective relaxation of the muscles under the knees and heels, put the roller, lifting the legs at an angle of 45 degrees;
- in the "lying on the stomach" position, the legs are raised in the area of the foot;
- movements are produced by cream or oil to reduce friction of the palms against the skin of the patient;
- classic foot massage with varicose begins with stroking the thighs and gluteal region, continue the ankle and finish with the foot. Re-study in the opposite direction is possible;
- movements of the masseur are directed from the bottom up( from the knee to the thigh, from the foot to the knee);
- group of movements includes a superficial( palm) and encompassing continuous stroking( with both palms), easy grinding of the foot surface, without affecting the deep veins. Sometimes they connect lightweight pressing movements( in the area of the small pelvis, gluteus muscles and lumbosacral region), superficial tingling and shaking;
- excludes any mechanical effect, even the lightest, on areas with noticeable manifestations of varicose veins: mesh or spider veins.
Directions of movements with classical massage. Click on photo to enlarge The therapeutic massage is done by courses of 10-12 procedures, daily or every other day, the preferred time is at the end of the day, when fatigue, swelling, and tension of the extremities are most pronounced and the effect of the procedure will be maximum.
During the procedure, the patient should not feel any pain or discomfort, in which case it is better to cancel the procedure.
Features of lymph drainage massage
Lymphodrainage massage of the lower limbs is characterized by very slow movements, as the rate of lymph flow is significantly reduced compared to the blood flow:
- The procedure is performed by placing the patient on a flat surface.
- In the "lying on the back" position under the knees and heels, put a small roller to slightly raise the legs.
- In the "lying on the stomach" position, the legs are slightly raised in the area of the foot.
- For lymphatic drainage massage, it is not necessary to use oil or cream, since friction of the palms on the patient's skin is minimized.
- Begin with the development of clusters of lymph nodes in the gluteal and femoral region, continue the development of the ankle and end with stops.
- A group of movements includes light palm pressures on the area of the lymph node cluster and slow embracing strokes of the foot surface.
- The movements of the masseur are directed from the top down( from the hip to the knee, from the knee to the foot).
- The use of any movements in the field of pronounced manifestations of varicose is excluded.
Direction of movements with lymph drainage massage Lymphatic drainage massage is done by courses, by 15-18 procedures, starting from one per week, increasing the number to 3, depending on the patient's state of health. Unpleasant or painful sensations - a contraindication for carrying out lymphatic drainage.
Contraindications for massage
Massage with varicose veins of the lower extremities is absolutely contraindicated when:
- any stages of varicose, except for the initial;
- thrombophlebitis, thrombosis;
- skin rashes, dermatitis;
- lymphadenitis( inflammation of the lymph nodes);
- for infectious diseases;
- oncological diseases;
- elevated temperature.
Contraindicated use of creams and oils with substances that increase the local temperature, for example, with extracts of ginger or pepper.
