Massage Relief for Varicose Veins

Massage Relief for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are quite the eye sore. Often, these veins aren’t life threatening, but they can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable. Luckily, there is a potential solution to relive some pain: massage.

When a person has varicose veins, it is because the small valves inside the veins are no longer working properly. These faulty values cause leakage of blood in the wrong direction in the body. Blood beings to pool, usually within the calf veins; this pooling of blood leads to the bulging and stretching of veins.

How can massages help varicose veins? A massage can promote better circulation in the body, specifically the legs where most varicose veins appear. Some massage therapists will massage above and below the varicose veins, while others will still massage the veins, but will do so very gently and carefully.

Manual lymphatic drainage, a type of massage, gently helps the natural drainage of the lymph system, which pushed the lymph fluid in the desired direction. Therapists use this method of massage to move lymph fluid out of a congested area and circulate it back to the center of the body; they do this extremely gently so small vessels are not shut down. They are also extremely careful when doing these massages and do not put direct pressure on the varicose veins; direct pressure on the veins will not only hurt, but it could cause further damage to the already diseased veins.

Massaging the legs can bring relief to achiness caused by varicose veins. The massages can help reduce swelling through different techniques and stretching of the skin on the legs and the legs themselves. If you want to massage your own legs, massage the skin toward the heart. It’s best to massage each leg for five minutes daily for benefits.

When a Massage Isn’t Enough

Massages are usually good for people with a mild case of varicose veins. The movement of the skin in the legs can improve circulation and vein health. However, if a patient has extreme pain, vein ulcers, or severely inflamed veins, a massage will not be enough; in fact, the massage may cause more harm.

Massages are not a cure for varicose veins. Most of the time, they will only bring temporary relief. If massaging isn’t working or is not an option, talking to a medical professional about varicose treatments is the best, next step. To learn how you can adequately treat and/or remove varicose veins, visit a vein specialist. Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center will answer all questions you have about varicose veins and can help you decide which treatment is best for you. For more information, call 727-712-3233 to schedule a consultation or visit here.