Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged , dilated and tortuous. The term commonly refers to the superficial veins on the leg.
– Valves in veins prevent backflow of blood. When there is an increase in venous pressure, valves are unable to stop backflow which leads to impaired circulation
– Once venous pressure increases for long time, veins are permanently stretched
Causes of Varicose Veins: Varicose Veins Massage
Caused by impaired function of venous valves.
Habits that impair circulation: Varicose Veins Massage
- Prolonged sitting
- Prolonged standing
- Sitting with the legs crossed
- Increased pressure on pelvic veins
- Excess weight
- Pregnancy Varicose Veins Massage
- Chronic constipation
- Heavy lifting
- Impaired / blocked bloodflow
- DVT Varicose Veins Massage
- Congenital venous malformation
- Liver dysfunction
- Abdominal tumours
Varicose Veins Massage Therapy Treatment:
- No deep, specific techniques over the varicose veins — just gentle effleurage towards the heart
- If painful, local massage is contraindicated
- Local massage contraindicated for 24 hours after saline injections
- If Homan’s sign is positive, refer out.
- elevate legs with pillows (reduce swelling, relieve signs and symptoms)
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage on the Lower Extremeties
- effleurage on the unaffected leg, then the affected leg
- Passive ROM and Stretching of the Legs
- Tractioning, and Joint play on Hips, Knees, Ankles
Considerations / Contraindications for Varicose Veins Massage Treatment:
- Test client for Deep Vein Thrombosis ( Homan’s Sign) before proceeding with the massage treatment
- No deep specific techniques
- No local massage if the area is painful or sensitive
- Do not compress abdominal aorta, when doing Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins
- small clusters of veins in winding pattern, bluish, lumpy, bulging, twisted, knotted
- worsen with standing or sitting
- worsen over time without treatment
- heavy, tired restless or achy legs
- night cramps
- legs change colour, become irritated, form sores
Self Care for Varicose Veins: Varicose Veins Massage
- Prop feet up above heart 3-4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time
- Flex legs when standing for a long time
- Client may need to use Compression Stockings especially if their job involves standing for a long period of time Varicose Veins Massage
