Can I Get a Massage with Varicose Veins?

Massage has been around for ages to help in relieving tension and stress in the body. If your muscles hurt in an area, what do you do? You massage it, trying to get the knots out. So, it makes sense that if your legs are achy, heavy, and painful with varicose veins that you get a massage. But, is it okay to do with veins that are compromised?

Your varicose veins are a result of venous insufficiency. This is a condition in which the walls of your veins weaken and the valves do not operate properly. The valves inside of your veins are meant to allow the blood to flow in one direction and then they close off so that the blood cannot flow backwards. When the valves are damaged, blood pools in the vein. This causes the veins to turn varicose. Since they are engorged with blood, they appear larger and snake up your leg in red or blue colors. Not only does this look unsightly, it also creates pain, heaviness, itching, and swelling in the leg.

So, now that you know how varicose veins are created, let us take a look at the topic of massage. Massage has incredible benefits of relaxation and de-stressing the body, but it also helps with blood flow. This is helpful to your body overall. If you have varicose veins, make sure that you alert the masseuse to your condition. He or she should be gentle on the legs or avoid the area altogether.

If you are at risk of a Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, then massage should be avoided. This condition can be very serious and can release the blood clot into your bloodstream, which can result in serious damage or even death.

If you have varicose veins, always consult your doctor before receiving a massage. Not only can he or she tell you if massage is safe for your particular condition, but he or she can recommend treatments for ridding yourself of these damaged veins.

Dr. Joseph Magnant is an expert in treating varicose veins. If you are in need of an evaluation, please call The Vein Specialists at 239.694.VEIN (8346). Vein Specialists at Royal Palm Square 1510 Royal Palm Square Blvd. Suite 101 Fort Myers, Florida 33919. Or visit them online at WeKnowVeins.com