Varicose Veins & Massage Treatment: Does It Help?

Massage isn’t a new practice. It’s an ancient healing technique with several benefits for physical and mental health. Massage therapy benefits people with chronic back pain, high blood pressure, anxiety, stress, and several other conditions.¹ It can help you relax, sleep better, and improve your skin health. 

You may think that a massage can be a therapeutic choice for those suffering from varicose veins. However, you must exercise caution when considering varicose veins massage.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy involves different techniques that use touch, pressure, and therapeutic substances to treat various symptoms.² The intensity of the massage and the composition of the substances vary and have different healing and preventative effects. Locally, massage improves blood circulation and may relieve pain.

What Are Varicose Veins?

These are enlarged, twisted veins visible under the skin. They can appear anywhere in the body but are most common on the legs. Varicose veins are not dangerous but can lead to more serious complications like blood clots, venous ulcers, and eczema.³ Symptoms of varicose veins may include aches, cramps, swelling in the ankles and legs, burning sensations, and itchy and scaly skin.⁴ 

Does Massage Help Varicose Veins?

Massage has many benefits for your body and mind. It lowers stress, anxiety, and tension headaches and enhances immune function, mental health, and wellness.⁵ It also has a role in alleviating pain from chronic disorders.

However, varicose veins massage is not recommended. Swollen, bulging veins should never be massaged. Varicose veins have weakened walls, so applying pressure to them is not advisable. Gentle massage may help improve blood flow in the treated part, but it doesn’t reverse varicose veins. If you decide to try varicose veins massage, always consult a qualified professional. Don’t pursue the massage if it causes pain or discomfort.

Treatment for Varicose Veins 

Varicose veins treatment can relieve symptoms, prevent the varicose veins from worsening, and avoid complications. Lifestyle changes can reduce the swelling and pain, which may include:⁶

• Losing weight 
• Doing exercise daily
• Avoiding standing or sitting down for a long time
• Elevating the legs 
• Using gradient compression stockings 

But if you want a more effective and minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins, you have the following options:

• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): The varicose veins are closed off using a laser to heat the inside of the veins. Your doctor will numb the area to ensure you only experience minimal pain. 
• Cyanoacrylate: Your doctor injects a medical-grade adhesive into the varicose veins under ultrasound guidance, ultimately sealing off the veins.
• Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This procedure uses radiofrequency to heat and close the abnormal veins.
• Phlebectomy: In this minimally invasive procedure, the varicose veins are removed from the surface of the skin.
• Microfoam Injection: A vein specialist may opt to inject the varicose veins with a medication to close the abnormal vein.

If your symptoms are persistent and troublesome, you should consult a vein specialist. Treatments for varicose veins are all minimally invasive and are almost always done as outpatient procedures. You won’t have to stay overnight in the hospital. The best treatment for you depends on the severity, location, and size of your varicose veins. 

For more in-depth information about varicose veins and your treatment options, check out the My Vein Treatment articles on varicose veins. Our website also has a vein specialist locator to help you connect with an expert in your area.

SOURCES:

1. Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia: “Massage.”  
2. Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia: “Massage.”  
3. National Health Service: “Varicose veins.” 
4. Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Varicose Veins.” 
5. National University of Health Sciences: “Top 5 Health Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy.”