Content is medically reviewed by:
Shruti Bangera, Masters In Neurological Physiotherapy, Senior Physiotherapist & SME, Portea
Physiotherapy for varicose veins is a treatment method that focuses on the dysfunctional vein valves or varicose veins and helps in healing them naturally. Varicose veins are blue or purple colored enlarged veins that protrude from your skin. They are usually seen in feet or legs because of pressure made due to long-standing.
According to estimates, around 40% of people of age more than 50 years suffer from one form or the other types of varicose veins. Physiotherapy for varicose veins is considered as the best treatment option because it is the least harmful and most natural method.
Physiotherapy refers to physical therapy. When it comes to varicose vein treatment, physiotherapy mainly helps in improving the blood circulation in the legs and thighs. Other than this, physiotherapy can also offer the following benefits:
The main cause of varicose veins is the inactivity of legs for a long time. Physiotherapy exercises for varicose veins make sure that blood circulation starts again at a normal rate.
Physiotherapy management for varicose veins usually involves exercises like swimming, walking, riding a bicycle or any other kind slow-pace movements to make sure that your legs get the pumped up blood again. A simple exercise can regulate the pumping up of blood from legs to the heart.
There are a number of exercises involved during physiotherapy in varicose veins. Some of them are:
Mere a walk of half an hour a day can make your blood circulation better.
A stationary bicycle in a gym or a normal bicycle can heat up your legs enough that your varicose veins start healing. If you do not have a stationary bike or a normal bicycle at home, you should try doing the bicycle leg exercise. For this, lie straight on your back, pick up your legs in the air, bend both the legs at your knees and start moving your legs in the air as if you are pedaling an imaginary pedal in the air.
Lie straight on your back and straighten your feet. Slowly, lift one leg in the air and hold it for a few seconds. Lower it down very slowly and start moving up your other leg. Repeat the same process after repeating this cycle of both legs.
Stand up straight. Move your one foot forward till it reaches an angle of 90 degrees. Slowly, lift your left to the position where you started. Do the same with your other leg. Repeat this cycle of lunges.
You can choose both positions – sitting or standing. Rock your feet back and then forth. Do it from your heels to toes.
In some cases, physiotherapists might use electrotherapy to treat varicose veins. The electrical modalities in physiotherapy for varicose veins help in relieving pain and improve blood circulation. To know more about how this treatment works, consult an experienced physiotherapist.
Though physiotherapy for varicose veins is the safest treatment, you should take precautions before choosing the same.
Some of the important precautions you should keep in mind before having physiotherapy are:
Doctor Consultation
Nursing
Physiotherapy
Trained Attendant
Elder Care
Mother & Baby Care
Lab Tests
Medical Equipment
Speciality Pharma
Critical Care