How to give a Calf Massage

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There are many types of therapeutic massage. One of the most beneficial is, without a doubt, the so-called ‘Circulatory massage‘. This focuses on the activation of blood and lymphatic irrigation, which is highly recommended when activating the circulation of the legs.

Circulatory massage can be carried out during times of increased swelling, fatigue and heaviness, but also when we have no discomfort. In fact, it can be used as a preventive measure.

Remember that, in addition to self-massage, it is important that you comply with a daily exercise routine, as well as a good diet. Do not forget to keep well hydrated, as well you can fight the retention of fluids and, therefore, the annoying swelling.

Source: tripsavvy.com

Automassage to activate the circulation of the legs

The following self-massage is a very useful physiotherapy technique.  We can do it when we get up, in the morning, and before going to bed. In total, it will take us about 6 minutes. If you want to make your life easy though make sure to check out the best calf massager to speed up this process.

• We sit on the bed or on the floor in a comfortable position.
• Next, we flexed the legs, keeping the sole supported.
• We proceed to traverse a leg with the fingers, using slow, circular movements and without hardly exerting pressure, from the ankle to the thigh. Special emphasis should be placed on the area of the twins for a couple of minutes. It should be noted that the touch should be very soft, almost like a caress.
• The same procedure is repeated with the other leg.
• Then, the same route is repeated, but when reaching the twins, moderate pressure is made with the help of the knuckles. This technique is known as “knuckle kneading”. It should also last 2 minutes, per leg.
• Finally, the hands are placed in the form of a clamp and intermittent pressures are applied, closing and opening the thumb and forefinger alternately along the calf.

Remember to always massage from the bottom up, to activate the circulation of the legs.

The steps of the circulatory massage

The first thing you should know is that it is valid to give yourself a contrast bath (cold and hot water) before the massage, to get a more complete ‘treatment’. Now, to carry out the circulatory massage, you must have at hand some of these options:

• Moisturizing cream or lotion
• Rosemary essential oil.
• Coconut body oil
• Olive oil.

The essential oil of rosemary is the best option since it has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, tonic and stimulant properties that will help to obtain greater relief. Now, for the circulatory massage, you will need the help of another person to be able to carry it out. Next, let’s go with the steps.

1. First step

The first thing to do is lie on your stomach, and rest your comb on a cushion. In this way, the legs will be slightly raised with, as shown in the image. Then, the other person should proceed to massage the ankles with circular and slow movements, for a couple of minutes.

2. Second step

The person applies a little essential oil of rosemary on the hands and proceeds to take with one hand, one of the legs, while with the other, proceeds to exert intermittent pressure with the thumb. Always ascending and circular until reaching the calf.

Then, repeat this procedure with the other leg and then repeat in the other, but this time, in series of two. It should be noted that the pressure exerted during the massage should never cause pain to the person at all.

3. Third step

The knuckle kneading stroke should be divided into zones. From the ankle to the calf (3 minutes). From the calf to the thigh (3 minutes). Always up.

Do not forget that, in case there are varicose veins or some venous “spider”, you should never press. Instead, it will be best to perform smooth and light movements around it.

4. Fourth step 

Once the massage is finished, it is best to take a cold shower to activate the circulation of the legs. However, you can also resort to the placement of cold compresses.

Remember

Under no circumstances should these massages be performed if there are skin wounds, ulcers, muscle or osteoarticular injuries. These massages are, most of all, relaxing. They do not constitute a treatment for venous insufficiency or other circulatory problems.

It is important that, in case you have a circulatory disorder, consult your doctor about what may be the best way to activate the circulation of the legs, in your case.

On the other hand, in case you decide to go to a physiotherapist, be sure to inform them well what the doctor told you, so that they take their indications into account.