Should you massage your legs upwards or downwards?

Always stroke upwards toward the heart to enhance circulation. Try to keep your hands in contact with person's leg throughout the massage. Avoid using a lot of pressure on areas where the bones are close to the surface, such as the knee.


In which direction should muscles be massaged?

Always do the massage from right to left, in a clockwise motion. 1 Lay down on the floor or on a firm mattress. ease the tension of the abdomen and reduce any pain you may have when pressing on tender spots. moderate pressure from under the left ribcage down to the front of the left hipbone, 10 times.

What happens if I massage my legs everyday?

It increases our mobility, stretches muscle tissues and improves blood supply. The loosening of the muscles significantly decreases the probability that an injury may occur during a sports game or exercise.


What direction do massage leg with edema?

How To Massage Edema In Legs
  1. While using a gentle touch, massage towards your heart. ...
  2. Start massaging the areas closer to the trunk of your leg before moving downward on your limb. ...
  3. Keep on performing short, light movements towards your heart as you make your way farther away from it (ex. ...
  4. Don't want to do it yourself?


What are the best parts of the body to massage to increase circulation?

A sluggish lymphatic system and circulation can greatly improve with a therapeutic massage to the backs of the legs and buttocks. The movement of lymph is highly dependent on muscle contractions and good circulation. A therapeutic massage helps to drain a blocked up lymphatic system.


Best Massage techniques for the Achilles, Calf & Peroneal Muscles



How can I improve blood circulation in my legs?

Here are 7 quick tips to improve blood circulation in the legs and feet:
  1. Walking. Walking is the simplest yet most effective exercise to help improve blood circulation in your legs. ...
  2. Stretching exercises. ...
  3. Different sitting positions. ...
  4. Compression stockings. ...
  5. Yoga. ...
  6. A massage. ...
  7. Sauna bath.


Does direction of massage matter?

Stroke direction does matter in massage. Massage should be performed in movements going towards the heart, because it helps your circulatory system return blood to your heart and lungs to be re-oxygenated.

Does elevating legs drain fluid?

Elevating your legs above your heart will help to drain the fluid away quicker. Decreasing pressure: Prolonged sitting or standing, can cause blood to pool in the veins in your legs, increasing the pressure on your veins.


Does elevating legs reduce edema?

Body positioning — Leg, ankle, and foot edema can be improved by elevating the legs above heart level for 30 minutes three or four times per day. Elevating the legs may be sufficient to reduce or eliminate edema for people with mild venous disease, but more severe cases require other measures.

Can you massage your legs too much?

Excessive pressure can probably cause rhabdomyolysis (“rhabdo”): poisoning by proteins liberated from injured muscle, known as a “muscle crush” injury. It would usually be mild with massage, but not necessarily.

What should you not do during a massage?

What NOT to Say / Do with Your Massage Therapist
  • Ask your massage therapist to go see a movie / come to your house / etc. ...
  • Excessive noises. ...
  • Comment on our looks/attractiveness. ...
  • Poke your head out of the room to let us know you're ready. ...
  • Start undressing while we are still in the room. ...
  • Touch us.


What body parts should not be massaged?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.

Which areas of the body should be avoided during massage therapy?

Contraindications of Massage Therapy
  • Cuts or open wounds.
  • Bruises.
  • Varicose veins.
  • Broken bones.
  • Burns.
  • Some skin conditions.


Why does it hurt when my legs get massaged?

Often, the pain associated with this type of massage comes from the release of chronic muscle tension. Sometimes, the pain comes from poor technique from the massage therapist, however. If the therapist works too deep, it can damage the tissue, which can cause the pain.


Is it OK to sleep with legs elevated?

Elevating your legs while you sleep can help your circulation and prevent swelling. It's best to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Wedge-shaped pillows make this easier to do. You can also use pillows or folded blankets you have on hand to elevate your legs in bed to help circulation.

How do I get rid of excess fluid in the legs and feet?

Home Care
  1. Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.
  2. Exercise your legs. ...
  3. Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
  4. Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).
  5. When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around.


What causes fluid build up in the legs?

You can have swelling due to fluid buildup simply from being overweight, being inactive, sitting or standing for a long time, or wearing tight stockings or jeans. Factors related to fluid buildup include: Acute kidney failure. Cardiomyopathy (problem with the heart muscle)


What is the 1st rule of massage therapy?

First do no harm – to yourself!

What is the correct posture when massaging?

When massaging, face the direction of the stroke with your toes, hips, shoulders and head aligned, and remember that your back foot should remain on the floor. Mohr suggests that massage therapists use the arm that is associated with the direction of the stroke, with the forward foot matching the arm being used.

What are the four basic massage positions?

Basic Massage

The first thing that every student must master is “the basics.” The four basic massage strokes are effleurage-(light or deep stroking), petrisage-(kneading), tapotement-(gentle slapping), and friction. Effleurage is meant for relaxation and the release of tension.


What sleep position is best for circulation?

Sleeping on your left side to make it easier for blood to flow in and around your heart. Keeping your arms at your sides instead of under or behind your head. Making sure your pillow supports your neck and spine and keeps them neutrally aligned.

What is the best vitamin for blood circulation in legs?

Potassium (Vitamin K)

Potassium is an essential mineral for many important bodily functions, including blood circulation. It keeps the blood vessel walls strong and can even help prevent bulging veins.

What are the signs of poor circulation in your legs?

What are the symptoms?
  • Muscles that hurt or feel weak when you walk.
  • A “pins and needles” sensation on your skin.
  • Pale or blue skin color.
  • Cold fingers or toes.
  • Numbness.
  • Chest pain.
  • Swelling.
  • Veins that bulge.