How massage can help Deep Vein Thrombosis (debt)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a severe condition that is much more common than most people realise (estimated incidence of 1.6–1.8 per thousand). It is also known as “economy class syndrome” or “traveler’s thrombosis,” and it is normal with ageing, but it does not spare young people or children; the chances are also higher for those who stay motionless or simply sit for a prolonged period of time, such as at a desk, in a theatre, on a train, in a car, or on a plane. What are our options for dealing with this problem? Is deep tissue massage a good option or does it aggravate the situation?

Deep Vein Thrombosis: What Causes It

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the result of an abnormal coagulation process in the blood that passes inside a vein, which is most often found in the legs but can also be found in other areas of the body. In these areas, a blood clot ( thrombus ) forms within the vessel, slowing, and in some cases blocking, blood circulation, causing anatomical structures upstream of the obstruction to suffer. As previously mentioned, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an issue that mostly affects people who sit for long periods of time, such as on an intercontinental flight. Since the return of blood to the heart is slowed by gravity and the propulsive action of the muscles, which happens as you walk, the slanting position of the legs can cause symptoms of deep venous overload. Many people make the mistake of travelling with too tight pants or socks, which does not improve circulation because it delays the return of blood from the veins to the heart even more. Dehydration is a concern while travelling by plane because of the unique environment produced within. As a result, we refer to the issue as “economy class syndrome,” since business travellers have more space to relax and take a relaxed position and are therefore less prone to it.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms

The appearance of a sense of heaviness and swelling in the legs is one of the most common nonspecific symptoms associated with venous circulation problems in the lower limbs. If they appear on their own, they shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, particularly if we’ve given the legs a reason to swell (air flight and all the other conditions seen above). Those who have previously had issues with venous circulation in the legs, as well as those who are overweight or obese, smokers, and women on the birth control pill, should not dismiss these symptoms. and, in particular, those who are familiar with the disease (those individuals with relatives who have already suffered from the same problem). Deep vein thrombosis is a subtle disease from the standpoint of symptomology, in that the signs may be varying and, in certain cases, conflicting. For example, the leg may be really swollen or not at all swollen, hot or not hot, and you may or may not feel pain inside it. The classic symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (edoema, redness, tension, and pain) arise only when the blood occlusion is severe and involves very critical veins located deep in the body. In either case, if one or more risk factors are present, it is important to contact your doctor while the process is still acute. Early intervention allows for the prevention of potentially fatal complications such as pulmonary embolism, which normally occurs over a few days rather than instantly.

What are the possible dangers

People who have had previous thrombosis should be given special consideration because they are at a higher risk of experiencing the problem again because they have a predisposition to it. Tiny genetic defects in coagulation factors, which can be passed down through the generations and predispose the subject to thrombosis and embolism even at a young age (under 45 – 50 years), can actually favour deep vein thrombosis. Hormone-based medications, such as “oral replacement” procedures used during menopause, increase the risk of deep thrombosis by a small amount. However, although this is a slight rise, it should be taken into account for those who are genetically predisposed. There is no significant connection between arterial hypertension and deep vein thrombosis, however. High blood pressure, on the other hand, raises the risk of blood clots forming and breaking in the arteries, with distinct and, in certain cases, more alarming effects.

When you have deep vein thrombosis, you should have a deep tissue massage

If you have aching or sore legs, you can believe that getting a massage will make you feel better. If you believe your soreness is caused purely by muscle weakness or strain, you might be right, and a message will help you relax. Massage should be stopped if the symptoms are caused by deep vein thrombosis. That’s because a deep tissue massage on your leg’s tissues could cause the clot to break loose. If the clot has broken loose, it will circulate through your bloodstream and eventually reach your lungs. If this happens in your lungs, you should anticipate a catastrophic pulmonary embolism. (It’s a pulmonary blood clot.)

Deep tissue massage

Should you refrain from getting a deep tissue massage? It isn’t inherently dangerous to you. However, bear in mind the signs and risk factors for deep vein thrombosis that we described previously. Simply check if you have localised pain in your leg; if so, we recommend seeing your doctor to have your symptoms checked before getting a deep tissue massage. Even if you don’t intend on having a deep tissue massage anytime soon, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor. If you have this problem in your legs, you should take care of it and avoid more severe complications from occurring, such as a pulmonary embolism or stroke.