The most intense load during walking and running falls on the feet. Especially if there are degenerative changes, deformations of bones and joints. Massage of the feet is designed to relieve fatigue and pain, improve the condition of muscle tissue. In addition, there are special techniques of this procedure that allow to influence the functioning of internal organs and systems.
The use of foot massage
The described technique of manual physiotherapy produces the following effects:
- decreased tension in the muscles of the foot and lower leg;
- relief of pain syndrome;
- relaxation, reducing fatigue;
- restoration of spring and depreciation functions of the feet;
- elimination of stagnant phenomena in blood vessels and puffiness;
- giving the muscles a tone;
- normalization of supply of feet and legs with lymph and blood;
- improvement of mobility, flexibility of joints;
- strengthening of ligaments and tendons .
Separately, it is worth considering reflexive foot massage. This type of procedure is based on the Tibetan technique and the theory that each inner organ in the human body is associated with a specific point on the soles of the feet. By acting on the appropriate reflex zones, it is possible to engage in the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases.
General principles of acupressure
Reflexotherapy is a simple task, even for beginners. It is enough to remember and apply the following rules:
- Before the massage, warm up the feet in a warm bath.
- Always disinfect the skin of the soles of the feet and hands.
- Use a massage cream or oil.
- Pre-rub your feet to increase blood circulation in them.
- On the reflex points, press the thumb of the leading hand, making them rotational movements of small amplitude.
It is worth noting that the force of the applied pressure must be changed depending on the area to be treated. On the heels and pads under the fingers, the skin is much thicker and rougher, therefore, intense influence is allowed in these zones, while the remaining parts of the foot are recommended to be carefully cleaned.
The localization of the reflex zones on the soles is easy to remember. If we carefully consider the scheme of their location, it is clear that the order of the organs and systems corresponding to certain points on the soles of the toes to the heel coincides with their real sequence from head to foot.
Massage with valgus deformation of foot and flat feet
With these diseases of the legs, manual therapy is especially useful. As part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach, massage provides a gradual recovery of all functions of the foot, complete disappearance of pain syndrome, increased muscle endurance.
It is important to note that with valgus deformities and flat feet it is necessary to combine manual effects with special gymnastics, swimming, wearing insteps or orthopedic insoles.
Here's how to do the right foot massage:
- Stroking movements well rub the inner and outer side of the sole from the zone above the ankle to the fingertips.
- Turn the foot slightly outwards. Hold your leg with your free hand, gently stretch your thumb between the heel and the pads under your fingers. This manipulation can be performed with a technique of pressing or rubbing, or combining them.
- Bracing stroking (spreading fingers), massage the outer side of the foot, paying attention to the radial bones.
- Stirring the area around the bone on the ankle.
- Clasping the foot with two hands, locked in the "lock", handle the inside of the soles with your thumbs. It is necessary to conduct them from the heel upwards, while simultaneously performing intensive pressing and rubbing.
- With your index finger and your thumb, stretch the lateral outer zone of the foot.
- Similarly, massage the opposite side, paying attention to the bone near the thumb.
- Using the entire hand, including the palm, actively heal the heel. You can use such techniques as effleurage, shaking, pinpoint pressure, intense comb-like grinding.
- Thoroughly massage each finger on the leg. In addition, the techniques of stretching, tingling, circular rotation of small joints are recommended.
In addition to manipulating the feet, with flat feet and valgus deformity, it is also desirable to perform shin massage.