Hallux valgus massage is a simple manipulation technique aimed at a reflex action in the cervical and lumbar spine (depending on the severity of the pathology), as well as on the legs and feet, in order to treat and prevent the disease.
The massage for hallux valgus is carried out carefully and without unnecessary physical exertion because the foot has anatomical peculiarities.It can be either a general reinforcement or act directly on the deformation zone.
Preparation
Before you start hallux valgus massage, you need to make preliminary preparations for the manipulation, which consists of several steps.
For adults this is:
- Steam your feet in hot water with an infusion made from an herbal blend of sage, pine needle extract, chamomile and oak bark.The medicinal components of the plants easily penetrate the heated dermis and have an anti-inflammatory and tonic effect.
- Applying an emollient containing shark oil or laurel oil to the feet and big toe area, which can warm and nourish the deep layers of the dermis.
For children with anatomical pathology:
- light rubbing with the palms and then more intense rubbing (with the ribs of the palms) of the cervical spine and lower back;
- Gentle circular movements warm the skin and muscles of the thighs, legs and feet to make them more supple for the main massage.
After the manipulations, the massage procedures become more pleasant, painless and effective.
Technology
Despite the general techniques - stroking, rubbing, tapping, pressing - foot valgus massage in children is different from procedures in adults.
For children, experts recommend starting with the neck and back;In adults, all manipulations are aimed at the area around the node characteristic of the pathology (but not at the growth itself), as well as at the feet.
In adults
The hallux valgus massage is carried out independently as follows:
- The area around the protruding joint is worked out using circular movements of varying intensity;
- the pad of the thumb is warmed up, small rotations of the joint to the sides are added;
- Using strong gripping and pressing movements, the joint of each finger is felt and carefully pressed.
This is followed by a non-contact massage. You will need:
- Move your toes up and down;
- make a fan - the toes diverge to the sides and converge;
- Grab a small ball with your toes and move it to the side.
- Place your feet on the needle roller and roll with light pressure.
Thanks to increased blood flow, these exercises relieve inflammation and pain in deformed joints and help strengthen muscles.
In children
Massage for children with foot curvatures is carried out with extreme caution and only while lying down to avoid additional strain on the musculoskeletal system:
- The child is placed on his stomach so that the legs are under the work surface and the spine is worked with up and down movements, followed by reaching sideways towards the armpits.
- You go down to the sacrum and buttocks, stroking in circular movements but also crosswise to work these areas.
- The backs of the thighs are massaged with stroking movements of the knees, then these areas are kneaded thoroughly with more intensive movements.
- Flat valgus feet and heels are rubbed intensively in all directions, then the skin in the leg area is gently shaken without pinching.
- Each finger is massaged alternately intensively and with light stretches over the entire length.
- Work the feet in circular movements from toes to heel, drawing a figure eight.
- The child is turned onto his back, a pad is placed under the knees and the exercises are repeated on the front of the legs.
A massage for hallux valgus in children, when, in addition to flat feet, the heel also rolls inwards or deviates outwards, is effective if treated in a timely and regular manner.
Contraindications
Massage for plano-valgus deformity has the following contraindications:
- any diseases of the lower extremities during the exacerbation phase;
- general physical malaise associated with systemic illnesses;
- malignant neoplasms;
- problems of the cardiovascular system;
- Varicose veins.
People with unstable blood pressure and weak blood vessels should also use massage with caution.
Self-massage for hallux valgus can only be carried out if the condition is not serious or complicated.
In other cases, these simple and inexpensive massage techniques help relieve discomfort, restore muscle tone, normalize blood circulation and eliminate the problem as part of a comprehensive treatment.