What is Vascular Physiotherapy?
Vascular Physiotherapy, developed in the context of Chronic Venous Disease (CVD), prevents the worsening of the disease, promotes and rehabilitates health, and assists in the treatment of this vascular condition, improving circulatory function and conditioning. Through physiotherapy, functional loss is prevented and the clinical consequences of the disease are minimized.
Thus, vascular physiotherapy is indicated for:
- minimize venous changes that occur in the legs;
- prevent increased venous pressure, fluid accumulation, as well as improve venous return;
- reduce possible risks of venous ulcers;
- contribute to the patient's quality of life.
Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a change that occurs in the venous system, mainly in the legs, where the valves lose their function, and which affects the superficial and deep venous system.
The importance of Vascular Physiotherapy
Vascular physiotherapy will work to improve venous return, minimizing fluid retention and the formation of lymphedema, reducing pain and preventing fibrosis.
Through a combination of exercises, manual lymphatic drainage and elastic compressions, it is possible to improve venous return, oxygenation and tissue nutrition.
This treatment provides the patient with a feeling of comfort, reducing pain, and relieving the sensation of heavy legs. With proper treatment, pain gradually disappears.
Vascular physiotherapy - main techniques
THE manual lymphatic drainage It's a technique that uses the hands, with gentle pressure and slow movements. Performed by specialized therapists, it treats edema, improving lymphatic return and reducing pain.
Manual lymphatic drainage stimulates and improves venous return, tissue detoxification, and cellular nutrition and oxygenation.
Also refer to electrotherapy with laser, LED and pressotherapy devices, acting on tissue regeneration and post-operative healing, offering more nutrients for healing and pressotherapy, helping to absorb swelling.
Lymph taping – This technique uses elastic bandages to treat changes in the lymphatic system. It works by reducing pain, lymphatic congestion, and bruising.
Benefits of vascular physiotherapy
- Improves venous return, oxygenation and tissue nutrition;
- Improves movement of the affected limb;
- Reduces the feeling of heavy legs;
- Reduces the feeling of tiredness;
- Reduces pain and discomfort;
- Reduces the presence of liquids in the tissues;
- Reduces blood pressure;
- Improves the patient's quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Specialist
in Vascular Physiotherapy
Dr. Marianna Lou
- Specialist in Oncological and Dermatofunctional Physiotherapy
- Graduated in Physiotherapy from Gama Filho University, Rio de Janeiro
- Master and PhD in Bioethics and Public Health
English (UK)