Can massages relieve heavy legs?

45% of French people, men and women alike, experience symptoms of venous insufficiency, including heavy legs⁽¹⁾. This sensation, deeply uncomfortable, can even become painful and debilitating. Does massage have a place in your routine when your legs feel heavy? And if so, how should you go about it?

What are the benefits of massage for heavy legs?

Heavy legs can have several causes, whether venous, lymphatic, or a combination of both, as explained in our dedicated article. Massage is one of the wellbeing rituals you can treat yourself to every day. Certain movements are often part of it, such as effleurage, smoothing, pumping and kneading. You can also read our article on veno-lymphatic circulation and cellulite, as well as our posts on water-retention cellulite and water retention.

That said, how you feel after a massage varies from one person to the next, and massage does not address the underlying cause of heavy legs. If it feels good, it is a moment worth repeating regularly: daily, or as close to it as possible! If you notice pain, swelling (especially around the ankles), tingling, pins and needles or varicose veins, speak to your GP or another medical professional.

Which massage should you choose when your legs feel heavy?

The goal of a heavy-leg massage is to look after your legs, giving yourself a moment of comfort during the day.

1- Lymphatic drainage for heavy legs

Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique in its own right. It combines pumping movements at specific points of the body with gentle smoothing movements, all in a specific direction. For the legs, the massage is carried out from the feet up to the hips, with gentle pressure behind the knees and at the crease of the groin. It can be done by hand or with pressotherapy. However, it is a complex technique that calls for a certain level of know-how, which makes it tricky to do on your own at home. That said, some accessories make self-massage easier, such as dry brushing or Gua Sha massage.

2- Hand massage

If you suffer from heavy legs, you can also opt for a manual self-massage. Of course, you will need to learn the right movements first. Once you have got the hang of them, they are easy to fit into your daily routine. A simple routine involves:

• starting with the feet, by rolling a tennis ball under each foot, making sure to stimulate every area (arch, sole and heel);
• moving on to the ankles, using small circular movements all around each ankle, followed by gentle fingertip pressure on the inner side of each ankle;
• then massaging the legs, starting with a few pumping movements behind each knee, then gently kneading the calves, and finally smoothing each leg with the flat of the hand, working from bottom to top;
• and finishing with a massage of the thighs, using the same movements as for the legs — with a pumping motion at the groin.

3- Cupping massage

If massaging by hand feels too time-consuming, you can always use a cupping cup (like ours!). Its suction and gliding motion is characteristic of pinch-and-roll massage. To use it, simply apply oil to your legs first (for example our Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil), then massage your legs and thighs. Allow around three minutes per area, and take your time.

Cellublue massage accessories for home use

The Gua Sha and the cupping cup, used with a massage oil, are no substitute for a massage carried out by a professional: they are simply tools to help you enjoy a massage moment at home.

You can find them in our online shop.

What other everyday habits can you adopt when your legs feel heavy?

Other everyday habits can complement your massage routine.

On the prevention side:

• opt for loose-fitting clothing, especially trousers, and put away any boots that feel too tight around the legs;
• avoid staying in the same position for too long, whether sitting or standing. The same goes for sitting with your legs crossed;
• avoid overheating your home and, by extension, steer clear of very hot baths and showers;
• say goodbye to smoking;
• keep an eye on your salt intake;
• walk regularly to keep your legs moving;
• also consider water-based sports, such as swimming or aqua aerobics, which many people enjoy when their legs feel heavy.

If, despite these tips, your legs still feel heavy or even swollen:

• try finishing your shower with a cold water jet for a refreshing feel;
• raise your legs, for example by placing wedges under the feet of your bed (at the bottom end, of course!);
• ask your GP or pharmacist about wearing compression stockings.

References

(1) 2020, Ifop, The French and their legs – Venous insufficiency, beyond aesthetics

Related articles

• What to do about heavy legs after exercise?
• What Are the Causes of Heavy Legs?
• 6 types of leg self-massage
• Cellublue Cup: How It Fights Cellulite

Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Massages.