In addition to all the health advantages already known, did you know that there are also benefits of pilates for varicose veins?
According to the vascular surgeon and angiologist Eduardo Toledo de Aguiarvaricose veins haunt the daily lives of many women due to their discomfort, pain, swelling, appearance and itching. However, despite being a disease that manifests itself more in women, men are also affected by the famous dilated veins.
However, there are already a variety of treatments for this disease, from the least invasive to the most complex, such as surgery. “What some people still don't know is that Pilates and physical activities can help with blood circulation, easing their symptoms”, says the doctor.
What are varicose veins?
“Varicose veins are nothing more than twisted and dilated veins causing the blood valves to malfunction, which 'open and close'. Valves help with circulation because they make blood flow upwards towards the heart when they are functioning normally”, explains Aguiar.
“When these valves do not do their job, due to the dilation of the veins, a certain volume of blood becomes stagnant in the leg, overloading the capillaries, favoring edema, causing symptoms and triggering skin changes”, he continues.
Thus, as the veins expand, they become more visible because they are closer to the surface of the skin, forming the typical patterns of varicose veins and spider veins. In most cases, they are located in the lower limbs (legs and feet).
The main causative factors of this disease are:
- Type of occupation at work, spending many hours standing or sitting in the same position;
- Genetic predisposition;
- Overweight;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Pregnancy.
“Anyone who thinks that the problem is just aesthetics is mistaken. This disease can cause severe pain, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, night cramps, darkening of the skin and even clots in more serious cases”, says the vascular surgeon and angiologist.
Therefore, an excellent way to treat and prevent your symptoms is to practice physical exercise, which activates the leg muscles and can relieve pain and cramps, because these muscles keep the blood moving through the leg veins.
How does pilates help?
Practiced regularly, Pilates improves circulation, combats swelling and acts directly on the cause of the problem, providing relief, as it strengthens, lengthens and defines the muscles of the calves, our second heart and very important for pumping blood.
“This method promotes the re-education of body movements, which improves breathing, increases flexibility, corrects posture and prevents injuries. When it comes to varicose veins, Pilates activates blood circulation in the muscles and, at the same time, works them, avoiding venous congestion”, points out the doctor.
And he continues: “The movements practiced are gentle, so the exercises are not high impact, a positive point if you are also overweight.”
Benefits of Pilates for varicose veins
According to Aguiar, this treatment method consists of an exercise session designed based on observation of the individual and their needs. This ensures that results are achieved, bringing different benefits. Some of them are:
- Improves balance;
- Relieves pain caused by varicose veins;
- Stretches and strengthens muscles;
- Reduces swelling;
- Increases flexibility.
“However, to obtain these benefits, it is essential that a medical evaluation is carried out before starting to practice Pilates, as varicose veins can have some clots, which may cause future complications”, he explains.
“Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to ask the instructor for help to make sure the movements are being done correctly. When practiced correctly, Pilates is a good alternative in the treatment of varicose veins”, he concludes.
