If you are currently being treated for DVT, do not massage your legs. Massage could cause the clot to break loose. If you are scheduled for surgery, ask your surgeon what you can do to help prevent blood clots after surgery. Stop smoking.
Massage is also contraindicated if the person has a blood clot. Another word for this is “deep vein thrombosis.” The risk is that the massage may cause the blood clot to dislodge and travel to the lungs, thus causing a pulmonary embolism that could be life-threatening.
The authors opine: “Not only can [massage] dislodge an already established blood clot, but, as in this case, it can also predispose an individual to venous thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism. … there is likely underreporting.”
DVT and Massage: Possible Dangers
And if your soreness is caused solely by muscle fatigue or strain, you could be right. But if those symptoms are caused by a DVT, massage should be avoided. That's because massaging the tissues of your leg could cause the clot to break loose.
DON'T stand or sit in one spot for a long time. DON'T wear clothing that restricts blood flow in your legs. DON'T smoke. DON'T participate in contact sports when taking blood thinners because you're at risk of bleeding from trauma.
Blood-thinning medications are commonly used to prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger. Thrombolytic medications can break up existing clots. Catheter-directed treatments, such as percutaneous transcatheter treatment, are done by inserting a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin.
Compression stockings
These stockings are tight at the foot but get looser further up the leg. This design assists blood flow out of the lower legs and back up toward the heart, helping relieve the symptoms of PTS. Compressions stockings are available either on prescription or over the counter at most major drugstores.
Sometimes a clot is small or only partially obstructs a blood vessel, and there are no symptoms. The classic symptoms, however, are pain, swelling, tenderness to the touch along the course of the vein, redness, or, in some cases, even bluish discoloration of the affected arm or leg.
People experiencing DVT blood clots will feel increasing levels of pain. The skin around the area will become warm and sensitive to touch. The skin may have a reddened appearance as the body works to get rid of the clot.
In such cases, getting up to walk around and get the blood flowing every hour or so is extremely beneficial. For someone who has experienced a DVT, traditional treatments have focused on anticoagulation or medication therapy to thin the blood, combined with bed rest.
Clots can form in any vein and, whilst massage should definitely be avoided around the affected area, it should also be avoided in general until a Doctor advises otherwise. Massage stimulates blood circulation, therefore can dislodge a clot, even if the point of massage is elsewhere on the body.
As keeping blood moving to all areas of the body helps prevent blood clot formation, simple movements and stretches can help reduce the risk for deep vein thrombosis, allowing for healthy habits during work from home periods.
Following a DVT, your leg may be swollen, tender, red, or hot to the touch. These symptoms should improve over time, and exercise often helps. Walking and exercise are safe to do, but be sure to listen to your body to avoid overexertion.
Ice decreases all of these: swelling, tissue damage, blood clot formation, inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. At the same time, the ice enhances the flow of nutrients into the area, aids in the removal of metabolites (waste products), increases strength, and promotes healing.
In combination with pneumatic compression or medication, some suggest icing a blood clot. According to a study from PubMed, ice is commonly recommended as a treatment to decrease bleeding thus could be used to help dissolve blood clots.
Trouble breathing.
If this happens, it could mean that the clot has moved from your arm or leg to your lungs. You may also get a bad cough, and might even cough up blood.
It takes about 3 to 6 months for a blood clot to go away.
You may be able to feel the clot as a firm lump under the skin. The skin over the clot can become red, tender, and warm to the touch. Blood clots in veins close to the skin's surface usually are not serious and often can be treated at home.
When Will My Clot and Pain Go Away? As the body naturally absorbs a clot over the course of several weeks to months, the symptoms which accompanied the blood clot gradually improve and often eventually disappear. Symptoms typically improve within a few days of starting the anticoagulant.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism (PE), or Blood Clot in the Lung: Shortness of breath. Chest pain or discomfort, especially if it worsens when you take a deep breath, cough or lie down.
If you are currently being treated for DVT, do not massage your legs. Massage could cause the clot to break loose. If you are scheduled for surgery, ask your surgeon what you can do to help prevent blood clots after surgery. Stop smoking.
There are no proven natural remedies that can dissolve blood clots. However, certain lifestyle changes and dietary modifications can help reduce the risk of blood clots and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Elevate your legs above the level of your heart.
Elevate your legs when you sit or lie down, as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your legs on pillows or blankets to keep them elevated comfortably.