Massaging the Legs
When massaging legs, the goal is to massage towards the heart. Fluid and inflammation like to settle in low spots, like the toes and feet. Starting at the calf, or ankle, make long strokes towards the heart.
Frequency and Duration
We recommend patients to massage at least 3 times per day for 10-15 minutes - morning, noon, and night. Ideally these massages are done without the compression on. However, it is still effective to do it over the compression if you don't have time to remove the compression. You can NOT over-massage. Whenever you have a spare moment at home, work, driving, feel free to massage.
White Blood Cell Buildup
The majority of our patients will have "firm spots" or "lumps and bumps." This is a normal part of the healing process. Oftentimes the firm spots seem to show up overnight. Do not be alarmed, they will go away over time. The body puts these white blood cells there to help heal. Once a patient has a firm spot, they will be there for several weeks. In rare cases they can remain for several months. These are not permanent and just need time to heal.