I'm at Centre Parts Longleat for my birthday and son's 40th so five of us enjoying a break. Thought i would have a head. Neck and shoulder massage, nothing too OTT, got into gown, filled in questionnaire etc then therapist said Oh you take a 'blood Thinner's I will have to speak to my manager. So sorry madam but it's our policy not to treat people on that type of medication and with a heart condition. Gobsmacked doesn't describe how I was feeling...........anyone else encountered this?
Jo
What!!!! This is crazy! Did they give a reason as to what it may do to you if they gave you a massage or were you too stunned to ask?
Jean
Hi Jean
Was a bit too stunned actually, all about blood flow and stimulation lol, I did manage to say that I felt it was OTT and they should review their policies.
Sitting in the sunshine reading, if only I could down a large glass of Merlot but I fear AF would rear it's ugly head
Jo
Yes, I was sat in the sun for a while, but then felt the need to do some gardening. After a while my heart and back started feeling a bit sore, so I thought that's enough of that! Now I'm indoors relaxing at my PC and having a mug of tea, yes would much rather it was a glass of red wine, have also been hankering lately for a jug of sangria.
Have you looked online to see what they say about massage and warfarin/AF. I used to go a few years ago for a massage and I didn't even think about my AF or warfarin being a problem.
Enjoy your break.
Jean
I will look into it, I'm on Rivaroxaban. Oh well, will go for a walk and try and not let it spoil things. It's times like this that the support on here is invaluable
Jo
Hi Jo - Type massage into the search area at the top of this page, that brings up some info.
Jean
It could also be that their insurance does not cover them hence their notices and going through things. People like physio shave that insurance and also have more training.
Yes Peter it must be that, I'm sure several people on here have massages but with either a sports masseur or similar.
Jo
Yes i am sure it is insurance. I have a deep muscle massage every month and no harm done but that is with a physio. X
Yes I've been having weekly Physiotherapy sessions for the last three months and they have inviolved extensive massage and manipulating especially around neck and shoulder and also back.
The board policy would not like my initial feeling about this sorry group. I go for Bowen treatment from time to time which is potentially much more invasive than a simple massage. Occasionally it hurts! Never a problem but as suggested it will be a health and safety problem allied to insurance cover. Our friends across the pond have a lot to answer for.
How awful I have a back and shoulder massage every four weeks and I know she had other customers with PAF.
I go to a chiropractor and have some very painful attention!! I also have acupuncture with no problem. Maybe it reflects the experience of lack of it of the practitioners.
Agree
I have always been refused any sort of body massage. It really pissed my OH when we first found out as we were at an exclusive, well known spa resort for my birthday. They would not even allow me to use the therapeutic jets in the pool. All I can have is a manicure, facial, reflexology and head massage. Another list of things we can't do!
I know, really depressing, I'm hoping to find somebody local for head, neck and shoulder, i must put massage into search as Jean suggested and do a bit of research.
Jo
I think there would be a lot of us interested in your findings.
A couple of years ago I was at a spa hotel and fancied a neck and shoulder massage. When they saw about my AF on my medical declaration form, they had to get the manager out. She tried telling me about 'contraindications'. "Yes" I said "I know about those - I have done numerous classes in massage, reflexology and anatomy and physiology, and the massage should be fine with AF, as massage is to help relax as well as stimulate circulation, and it will not cause any contraindications with my AF." (I was not too sure about that, but it all sounded good!) They seemed to be happy that I knew what I was doing, and I got my massage once I ad signed their form - and had no problems afterwards!
ALso, last year when my fiancee and I were on a cruise, I had an acupuncture session, and a hot stone full body massage - I preferred the massage, but had no problems getting either practitioner to proceed with my treatment. Maybe they were too busy trying to get their money?
Oh yes, before anyone asks if I give treatments - I am not qualified for either massage or reflexology, but have done courses in both, so usually only give sessions to family and friends!
Interesting, I'm coming to the conclusion that if you feel it's not a big deal, then it probably isn't. I did say from the outset that I just wanted a gentle massage, but it all causes one to be anxious and as you say we seek massage to relax.
Jo
I've had regular sports massages for the last 10 years without any problems - and that's when the therapist uses her elbow to really get into my back and calf muscles.
To avoid problems I simply don't mention AF or blood thinner or anything like that when I fill in those questionnaires. If there is subsequently a problem then that's my issue entirely and I take full responsibility, that keeps everyone happy!
One way of dealing with it Mark, in fact that's what my son's suggested but I felt the need to be honest, never thinking a simple head, neck and shoulder massage would be a no no.
Jo
I think that you are right to be honest because if you do have a sudden incident or turn then they will summon help far more quickly which could make a big difference.
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