Massage and PAF

[Swimsyroke]

Hi All

I am wondering if you are able to comment on massage for PAF sufferers. Since being put on Edoxaban 2 months ago I am frightened to have a back massage which I used to have every 3 weeks or so to help tight neck and shoulders.

I use bisopropol and flecanaide as PIPs and can go 3-6 weeks sometimes and at other times every few days without an attack. The bisopropol was added recently with no instructions on how to take it alongside the flecanaide.

Just to add I was referred to a consultant in September, had a 3day monitor and an electrocardiogram then a copy of the medical report to the GP (full of jargon) but have had no contact with a consultant and no reply to my queries so am pretty much in the dark as to the way forward. It seems this is the way of the National Health these days and we are pretty much forced to find a private consultant.

Any comments on the above and massage would be appreciated.

[BobD Volunteer]

I can't think why you would not have a massage if you want just because you are on an anticoagulant. I might jib at a few rounds with Tyson Fury but normal massage or physiotherapy should be no problem but if it makes you feel better do tell them you are on an anticoagaulant.

[mjames1]

I'm sure there are folks here who can give you good feedback on whether or not massage therapy has been helpful with afib. I would just say be careful of any neck work especially around the carotid artery. They used to massage the carotid artery to try and get you out of afib (can be dangerous without doctor's ok) but as we know, what gets you out of afib, can sometimes also trigger afib.

But to your PIP protocol. As I understand it, you are not on daily bisoprolol, but just given it for use with flecainide as PIP. If so, you want to get specific instructions on how to use it.

Beta blockers like bisoprolol or calcium channel blockers like Diltiazem are frequently prescribed along with flecainide for safety reasons as AV Nodal blockers. Sometimes they are taken "x" minutes before the flecainide, sometimes at the same time. The dose often dependent on how much flecainide you are instructed to take as well as other considerations. You want to get it all straight beforehand.

Jim

[Singwell]

I have continued massage treatments since my AF journey began. In fact I've recently increases from 1-2 a month. It'll help with stress levels and personally I need it to keep sciatica at bay due to an old injury.

I'd be more worried you've had no instructions as to how to use the Bisoprolol in tandem with Flecainide as PiP. That seems Gets surprising to me because Flecainide is classed as a dangerous drug. Maybe get on to your GP about this or call your cardiology department and tell them you need this advice pronto. If they have an arrhythmia nurse they can probably deal with it.

[Jajarunner]

Massage should be fine. If it's so brutal they leave bruises find someone else! I'm a sports massage therapist btw x

[Swimsyroke in reply to Jajarunner]

Thanks Jajarunner

I do have a sports massage on shoulders, neck, lower spine and calves and would like to continue. Should I ask her not to go to deep as to cause a bruise?

Thanks

[Jajarunner in reply to Swimsyroke]

Yes, tbh I don't like to massages that deep as the pain makes me tense up all the more!

[cat55]

Hi, I have just finished a course of Physio, some of it was quite deep and some use of acupuncture. No problems at all with either. I take Apixaban. Had a lot of pain prior to physio but now feel I have got some of my life back. I just wish I had gone sooner. I am going for a massage next month and am looking forward to it being a bit more relaxing. Tell your therapist your concerns and I'm sure you will reap the benefits of a good massage. Best wishes Kath

[Figbar]

I have enjoyed massage, acupuncture, and most recently the start of stem wave therapy for injury/arthritis and have not experienced adverse reactions; I will continue to use these modalities.I am on Diltiazam and Eliquis.

Best!

[Andyb7612]

Hi there I have also been put on flecainide and bisoprolol but take mine daily..I was told by the arrhythmia nurse to take the bisoprolol tablet at the same time as the first dose of flecainide in the morning .. I had to phone the arrhythmia nurse at the cardiac unit to find out this information as was not told by the pharmacist or specialist at the time for some reason.. I would give your consultant a call if you are not sure ...all the best...

[doodle68]

Hi Swimsy 😀 I have been seeing a Physiotherapist since March for a back problem , she knows all about my P-AF. Part of my treatment has been a massage, I can't think of any reason if would conflict with my condition.

[DortchRules]

I also had back pains once a week, so I went to a massage therapy from ladybirdsweb.co.uk/, which made me forget about it. If you want to go to the gym or play sports, please don't forget about stretching before and after exercising. Stretching will help you avoid muscle tension, so you can relax after work better and faster than before." I also recommend using hot water bottles, which are very useful when it comes to relieving back pain. This trick will help you relax faster after work and avoid sleeping with back pain."

[Swimsyroke in reply to DortchRules]

Thanks Dortch. Muscles and exercise good just wish the Afib would back off!!!