Well that's depressing. I have chronic back pain,and knee pain. I was considering having a massage but today on BHF site it was reported as not advisable with AF.
Do I risk now I seem to have had a successful ablation and not aware of any AF or Flutter?
Awaiting physiotherapy.
😘
Hmm,will ask on 21st July when I have my phone appointment and report back on here!
Hope all doing well in the heat.
I'm trying to keep cool but having great problems with an elderly neighbour which is not good for my BP lol! Family don't want to know,so I finally rang the police last Saturday and they went to do a welfare check( after several years of incidents )
I don't know the outcome of that but family member came ranting around here,she had tried to o/d day later. ARGH!!
As I say ,keep cool.and carry on folks.
Over and out xxx
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wilsond
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I used to have massages and not once did they bring my AF on. I guess for some it could, but probably more the anxiety of being there than the massage.
I also took massage classes myself for a few years, can remember we always had to massage towards the heart.
I found the article on BHF and it seemed to me to be extremely over-cautious. By all means check with your cardiologist but if you are not in AF when you are having a massage I can’t see how it would be different from anyone else having a massage. Being on anti coagulants might be a consideration. Most massages are quite gentle but the article seems to assume it’s like something from a Carry On film! Your best bet would be a properly trained and qualified massage therapist so due diligence is required.
That's not exactly what BHF says -- see citation below.
Many of us with afib find massage to be very therapeutic and relaxing and in your case both your back and knees will thank you You just need to get medical clearance from your doctor to rule out any circulatory issues, etc.
If you do end up getting a massage , light may be better than deep, especially if pain has been a previous trigger. I also tell them to stay away from my neck entirely, because of the proximity of the Carotid artery and Vagus nerve.
But Jim they already know this-the BHF are scaremongering surely? All massage therapists have extensive training - they don't manipulate in the way an osteopath does because thats not oart of their training and they know not to go near the vagus.
They don’t all necessarily have extensive training. That’s the caveat. There’s a difference between a massage therapist who is trained in anatomy and can treat various musculoskeletal conditions and someone who has been on a short course in aromatherapy and isn’t qualified at all.
“Massage therapist” is not a protected title in the UK (neither is “nutritionist”) and there are no specific qualifications someone has to have. Therefore it’s very important to find a massage therapist who has been through genuine training and is a member of a professional register. It really is a case of buyer beware.
Yes, you're quite right. My therapist is extensively trained- a very different experience from someone at a health spa who's done a short course. I'm very picky who gets to do hand on with me. Ideally we need some form of regulation but it should be something that fits the best practice guidelines of the profession. Rather than the narrow strictures of mainstream medicine.
Awful situation with your neighbour. You could do without that.I must say that massages have never appealed to me ( depending who's doing it of course 😏 😂😂...) but I wouldn't have thought that a gentle one would harm.
I’m confused, as I thought you said it was for back and knee pain? Head and scalp massage will be deeply relaxing. Deeply relaxing massage could potentially trigger the vagus nerve one way or the other. I’ve been massages both in and out of AFib. It’s been triggered several times about an hour after a treatment - Accupuncture, shiatsu and relaxing massage . It was particularly badly triggered after two Chinese-style abdominal massages. Nice as they were, I had to stop them in the end.
Hi Wilson 😀 last year after an x-ray to see if there was a reason for pain and a lack of mobility it was discovered I had severe osteoarthritis in my spine and both hips also a degree of scoliosis .
There was a 3 months waiting list for the NHS physiotherapist and as I was in pain and could hardly move I went to see a private physio.
' L' was amazing and combined stretching excercise with massaging,stretching /my spine and was able to get me mobile again . I asked about my AF and L said no problem but if you are on anticoagulants best to avoid pummelling or vigorous massage that could cause bruising . I also use heat and ice .
Forgot to say the Phiso was recommended by my GP practice who know I have AF .
I’ve always had massage and it’s never affected my AF, my blood pressure drops throughout and remains lower afterwards for several hrs, my sense of deep relaxation and lack of muscle knots is unbeatable. I’d recommend avoiding a sports or deep tissue massage if on anticoagulants. Always use a qualified practitioner, in a reputable establishment.
I’ve never avoided a deep massage and on anticoagulants 🤷🏼♀️
There is a lot of ‘cautions’ made by those who do not know and sadly put off prospective users. The best advice is to look up and association for therapists and enquire. One is
I am a qualified Complementary Therapist of 25 years, didn’t do massage, but I do have them and so far have not gone into AF. I may try a massage if I had the opportunity to see if it may help.
I found the article, and it is depressing. I think I shall decide that I haven’t read it. It’s not like we are handed out dire warnings about this. I’m in AFib all of the time anyway.
Chronic pain is the pits, and anything that helps to relieve that seems like a good thing to me. I go to the chiropractor, and he is aware of my AFib. Last year I did have one massage at a spa that I felt was too much, and my poor back hurt more afterwards.
Recently I’ve just had two gentle massages in John Lewis. I think the lovely scents probably relax me even more than the massage. I do need to sit up really slowly afterwards.
Hi all have any of you heard of the Bowan Technique? I go to a guy locally and it's all about alignment rather than rough and tough a d I'd definitely recommend it. I've had a few sessions and now aim to have one just once a month to keep the pain under control and as there's very little 'hands on' and you remain fully dressed, it's great all round. Check it out folks. After 4 months because I had an ablation in March, I'm still more or less pain free. Next appointment is in about a week! Stay well all.
The professional undertaking the treatment should be able to advice you on this as medical conditions should be covered in their training, they should also require you to sign a medical assessment and disclaimer.
Honestly I think that's rubbish BHF!! I've had massages throughout my AF journey and it's done nothing but good. What's the rationale? I have a massage every fortnight- excellent for blood pressure too. Just ask masseur to avoid stomach area and - if using acupressure points- to be aware of your heart condition. They're trained and will know what to do. Enjoy freely is my advice!
I've read a few more comments here re concerns, all of which I read as unnecessary in the hands of a well trained experienced massage therapist. Let them know that you're on anticoagulants and to avoid too much pressure if you're worried about bruising. Someone who's trained in myofascial release as well as massage therapy would be excellent. The fascia interweaves with muscle all over the body and can be released with less pressure than a deep massage. So this is excellent for muscular pain.
I have to be honest I've stopped taking any notice of what the BHF says. They gave me totally the wrong advice when I rang them.... Scared me silly.... And it wasn't correct. This article is generic, designed to cover their backs and all heart conditions.
Personally I would tell your therapist about your Afib & anti coags &, treatment received. They are trained to assess what patient is and isn't suitable. A friend of mine found massages transformed her life... She was in constant pain and it went with massages. Amazing. Hope you get some pain relief from the massage.
I have had AF for quite a few years and I go privately to have a massage every month and I think it helps because I can move around better which we know is better for our hearts and I've had no problems at all
It's a bit generic of the physiotherapist to say that. There are different types of massages. From what I've read, deep tissue massages are contrary indicated due to risk of bleeding. Everyone is different though....
I don’t know much about massages so I can’t comment. I didn’t even ask for it, but she suggested it because my back is very bad and I suffer with arthritis but I can’t take anti inflammatory. I was surprised by the blood clot thing as anticoagulants are supposed to deal with that I thought. But she did say she consulted about it and that’s what she was told.
I went into AFib within minutes of a physio session last year on my shoulder. If was the only time I had ever had an episode start in the day time and consultant said it was likely the cause.
Have had loads of massages and my osteopath can really dig his fingers in to sort out my complex back/muscle problems and never had any problems at all. OK I rarely bruise thank goodness but massages can do nothing b ut good,
I'm a sports massage therapist and it is not in my list of contra-indications. Best to check with your EP or arrhythmia nurses for individual advice though xx
Never heard or read of a link betwee the two things.Personally have had Afib for 12 years and I get monthly massage without problem for 8 years. Don't quite get the possible physiologic or possible pathologic connection between the two things. For me massage and acupuncture as a parasympathetic release has been helpful.
But this "beast " is so uniquely annoying for everyone. Good luck
Oh, spare us, BHF. Where's your proof for that advice.
Personally, I receive regular chiropractic maintenance care and feel much better for it. Who wants AF AND a painful back/neck, etc. Get your massage and enjoy it.
I have never had regular massages but have enjoyed them on odd occasions like being on holiday or a day out with the girls. My husband and I were away for the weekend to a lovely hotel in Inveraray a couple of months ago so I booked myself a treatment of a back and neck massage. On arriving the girl gave me the usual medical form to fill out so I put down my new ish diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation. When she was checking it over she said that unfortunately she couldn’t give me what I asked for. Apparantly because massage moves fluids around the body it transpires it could be dangerous for the client. She did offer a hand or foot massage or a very very light touch back massage. She advised me to check in with the medical professionals which I haven’t had to go to as yet so it’s on my list of questions to ask. Although I was disappointed at yet another ‘no go’ area because of Afib I guess I was glad to have someone give me the wisdom of their experience and training as she was basically doing her job well and keeping me safe. As I mentioned it will be interesting to see what the medical people say about this subject as it’s such a lovely way to relax and unwind - or so you would think 🤔.
Hi, I also have chronic back pain which is making life v difficult. Don't know if the following is relevant to you.
I always used osteopaths who could fix it in a few sessions, but since I've been on blood thinners they refuse me as a patient as they say there's chance of small internal bleeds from their shifts and shunts, its even NHS guidance for osteopaths. So, if you are on blood thinners any deep massage may be a risk not for AF, but for internal bleeding.
Having read these comments can I add that the Bowen Therapy is not a 'massage' as we know it. There's very little 'hands on' and when there is it is for seconds so there's no 'pushing' so to speak. I'm actually arranging my 1st session since my ablation in March today and I aim to have a session once a month (from a financial point of view). If I could afford to I'd have more but my guy says a monthly sash will keep all the benefits up to scratch and it's amazing!! He took time to ask all about my health any surgeries I've had etc etc so go try it, you will honestly benefit from it.
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You just need to get medical clearance from your doctor to rule out any circulatory issues, etc. 
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