AF and massage

[Harrgem]

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if anybody has had any effects after having a massage with AF? There are so many conflicting stories on Google whether it's safe etc so I was just wondering if anyone has any info about it. Thanks 😊

[BobD Volunteer]

Cant see why not. I have had various contact treatments including Bowen and normal massage with no problems. Why do you think it will be?

[mjames1]

One reasons there may be so many conflicting stories is that all massage is not the same. Ranges from very light Myofascial release to very rigorous Rolf and Rolf like techniques.

Personally, I'd start with something more on the gentle side, because as we know any change in "The Force" can sometimes put us in afib. I would also strongly advise to stay away from massaging near the cartotid sinus, or to be safe, anywhere around the neck, as there lies the vagus nerve, a known action point for afib.

Some practitioners have more training/experience than others, so best see one experienced.

Jim

[CDreamer]

I would be careful about your choice of therapist and check their qualifications and go for someone experienced and at level 5, highest. As MrJames commented - a gentle massage is relaxing but I now avoid any deep tissue massage over my upper back.

[Longdistancewalker]

I get a massage once a week for long term musculoskeletal issues and have never had any issues. If anything it helps me relax more and stave off anxiety which has begun causing more ectopics lately. I agree you should seek out a well-qualified therapist and discuss your concerns with them prior to receiving treatment. A good therapist will have encountered people in all different shapes, sizes and health conditions and should be able to put you at ease.

[Ppiman]

If the massage relaxes you sufficiently, this means only that the parasympathetic side of your subconscious autonomic nervous system has become more dominant and has repressed the sympathetic (“adrenergic - “fight and flight”) side. The two systems are always active but are in various states of balance. This “reduced adrenergic tone” can, in some AF sufferers, allow the AF to begin. You will know the likelihood of this if your own AF tends to start when your own PS NS is active, such as while sleeping or digesting a meal.

Also, simply lying down for the massage can allow the stomach to rise high up against the diaphragm muscle and push that to touch the base of the heart. This can spark a few ectopic beats and those can set off AF in a prone individuals.

Counter-intuitively, taking an extra small dose of a beta blocker an hour or two prior to the massage might help, but will need doctor’s approval.

[Tantaanna]

I have had deep tissue and light massage throughout my AF-journey of ten plus years. Always relieved my tense muscles- had it before AF as well

[ChiMan62]

No issues for me from a deep tissue massage.