Massage, hot tubs and the like.

[Redkegs]

Hi Hearties, hope you are all doing well. Does anyone have any advice on getting massages etc? I work 10 & 12 hour shirts being on my feet for most of it so used to get a monthly hot stone massage to try and soothe the aching muscles. I have two stents fitted now and need to improve the squeeze of my heart. I was wondering whether its safe to get a hot massage now? Also I have read about hot tubs and how I shouldn't now use them, is it just the temp? I've also read about posdible health benefits of cold water baths, again nit sure if they are OK.I'd ask my GP but it's virtually impossible to get an appointment at the moment. Any thoughts or advice would be most welcome.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

There have been many posts about this and people having different opinions but you could give the BHF Nurses a ring and ask them as they will be the ones that will be able to give you some good advice about how safe it is

I will put you the number on if you don't have it

Would not be to bothered about a hot tub myself but a massage sounds lovely so if you do ring them let us know what they say and if they say it is safe then enjoy x

Heart Helpline team on 0300 330 3311 Mon-Fri 9-5pm

[Redkegs in reply to BeKind28-]

Hi, that's a good idea thsnk you never thought of that. I'm transferring from the shop floor to an office position, shorter days but would still like to have the massages. Good for mind body and soul.K.

[BeKind28- in reply to Redkegs]

Hello

They certainly are

Give them a ring I am sure they will be able to tell you and as I said if it is a yes enjoy x

[MummaSoap]

Hi Redkegs

I haven’t had any stents but I know I was advised to use hot tubs cautiously due to the heat and effect on the heart. I’m also no longer able to take hot showers as the ticker can’t take it!

Also, I now have cold (as cold as I can comfortably handle, nothing extreme) showers (purely for aesthetic reasons - it helps my pink hair dye last longer) and I have to say it’s very refreshing!

However, I’m not an expert and I would encourage you to have a chat with the BHF nurses who will be much better equipped to help advise you on this predicament. I for one hope you get the green light because there’s nothing like a bit of pampering 🧖‍♀️

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

Best wishes

Soap 🧼

[Redkegs in reply to MummaSoap]

Thanks for the advice. Will keep you all updatedK.

[Blearyeyed]

There was a post a couple of days ago about jacuzzi/ hot tubs advice . There were a lot of replies that would be useful for you , I gave quite a detailed one myself , so that is worth a read .Press on the posts tab on this page and you should get to it.

Massage is possible depending on your condition with certain precautions, although hot stone massage, sports therapy massage, Fascia rolling , Deep Tissue Massage and Swedish Massage would not be recommended for various reasons .

You SHOULD NOT have massage therapy if you have the following:

You have low blood pressure ( hypotension) especially if it is not being treated or it is unstable. Massage causes a drop in blood pressure which can be dangerous for people with low blood pressure.

You have recently had surgery or you are awaiting surgery.

You have blood clots or a medical history of blood clots.

You have recently had an infection , injury , stomach upset or flare up of inflammation from another chronic illness. Leave it 10-14 days after these extra conditions have effected you before trying a massage. All it will do is make you feel sick and cause additional pain.

You MAY NOT be able to have massage :

with Atrial Fibrillation, and need to check with your specialist before trying it because there is a higher chance of you having blood clots that could break away . You can only use the gentlest types of massage with AF if your specialist states you can try it and only for short periods of time.

You MUST BE CAREFUL, or you may be better not using massage :

You have stents , a pacemaker or other devices because the massage needs to be done in a particular which I discuss a bit more below

If you have Congenital Heart Failure , in this case , it needs to have been diagnosed with a good self care management plan. Massage should be tested and trialled carefully with short sessions by a therapist by your local medical team or in a medical centre before using a recommended therapist.

If you are on blood thinners . Blood thinners cause you to bruise or bleed under the skin very easily so if you can have massage choose carefully, it must be one that uses the gentlest of pressure and trialled with just a few minutes on arms or legs. If you are on blood thinners you also need to be careful about what type of massage lotion or oil is used and make sure that they contain no salicylates , as these also thin the blood and can cause even more chance of a bruise or bleeding. Check with your Specialist for advice based upon your the drugs you are on and double check on the information included with your medication or the chemist.

If you are on blood pressure medication . If your blood pressure is being well managed by your medication it is better to plan carefully and choose a short session a few hours after your usual dose. Having a massage straight after your BP meds makes it more likely that you could drop into low blood pressure and suffer from dizziness, nausea , vertigo or lightheadedness from the therapy

Gentle Massage types like Medical Massage , Bowen therapy , Physio led Manipulation Therapy , the low pressure , gentler versions of Thai massages and Foot, Hand and Scalp massage can actually be very therapeutic and help reduce blood pressure for those with hypertension or with certain types of Arrhythmia but you do need to do your research locally and check with your Specialist first to see if you are at the right stage of treatment for massage to be good for you .

Massage with a heart condition generally needs to be done for a much shorter period of time than you will have been used to previously and is more often done in a seated position . This is partially because the medications you may be on can make you bruise more easily , but mainly because massage can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and if you are already on blood pressure medication your BP can go far too low causing you to pass out or have other symptoms that could cause dizziness. A number of trial sessions should be done first of no more than 5-7 minutes and 15-20 minutes is the maximum recommended by most health sites and good therapists.

Only use a therapist that is either recommended by your local hospital , physiotherapist or local heart support groups ( rather than a friend or family member with no heart issues or personal experience of them ) , or whom can show they have extensive experience in giving massage treatment to those with heart conditions , particularly if you have a pacemaker or stents because any massage type needs to be adjusted to make sure that it does not cause pressure on the areas with devices or implants which could move them or change how well they work.

If a therapist does not give you a thorough questionnaire or interview about your medical history and needs or does not suggest you only begin with a number of short trial sessions that build up , literally run to the door, as it means they really have no knowledge of medical issues and how massage can effect them , and are also less likely to give you the right help in a medical emergency.

A good way that you can feel more confident about trying massage is to request for a referral to Physiotherapy or Pain Therapy first and request to be seen by the therapist whom is in charge of massage and manipulation therapies. They may either choose to give you a ten week session if you have medical reasons to need it, or they will give you a small trial in the safety of the hospital and will be able to advise you from the results if massage would be right for you.

[Redkegs in reply to Blearyeyed]

Hi thanks for the reply and information. Greatly appreciated. I think if there is any doubt or risk I can live without it!

[Redkegs]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I do some sort of cardio everyday now walking, walking football and swimming especially now I've moved into an office position and off the shop floor. I think if there's any risk, I can live with out massage etc.

[Sally_Scott]

oh I didn’t know this. I’ve had OHS back in January for 2 valves. I’m due to go to a matés tomorrow for her hot tub. Does this mean I can’t?

[Alison_L in reply to Sally_Scott]

It depends on the temperatures of the water and the air. I was in a hot tub on Monday night, but the water temp was only 32c, which wasn’t hugely different to the air temp. As long as the water isn’t hot (but not cold either!), it shouldn’t be a problem, BUT you might want to give the BHF nurses a quick call as we are all different, and I’m not medically trained in this sort of thing. Hope you enjoy it. I did 😀

[Sally_Scott in reply to Alison_L]

thanks Alison. I just rang them and as long as water is 26-32 it’ll be ok. I just told her and she’s got it set at 36 so just as well I read this lol.

[roughquest]

Hi 12 hour shift worker here, typing from the hot tub 😁

Been trying to find an answer for my condition for over 2 years now, current thinking is an undefined Myocardial/respiratory problem. For many years I have had a deep tissue massage (& chiro) once a month, and about 8 years back I landscaped my garden (when I was fit!) for a fixed hot tub I use daily usually after finishing a shift. Like Redkegs this isnt for a spa day treat, it’s preventative maintenance for my body.

I mentioned this to every cardiac medical professional I’ve met, none have ever said “NO” only to stop if “it’s causing discomfort”. Which of course it isn’t - quite the opposite! This is NHS, Spire, BUPA, and currently the Professor at the Royal Brompton.

Obviously your mileage may vary!

[Redkegs in reply to roughquest]

Thanks for the reply and information. Yeah 25 years of looong manual shifts, a lot of football and other stuff have taken their toll. Plus getting overweight didn't help. The massage was to keen me supple as I get older. I've started pilates which helps although it's not easy!