Massage for Relaxation

[Comfycousin1]

Just wondering if others have been in my position. I had an NSTEMI in late December and had a stent fitted. Before then I would have a regular massage as a monthly treat.I asked the Cardiac Nurse today if I could start them up again and she said that the relaxation benefits probably outway any potential risk.

Not sure I like the word "probably".

She said to avoid deep tissue massage because of the likelihood of bruising and to not have too much in the way of aromatherapy oils.

She also said to drink water and to get off of the couch slowly in case my bp may have dropped.

She said that the stent /arteries and the heart are too in the body for pressure on them to be even possible.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has massages and if so what their experiences are.

Thank you x

[WeeHoolet]

I was wondering about massage myself, Comfycousin1, as a means of easing back pain. There is sensible advice from a senior cardiac nurse here on the BHF website:

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

🙂

[Comfycousin1 in reply to WeeHoolet]

Yes, thank you WeeHooletI saw that but I wasn't sure how long I needed to wait following a heart attack or after a stent fitting. The article didn't really seem to determine people from having a massage but maybe that's just what I want to read between the lines 😀

I'm probably being over cautious but you need to ask about these things don't you?

I do love a nice relaxing massage, don't you?

Have you had one?

Thanks again.

Comfy

[WeeHoolet in reply to Comfycousin1]

Your ticker event is quite recent, Comfycousin1, so it's sensible to be cautious. The article doesn't give a time-scale, but then, people heal differently and at different rates. And you seem to have had the okay from your cardiac nurse...

Long time since I had a massage. I would probably benefit, though, as my back can be like a washboard at times, that is, rigid 😣

[Comfycousin1]

I guess as long as I take it easy it will be ok

[WeeHoolet in reply to Comfycousin1]

🙂🦉

Careful of the oils, though, apparently.

[Comfycousin1 in reply to WeeHoolet]

Yes the nurse mentioned those but said that they are usually in small concentrations and diluted by a base oil. They don't get rubbed, undiluted into the skin.

[Comfycousin1]

Oh interesting. This isn't with a spa. It's a fully qualified lady who I met working at a spa (she still does we just struck up a friendship and she does it privately now).I think I might wait until I speak to my cardiologist. I am supposed to be seeing him for a check up in March (3 months post heart attack).

See what he says.

Thank you x

[aardvark68]

Following a STEMI , cardiac arrest and stents in 2015, I have continued having regular massage and spa days . Never even occurred to me that this would be a problem. As your cardiac nurse has said, the heart is well protected within the chest cavity.

[Comfycousin1 in reply to aardvark68]

Thank you

[Jules2021]

Hi. I have a massage every month as a treat to myself lol After my heart attack my massage therapist said i wasnt allowed one for 6 months and nearly 3 years later she still doesnt do deep tissue but uses hot stones to get the same benefit. Good luck x

[Comfycousin1 in reply to Jules2021]

Thank you

[Davey77]

When I was in hospital, the doctor on the ward round said it was OK for me to have the massage already booked for 3 days later, as long as I told the spa. I did have to stop the separate Deep Tissue Massages from the physio for the RTI in my shoulders, because of the bruising.

[Comfycousin1 in reply to Davey77]

Ah. Thank you. Was the stopping of thecdeepbtussue just because of the bruising (cosmetic skin colouration that won't show when clothed) or is there a risk of blood pooling /internal bleeding when on blood thinners?

I was thinking about a gentle, relaxing massage at this stage but deep tissue I have had on tight shoulders in the past.

C

[Davey77 in reply to Comfycousin1]

It was my decision, because of the bruising.

[Comfycousin1 in reply to Davey77]

Thank you. Bruising is horrendous, isnt it?. I have bruising when my cat walks on me!

[2wheeler]

Hiya, I used to have a sports massage every month. I was a keen cyclist and loved the gym. I'm no spring chicken so the massage used to work wonders for me. Since the triple bypass and now the diagnosed heart failure nobody will touch me. All i get is "oh I will need to check with my insurance company" I understand they need to cover their backs but my Cardiologist said I could.

Hope you manage to get the correct information and a place that will accept you

take care Pat

[Comfycousin1 in reply to 2wheeler]

Thanks Pat. Yes there's a line between caution and paranoia. C