Is a massage ok?

[Research123]

I've been given an Xmas present of a massage - I'm right in saying there are no problems for us CLL patients with that? Am in w and w. Thank you!

[Pin57]

Hi Research123 - I’m no doc but am on W&W like you (3+ years) n I had my first massage ever this past fall to help ease my back spasms, also first ever experienced spasms and man they hurt like hell. So quickly off I went to get a massage and it really helped that pain issue. Haven’t experienced bad consequences from getting a massage but that’s just me.

Now prior to getting that massage, I saw my GP doc who knows I have CLL and his solution to my back spasm was for me to see a physical therapist (which I did after my massage) and that was the ultimate back spasms fix (within a month), was doing the PT back exercises.

But to explain why I got a massage was that the PT appointment was a couple weeks out and so I asked my GP doc if getting a massage right away was ok thing to do. He it was ok. Now I didn’t run that same question up the ladder to my CLL doc. A mistake? You could, right?… if you thought you need to ask.

I’ll be interested to read others take on your post concern and if they think you should ask your CLL doc about it, or if it’s not necessary?

[Research123 in reply to Pin57]

Thank you

[Research123]

Thank you, Not too brutal a massage then by the looks of it

[TaiChiGolfer]

Hi, I have the SLL version which presented with neck lump & subsequent CT showed more deeper neck lumps. I asked my CNS about having masssges. She advised that I could but should have a relatively mild pressure massage & to tell the Massuese to avoid massaging my neck. This has worked well for me. I’d suggest running it past your Clinical team first just to be sure.

[bettyba]

Hello - I found a person who was qualified to massage people with cancer. A more gentle approach with an indepth consultantion prior to message. It was wonderful!

[RSilver]

As I understand it, some Registered Massage Therapists have taken an additional course in massage to provide lymph drainage. It's a more gentle style of massage, NOT the deep tissue massage.

[Rogerinhorn2015 in reply to RSilver]

A massage therapist suggested to have a small node in my neck checked by a physician. She had worked for a physician. I followed up & was diagnosed with CLL in 2010. I will forever be grateful to the therapist for her knowledge. Have had soft tissue massage many times since. It has its benefits, mind & body. Everything in moderation.Your CLL team can guide you further. All the best to you!

[Gampo]

Hi, I checked with my oncologist and he said it was no problem at all, even deep tissue massage. I've been having Thai combination massages about once a month - they helped whilst on W&W and are really helping now I'm on Acalabrutinib and feeling stiffer as a result. Even in the early stages of taking the pills, when I was bruised all over, the massage never caused new bruises.

[Ellieoak]

Dear Research123, As a Naprapathic physician I can tell you that it is completely fine to get Massages, Chiropractic or Naprapathic treatments. The only thing I would tell you is that you should wear a mask to protect yourself. or the person treating you wear a mask. Stay safe, Anna