Massage whilst on Warfarin?

[AvsG]

I wondered if anyone has had a massage whilst on warfarin? I have Hughes Syndrome and my INR range is 3.5 - 4.5. My GP was unsure and thought I may get bruised. I think the massage would help with my muscle and joint pain and would like to give it a try 🙂

[HollyHeski Administrator]

Hi, Ive not heard any reason not to have massage on warfarin, although I would go for a gentle one! Some of them can be very aggressive.

I am not allowed or I should say advised against to have shoulders or head massage, or go in a spa due to having a blood clot in my sub clavian artery. (Under collar bone).

Always advise your masseur that you are on medication.

[AvsG in reply to HollyHeski]

Thank you for your reply HollyHelski 😊

[chelb29 in reply to AvsG]

Out of interest HollyHelski, do you know if it's generally ok to go the spa otherwise on warfarin?

[HollyHeski Administrator in reply to chelb29]

The effects you would have to be careful about is that the hot water will open up your blood vessels and increase circulation.

This can also lower your blood pressure and if you should cut yourself, you would bleed even easier. I would say as long as you are very careful you can use a spa.

Which was why I was I wasn't allowed as it could have moved or dislodged my blood clot. Although I did eventually and nervously go in spa's but limited my time. I still have my blood clot now, we have never been able to dissolve or remove.

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi there, it is not recommended that deep tissue massage is applied only gentle massage. MaryF

[AvsG in reply to MaryF]

Thanks Mary, I'll explain that to her.

Another question for you as I know you are clued up on Hypothyroidism testing : I would like to have a more thorough look at my under active thyroid. What are the tests you would recommend and where can they be done (privately in case my GP refuses)?

[prj789]

I’ve been getting massages regularly since my diagnosis of APS and just had one this morning. I will echo others advice to tell the massage therapist about your health and medications and no deep tissue massage.

[AvsG in reply to prj789]

That's good to know prj789, I will go ahead with a gentle massage 😀

[chelb29]

Also have monthly massages as it helps my muscle and joint pains in my shoulders and neck. I avoid head massages and the therapist knows I'm on warfarin and does a medium pressure, I've never had bruising from it and to be honest feel much better a few days after having it!

[AvsG in reply to chelb29]

Thanks chelb29, that's reassuring to know 😀

[Holley]

I've had many massages while on warfarin and am getting another one on Monday. I always go to the same masseuse and remind her that I bruise easily. She doesn't do the deep pressure as a result. I went to a different masseuse one time and there was a language barrier. I was in pain for a week! I needed a massage after my massage

Communication is the key.

[AvsG in reply to Holley]

Thanks Holley for your reply and I will insist on a light massage 😀

[jetjetjet]

when i was i therapy they wouldn't do anything but my neck - and when going to other people that do massages i always tell them of all my clotting and every where i clot which is a lot and let them make the choice - all don't want to take the chance -liability. I always get thanks from them

[AvsG in reply to jetjetjet]

Than you jetjetjet for your reply. It's a pity you can't have a proper massage 🙂