Massage & Lupus meds

[_jenc_]

Hi folks,

Hope you are all as well as can be. I was hoping someone would be able to answer this question for me, as I would really like to go for a full body massage soon, as my lower legs have been very achey and my joints have been sore, so I figured a massage might help me feel better. However, I have recently had steroids and started Azathioprine, so I'm not sure if it's okay to have a massage with oils etc. Can anyone confirm that it is safe to proceed with a massage? Thanks so much in advance. 😊

[Penguintaz]

Hi Jena,

As long as you don't have any allergies to massage oils then it should be fine. The leaflets that come with your medicine will tell you what to avoid while taking them. If you are concerned I would ask the place that your thinking of getting the massage from but since you won't be eating the oils I know it will be fine X

[_jenc_ in reply to Penguintaz]

Thank you for kindly replying. I was advised after speaking to the spa therapist on the phone today to contact my GP and get a medical note or sign a disclaimer... I'm going to hold off until i see my Rheumy nurse again in July and then book myself in for a wee massage. Thanks again take care x

[Angelamarston1963]

Hi

I recently booked for a full body massage but after the assessment of my current symptoms the therapist advised against it her reason for this was it could overload the body with toxins and could potentially make things worse . She adviised a gentle reflexology treatment ( without oils as again these can affect how the body deals with toxins ) I had a wonderful treatment but unfortunately I paid the price the next day with what felt like a full on flare . Extreme fatigue & awful joint pains which lasted 24hrs ( a day in Bev 🙁☹️) please be very careful with who you chose to use as not all therapist are equal (if you go to a spa they barely ask you anything and know very little about auto immune diseases or medication ) I am fortunate that my therapist works in a health care environment . Saying that I would willing accept 24hr of symptoms for the experience - will just have to hope for the best and plan for the worst .

[_jenc_ in reply to Angelamarston1963]

Thank you so much for your reply! It was really helpful and I agree that generally speaking, most spa therapists don't know very much about autoimmune diseases at all. I phoned the place today and was advised that they would either require a medical note from my GP or for me to sign a disclaimer to say they have explained that it could cause problems and I agreed. I declined for now and will speak to my Rheumy nurse in July when I see her again. Thank you again for replying, I hope you get to enjoy a massage without a 24hr flare up in the future, as we both know they're blissful! 😊 Take care x

[MargaretGail]

I would have no concerns about the Azo and steroids but i would think twice about the massage. If i'm just touched in the wrong place i hit the ceiling. i would expect it to be a very painful experience. x

[_jenc_ in reply to MargaretGail]

Thank you for your kind reply. I'll be sure to take care as like you, I have certain areas (neck and lower back) that I cannot tolerate touch. X

[Ianrussell69]

Hi I went to a spar with my wife had a full body massage 1hr long absolute bliss told them about lupus mctd they weren’t worried @bout it just asked if I was allergic to anything relax and enjoy

[_jenc_ in reply to Ianrussell69]

Thank you Ianrussell69,

Greatly appreciate that. I'll be sure to heed your good advice. 😉 Take care.

[Ianrussell69 in reply to _jenc_]

I used to go to a chiropractor every 5to 6 weeks but for me it’s not as good as a spa

[pigsty]

I am so fortunate to have found a brilliant therapist who does a massage for me most weeks. When I first went to see her I was virtually Immobile now I walk slowly and can manage a hydrotherapy session most weeks at the hospital.

Her experience allows her to assess me as I walk slowly to the treatment room and we always begin with a conversation about how I am at that moment in time and how I’ve been ...she began at almost a striking level....yes there’s been the odd ouch....but she definitely has healing hands. She uses a very pure oil which she skin tested on me in my introductory talk/assessment.

I’m dreading the results of my PIP review as if I lose it I won’t be able to afford this ,,,,

Ask questions of your therapist and see the same person every time

Good luck

[_jenc_ in reply to pigsty]

Thank you for replying and I'm glad you've found such a skilled therapist who is able to provide you relief. I really hope your pip review goes well and that you are able to continue attending. Good luck and fingers crossed for you. X