Have asked previously about if massages are safe to have and the general view was that most would be wary about having them although I know a few do
A lot of spa places etc won't do them if you have cancer related problems. I asked my heamo yesterday about it and asked if it was ok to have them having ET. She said she's never heard of anyone not being able to have them and I asked about blood clots or any other problems related to massage and she laughed and said no she's not aware of heard of anything and said it's ok. I find this confusing as I thought it was not a good idea to have one. Has anyone else asked their heamo about this? Thankyou. Pippa
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I’ve had many massages over the last 15+ years since being diagnosed with ET and never any problems or been advised against them - quite the opposite, I find them very beneficial.
I think there’s a big difference between our conditions and other types of cancer where spread through the lymph system may be a concern and massage therefore inadvisable.
Hi, my sister had breast cancer and found no - one would touch her to give a massage - she has since become a qualified masseur and has done additional courses for being able to massage those with cancer - in her training she asked in regards to my husband (PV/ET) and they advised as with other cancer patients the risk is the deep tissue massage. She has used him as part of her training practicals and gives a great massage that isn't deep but still great. You have to be careful if you have a tendancy to bleed or bruise easily which is often a issue with MPN patients. You can't have a massage over points of sites of blood clots, tumours and varicose veins. There is also caution for those with bone cancer. A business has to have a different type of insurance if they offer treatments to cancer patients - there is therefore two reasons why some places won't do it - *they aren't allowed due to their lack of training *they aren't insured to (even if qualified)
However if you find the right establishment (trained and insured) and discuss your individual health they will work with you to offer the best tailored massage for you and shouldn't be an issue. Enjoy x
Hi Pippa . I have been having them regularly again since June . I asked haematologist and she said it was fine as my bloods were normal -currently around 490 at mo , 430 at the time of asking and I had one on Tuesday . ( down from 950 and diagnosed following cerebellar stroke in October . ) Find them very helpful 😊
Morning, in agreement with AndyT there is a concern about spread of cancer through the lymphatic system but as this isn’t a concern for us. If you have a history of thrombosis then you will be also be contraindicated unless you have a Doctors note. Some spa’s and Salons have a blanket approach as they lack knowledge and find it easier to refuse treatment than take what they consider to be a risk.
Even though I’m a trained massage Therapist I checked with my Haematologist and much like yours he couldn’t understand why there would be any issue.
Hahahahaha.... avoid the "C" word. It confuses and scares people into refusing to touch you! I live in Thailand where massage is part of the lifestyle and certainly seen as good for the health. If you like it, do it!
Massage is definitely OK when you have ET or any other MPN. I have never had a single doc say otherwise. If you are on aspirin or any other blood thinner, you may have a tendency to bruise too easily, but that is only an issue with the more highly aggressive deep tissue massage.
Massage therapy is an essential part of how I manage the inflammation related pain that results from the JAK2 mutation impact on my body along with the age related spinal deterioration. Massage therapy is WAY safer than the meds I would otherwise end up having to take. It is also very good for helping to manage the stress that so often accompanies the journey we are on.
Do try to find a truly skilled massage therapist who understands how the muscle system of your entire body works together. Where you feel the pain is not always where the problem is. I have chronic lower back pain that actually stems from issues with my hip flexors. The massage therapist is see figured that out. She also understands how to work with an older patient with measured spinal deterioration. Good massage therapists are providing a valuable medical (and mental health) service and will treat your care that way.
Thankyou for your advice. I have found one that helps cancer patients and comes with recommendations so I'm looking forward to it as I too suffer with back problems
Be careful of some masseurs who are too tough and leave bruises. I’ve had some of those. Shiatsu is (for me) the most fabulous and beneficial type of massage. Gentle and very effective! Thai and Lomi Lomi massages are also amazing.
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