OK, I know this sounds like a post from a point of privilege, when many of the people who post on here do so from a place of pure agony, but bear with me … my partner and I will be taking our first modest holiday for four years in a couple of weeks. We’ve decided not to be too ambitious - he is being investigated for possible dementia, he’s insistent he wants to splash out on an extravagant holiday, but I want to see how he is away from home for the first time in a while, before planning something abroad; so we’re going for a couple of days to a nice hotel in the UK - which has a spa! I want to treat myself to something that will benefit my PMR - or at least not aggravate it. My first instinct is a massage (which I’ve never had before). Does anyone else have experience of treatments which have helped - or not? Thank you for your always insightful and helpful comments.
Which spa therapy is best?: OK, I know this sounds... - PMRGCAuk
Which spa therapy is best?
First piece of advice is totally embrace it, you are worth it! Massage can be a bit painful under the hands of some therapists, they would need to be very gentle and not try to untangle your muscles. I love a foot massage and my hairdressing assistant gives a wonderful head massage. I urge you to participate in everything that seems feasible. Keep well hydrated and expect to want a lovely nap afterwards. Enjoy!
I personally very much enjoy massage - even the deep therapeutic massage my physio uses to mobilise trigger points. I have used massage for years so I am not surprised when I feel a bit sore afterwards - if you have myofascial release as part of a massage session it releases the inflammatory substances from the knots of muscle fibres and that sometimes mke you feel a bit "flary". Drinking lots of water and a gentle walk in the fresh air will minimise it. Some people find it disturbing though and worry.
If you decide to try a massage and have never had one before, make sure the masseuse understands you have PMR and the potential there is for making you sore afterwards and make sure they avoid any deep digging movements. I have a voucher from my daughter for a hot stone massage - every therapist is different of course but the one I had at a friend's hotel a few years ago was very gentle - the big advantage is that your muscles are warmed and softened up during the hot stone treatment.
What other therapies does the spa offer?
Recently, after having had PMR for 3 years, I was brave enough to risk a massage and I asked them to be extremely gentle because of this condition and it was amazing! I got up feeling “free and somehow unblocked “. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Also reflexology is wonderful if you don’t mind your feet being touched! Relax and enjoy your well deserved break.
I echo what others have said here. I have regular reflexology sessions which is very calming. I love massages and spa days although haven’t been since before the pandemic. Rest, relax, enjoy, just what you need. Why not ring the spa, explain your health issues and see what they recommend? Have a wonderful break.
A spa will usually offer facials (bliss), hand and arm/foot massage (more bliss). Any of these will be relaxing and I have benefitted in the past. Hot stone massage has been mentioned-wonderful! The most important thing is to make the therapist aware of your illness.
Have a wonderful time: you deserve it 😀.
Wise to ask the question, and lots of good advice here, especially to inform the spa about your medical issues. They may well ask you to complete a form anyway! I started remedial massage before pmr following a really bad bout of sciatica. It kept me mobile, but was often a bit painful - dealt with by pmrpro's methods. On holiday I tried spa type massages which were very different but made me feel better, so I would say, go for it, enjoy and have a bit of pampering whilst you can. Hope the trip away goes well for you both
At the Spa I go to, I first go swimming then sometimes have a foot and leg massage with a pedicure finishing off with a ciabatta and black coffee plus a read of the newspaper. I occassionally have other massages, but don’t have a sports massage I discovered! Too rough. I also have just started reflexology although my Spa does not do that.
Thanks everyone! I won’t risk my first full massage on a short holiday, but reflexology sounds like a good bet, if I can book it.
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