Massage therapy

To those of you who get massage therapy: I was wondering if you have had to use some kind of cushioning around your pacer site while laying on your stomach,while having a massage? I was told by the pacemaker nurse that laying on your stomach could put pressure on your pacemaker and make your heart beat faster. I haven't had a massage since they put it in (3months) and am a big beliver in massage therapy! Thanks for any input

I

4 Comments

nah

by Tracey_E - 2010-01-13 10:01:33

If it doesn't hurt, you're fine! I don't know why pressure would make it beat faster. I've never heard of that but who knows. I kinda doubt it because even laying on your stomach you're not likely to put a lot of pressure on it anyway, if you are just shift a bit.

Massage Therapy!!!!!

by Pookie - 2010-01-13 10:01:48

Oh my gawd....I can honestly say I now have a new addiction. Massage Therapy. (My other addiction is M&M peanuts!!!)

I've been going to massage therapy about once a week since late September and love each & every second of it.

Now to your question: Yes, I lay face down on my stomach and I don't use any cushions or anything. I just told the massage therapist that I have a pacemaker and when around that area (in the back) she just doesn't press down as hard. There was only once that my pacemaker area hurt a bit afterwords, but I have never heard of massage therapy making your heart beat faster. How the heck could that happen??????????

I do know one can get pretty sleepy and my massage therapist makes me take plenty of time getting up and I mean VERY slowly and she always makes me drink a glass of water after the session and of course, when I get home, I put an ice pack on for 15 minutes.

Since you've only had your pacemaker for 3 months I would certainly put massage therapy off for a few more months as you are still healing. But what do I know...lol. You really should ask your doctor. Perhaps there is a way to get massage therapy while sitting???

I mention sitting because my chiropractor can do my back & shoulders with me either face down on the table (same as the massage therapy) or she can do it while I just sit.

Mind you...I've had my pacemaker for 5 yrs now, so I know I'm fully healed.

When in doubt...ask around.

Good luck,
Pookie

thanks

by cfritza - 2010-01-14 09:01:09

Thank you guys for the input:) going Friday!

Enjoy your massage!

by TexasAngel - 2010-01-14 11:01:24

I get massages and have had no problems. The therapist is just extra careful when around the area where the device is.

I lay on my stomach, too. But it was a little tender for a few months after I got the pacemaker. But it is better now. If you have problems with tenderness in the area maybe she could put a rag or towel there to cushion it for you.

Enjoy your massage!

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Life does not stop with a pacemaker, even though it caught me off guard.