Do pacemaker lifespan be affected by electronic devices such as Electronic massage chair and PT device muscle treatment

Device life span

by AgentX86 - 2018-08-17 08:19:45

A massage chair isn't going to affect your pacemaker but it's my understanding that anything like a TENS unit is out. If it's mechanical massage, to anything other than actually moving the can (known as "twiddling"), you're probably OK. Electrical stimulation is a no-no.

PT with a PM

by Theknotguy - 2018-08-17 08:57:26

You should contact your pacemaker manufacturer for advice about electrical equipment.  Standard answers from earlier posts are to keep electric motors a minimum of six to ten inches away from the pacemaker while the motor is running.  Ten's equipment is not recommended for people with pacemakers.  So it would depend where the electrical motors are placed for your massage chair and if your therapist is using Ten's equipment.  Also, if your pacemaker has an accelerometer the massage chair may confuse the sensors in the pacemaker and kick you into a higher heart rate.  

Another thing would be to discuss your plans for physical therapy with your EP/Cardiologist.  See if he/she will write a prescription for you.  You might run into a situation where your physical therapy people will refuse to work on you unless they have a prescription.  Working on a person AMA (Against-Medical-Advice) can get them into a situation where they could lose their job and their license.  Needless to say medical people get very concerned when they are put into that situation.  Or, if your EP/Cardiologist doesn't OK your present type of physical therapy he/she can work with the physical therapists to recommend a course of treatment.  Oh, and with a prescription, your State of residence may give you a tax break and you may also be able to get a discount on your physical therapy costs.  Maybe not, but you can always ask.  

I'm usually a full speed ahead, damn the torpedoes type of person but having gone through physical therapy while having a pacemaker I have to come down on the side of caution.  You feel fine during your physical therapy session but you spend the next four days popping Tylenol pills and using hot and cold packs and that was with a prescription from my EP.  Physical therapy with previous injuries and a pacemaker can be a tricky thing and it's best to be cautious.  

I don't feel physical therapy sessions will affect your pacemaker more than any other activity.  So that really isn't a concern in my mind.  

You may need to change some of the procedures they are currently using in physical therapy but I feel they can find a way that will work best for you.  My best wishes for the future.  
 

Thank you for the response

by Cheldhaye Chill Day - 2018-08-19 10:31:35

Thank you for the information. Unfortunately my cardio is far from our location. It woud take 1 day and night so i have a hard time consulting. 

The therapist indeed refused to threat me despite the doctor's (neuro) prescription. Your info though helps a lot. 😊

Damage? Not to the pacemaker

by Gotrhythm - 2018-08-19 14:45:57

Before I understood how my pacemaker worked, I used to wonder if electronic things would damage it and cause it not to work as long as it should.

I was stuck in thinking it was mechanical, and like other machines, could be damaged by misuse, causing it to breakdown before its time.

But the pacemaker isn't mechanical, it's electronic and it's very well shielded. There is no mistreatment--including subjecting it to electronic interference--that would break it or affect today's pacemaker's longevity. On the rare occasion that one does encounter electromagnetic  interference, just moving a short distance removes the problem. And the pacemaker is undamaged.

I've used all kiinds of mechanical massage devices with no harmful effects. (My chiropractor just loves them!) I've also used a T.E.N.S. on my lower arm. I probably wouldn't use on on my upper chest, but I have learned through experience that the electrical impulse doesn't travel far at all through the body. I'd use it if needed on my upper back without hesitation.

I would demand that the therapist back up their refusal with published data showing that the therapy would be harmful.