electric massager

talk to your doctor

by CathrynB - 2008-01-21 02:01:08

I have much recent experience with an electric massager as a Plastic Surgeon recommended I use it directly on my PM scar and surrounding skin to get rid of severechronic nerve pain in the area -- re-training the signals on the nerve pathways to have the brain read it as "vibration" rather than "pain". In two weeks of use, 90% of my pain is gone. Some massagers warn against use by people with pacemakers, but as thomast says, keeping it a distance from your PM shouldn't prevent a problem. My EP said it was fine for me to use it, partly because I'm not PM dependent -- I'm only paced 2% of the time, AND my diagnosis is bradycardia, nothing else -- so he said even if the massager did disrupt my PM operation, I'd be sitting on a couch or lying on a bed, so I likely wouldn't even feel it or faint, but if I did, move the PM away and everything would be fine. I've had no problem whatsoever with it. So check with your doctor to make sure, but it's probably fine.
Take care, CathrynB

massager

by thomast - 2008-01-21 02:01:55

The massager will cause no problems as long as you keep it a fair distance from your PM. I cannont tell you the distance but I think it would be the same as power tools. I use one all time on the back of my legs with no problems. I even got my PM doctors OK for ultra sound on my legs, just said to keep it at least 6 inches from the PM site. You just have to be careful of the magnitic field created by the motor in the unit.

Seek Advice

by windway - 2008-01-21 03:01:53

I used to use a TENS machine to relieve aches and pains, but after my PM I was told not to use it above the waist. Recently I had to have pysiotherapy on my shoulder, the pysio confirmed this. So it would be alright for legs etc, but check with your surgeon first.
Windway

On my neck

by Suze - 2008-01-21 05:01:23

I use a vibrating massager on my neck all the time. I haven't noticed any problems at all. My doctor said to keep it 4 inches away from my pacemaker, which I easily do.

I also use a shiatsu, kneading back cushion massager, which I love. That doesn't bother my pacer either.

Suze

massager

by MHCHAMPION - 2008-01-21 07:01:04

My Medtronic instruction book says no. My cardiologist is allowing me to use a Tens Machine on my knees only.
Check with your doctor would probably be best.
Margaret

tens unit

by thomast - 2008-01-21 07:01:56

A massager and a tens unit are differant items.

i heard you shouldn't

by lindsay - 2008-01-21 09:01:41

my surgeon and cardiologist told me i wasn't allowed to use one for my back so i doubt one over the pacemaker would be allowed. you should ask your cardiologist.

Rate response problem with vibrator

by ElectricFrank - 2008-01-21 11:01:12

If your pacemaker has the rate response function turned on be aware of the effect of vibration on it. The rate response senses the movement of your body and adjusts the paced HR from it. It will sense the vibrations of the massager and increase your HR. Before I had rate response turned off on my pacer the jets in my hot tub on my upper back would drive my heart rate to the upper limit. This is different than the magnet effect.

frank

I forgot

by Suze - 2008-01-22 09:01:05

I forgot that I had my rate response function turned down lower for another reason last year. So I may have had problems with the massagers if that hadn;t been done.
I'm forgeting everything these days...Can I blame the pacemaker for that? Or am I just having senior moments? LOL

Anyway, just wanted to clarify my earlier comment on this issue.

Suze

Senior moments

by ElectricFrank - 2008-01-25 01:01:02

Suze,
Sometimes I think senior moments are one of those gifts we get as we age!

frank

Battery charged foam rollers

by Mattdillon - 2020-11-15 14:54:04

IS IT OK FOR THE FOLLOWING ( just got defib put in 5 days ago

use of an battery charged foam roller that I use on my back and legs

wireless and regular headphones

lifting light weights with right arm

How long before swinging a golf club ?