Hi there been a while since I visited. My husband has had 3 strokes now last one Dec 2023.
I wonder if its ok for him to have a massage of any kind, I have started doing this for myself but I thought perhaps he might benefit too, but i am unsure if its safe for him?
Anyone else looked into this? I would be grateful to hear thoughts on this.
Thanks
I haven’t looked into it but I’ve had many massages since my stroke. Just don’t get any chiropractic type ‘adjustments’ and tell them to avoid the sides of your neck and you’ll be fine
It’s not recommended in the acute stage of post stroke recovery (first 6 months) due to the circulatory problems likely to be present. And neck massage should be avoided as clots in the neck vessels can cause a another stroke. Also, being on blood thinners means we do bruise easily, so gentle massage is important – this needs to be light, focused massage rather than deep tissue. and be mindful of potential sensory deficits after a stroke, and adjust massage techniques accordingly.
So do discuss this with his stroke team/GP first to get the all clear from them before going ahead. And be sure to discuss all this with whomever will be doing the massage. The ultimate decision being down to them for obvious reasons.
Lorraine
I have been having regular massages & chiropractic treatments since I was about 6 months post-stroke. I’m nearly up to my 11 year anniversary now and find them invaluable. I have deep tissue massages, to iron out all the knots caused by physical exercise & the chiropractor (I’ve been going to the same place for about 20 years) also corrects my spine. Maybe it depends on the type of stroke, but I’m comfortable that the treatments won’t do me any harm.
I dealt with a stroke doctor from China. Apparently over there lots of massage and accupuncture after a stroke is normal. Looking where they massaged 20+ times its all the main veins and arteries, they call it chi and meredian, etc. They are purposedly massaging spots which could have caused ischemic stroke .
Definitely do both. Some improvements to me have only come from those 2 things.