Blondie Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 Hiya, I have had a couple of fairly gentle massages in the time since my SAH, both of which were lovely. I have almost constant tension in my shoulder (it was bad pre-SAH too, and accutely bad on the day of my SAH). Anyway, at work today I ended up booking a massage with a lady from work. She'd had a quick feel of my shoulder and said that it was really tight and I needed a massage. Sorry, I'm blethering, but even in type I can't stop myself. Anyway, I've assumed I'll be fine for the massage, and I would really really like one - but I guess she is going to be quite firm. Has anyone else inquired about this, or heard anything? Blondie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rince Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 We had an "alternative" therapy talk at one of the SAH Support groups in Southampton and we were assured that as long as the person giving the massage was aware of our medical history it would be OK. Even Indian head massage was OK (although I can't believe that anyone who's been through brain surgery wanting that!). Oh and also make sure that the therapist is registered, although I can't remember who they have to be registered with!! Could be CORGI for all I know......... Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted July 13, 2007 Author Share Posted July 13, 2007 Excellent, thanks for that Scott. I'll check that Sandi is registered appropriately before I let her loose on me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rince Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 Even stranger was the reply to my question about aroma therapy, given that I have no sense of smell........ I won't tell you what they said I'll let you guess first! Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted July 13, 2007 Author Share Posted July 13, 2007 I expect there'll be an element of aromatherapy tomorrow... Hmm, I dread to think - probably that you'd still find it relaxing? Go on, what did they say?! Blondie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rince Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 Nah.... they assured me that on some level I would still benefit, although they couldn't tell me how. I would of thought that either it would work like for everyone else or it wouldn't work at all but I was told that it wouldn't "work as well as anyone, but you should notice a difference....". Was the end of what could of been a beautiful relationship between me and aromatherapy! Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted July 13, 2007 Author Share Posted July 13, 2007 Oh no! I guess you could give it a try, see if you feel any benefits. I've had quite a lot of aromatherapy over the years - quite a few of my friends have trained, and have needed volunteers to practice on. I've enjoyed it, on the whole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rince Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I'll never forget the look of blind panic on her face when I asked that question and repeated that the SAH had left me with no sense of smell! Cruel I know but we have to take what small pleasures we can Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted July 13, 2007 Author Share Posted July 13, 2007 Lol, oh yes sometimes these things are too good to resist! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Portia del Carmen Posted July 14, 2007 Share Posted July 14, 2007 I have asked my consultant both times post-SAH about alternative therapies - he has always said that it is fine, even including sauna/steam room treatments, which you might think would put up blood pressure because of the heat. I think essentially anything which makes you feel relaxed and in less pain must be good! I've also had Indian head massage, even after the 2nd SAH, when I had the craniotomy and clipping. It is absolutely blissful and as long as your therapist knows (and they will know when they see the scar, after all) they are likely to be careful and look after you. I have also had some very effective Reiki therapy - I've posted before that when I was ill the first time, the only thing that took the headache away was Reiki rather than morphine (although the morphine had its own other benefits, frankly) I was so impressed with Reiki that I have had myself Reiki-attuned and it is incredible how you can help yourself when you feel poorly or have pain - whether it's a headache, backache, cold, flu or even hayfever. I can certainly recommend it to anyone if you are able to suspend any disbelief that you might feel about the whole experience - which involves at most light touching essentially on meridian points to rebalance your body. As with anything, you have to make sure that the therapist is properly trained - but that proviso applies whether or not you've been ill - a therapist who only thinks and doesn't know what they're doing can do some damage, especially to the back/neck/shoulders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted July 14, 2007 Author Share Posted July 14, 2007 Thanks Portia. I had the massage today, and enjoyed it immensely. I've had reiki treatments on and off since my SAH and I do enjoy that too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Firefly Posted July 15, 2007 Share Posted July 15, 2007 I stared my first massage therapy last Thursday and it is wonderful!!! I ask my Dr. if it was ok and he said sure, it might help a lot!!! I want to go at least twice a month, more if we can afford it! It feels soooo good!!! Take care, Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joan Posted July 27, 2007 Share Posted July 27, 2007 Haven't "braved" a body massage as yet, but find I still am nervous about head massages (they usually do one at my hairdressers) and have so far declined all offers. Been having Bowen massage for my foot problems, but that is a very different type of massage technique. Joanxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted July 27, 2007 Author Share Posted July 27, 2007 Hi Joan, bizarrely the thought of a full body massage scared me more than a head massage - I think because I had so much discomfort in shoulder and spine? Aside from around the nape of the neck I'm fairly happy to have my head touched (gently!!) Blondie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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