Well that’s what I thought. I decided it might help me to relax if I went and got a nice massage. My favourite is hot stone therapy but I thought I would just go for a basic massage this time.
Wow, well that won’t be happening anytime soon. It seems Warfarin and massage don't go well together. Apparently, in the UK, massage therapists have to have a letter of consent from your doctor if you are on Warfarin and want to have a massage.
So, off to the doctor to get a letter. I was told that a letter could be provided (for a fee) but it was actually down to the therapists insurance whether or not they would be covered for giving me a massage.
Then I am told that I shouldn’t have a massage at all in case there are small clots within my body which a massage could dislodge.
I never knew a massage could be so stressful!
Time for some more digging…
This is what I have come up with:
- It would appear that any deep tissue massage, such as Swedish or my favourite hot stone therapy, is a no-no if you are on Warfarin because it could cause bruising and thus internal bleeding.
- Get the okay from your doctor and a letter to take to the therapist giving them clearance to do the treatment.
- Check that your therapist’s insurance policy covers your medical condition and medication.
- Make sure your therapist is clear on exactly what kind of massage to give you and what to avoid. For example, shoulders are ok but not back of neck (if you have any thickening of the arteries there it may not be suitable), legs ok but not if you have had DVTs. Also advise the level of pressure you find acceptable. You should avoid forceful deep tissue pressure and use of pressure points. Aim for a light touch relaxing massage.
It was the latter I went for. It was nice, but I prefer hot stones so don’t think I will be going back for a massage anytime soon.