Massage

[lukeric]

Hi,

Advisable to do Back Massage (face down) after six months of avr?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ross]

Heck yeah, 6 days even.

 

[lukeric]

But doc said may risk severe internal bleeding!

 

[kfay]

Absolutely...why have you waited so long? I had my first about 12 days post op!

Kim

 

[perrypiratesdad]

...internal bleeding!

Who's giving the massage? An Elephant?

 

[Nancy]

Maybe the doctor doesn't want you to put any pressure on your sternum by lying face down. You should pay attention to what he has told you. Maybe you could get a massage sitting upright on your back and shoulders, leaving your sternum alone.

Your doctor knows what method he used to keep your chest closed, so he knows best until you see him again and can ask about it.

 

[perrypiratesdad]

Maybe the doctor doesn't want you to put any pressure on your sternum by lying face down.

But at 6 months? He would have been advised to not sleep on his stomach as well then.

 

[ponygirlmom]

Advisable to do Back Massage (face down) after six months of avr?

1. Can you breathe comfortably in that position?

2. Do your xrays show that your sternum is solidly healed?

 

[Nancy]

Well, I guess I should have been more careful in reading the OP's post! 6 months is a long time to still be concerned about damage to the sternum. But then why did the doctor seem reluctant. I think you need clarification on that.

 

[ponygirlmom]

Well, I guess I should have been more careful in reading the OP's post! 6 months is a long time to still be concerned about damage to the sternum. But then why did the doctor seem reluctant. I think you need clarification on that.

I think his doc is worried about someone pounding on him. Sounds like the doc had a bad massage experience!

 

[BDMc]

Massage was a key part of my recovery. I think I may have started face down at two weeks out. I think I lay on a pillow though. I'd ask for clarification from the doc about his concerns.

 

[BackDoc]

I was back to doing push ups 4 months post surgery. i don't follow your doc's reasoning about lying on your stomach and getting a massage, unless like someone else posted--you will be getting a massage by having an elephant walk on your back. I would ask you your doc to elaborate further as to why he/she feels this way.

 

[Jkm7]

I was someone who never stopped being sore four years post op and could not lie on my stomach. I went into my second OHS still sore from the first though my sternum healed fine.