Massage and Sleep Apnea

A friend of mine (the same who gave me the machine) recently told me that he tried massage therapy and he felt that it helped him overcome some of the effects of sleep apnea. Obviously it can't solve OSA, but mentioned something about massage helping with oxygen levels in the blood. I've never had a massage before but at this point I'm desperate to try anything, and it seems benign enough. I was wondering if anyone else tried this approach and what their experiences were?

The only way I can see it affecting o2 levels in the blood is if there was a happy ending :O

Alshain wrote:A friend of mine (the same who gave me the machine) recently told me that he tried massage therapy and he felt that it helped him overcome some of the effects of sleep apnea. Obviously it can't solve OSA, but mentioned something about massage helping with oxygen levels in the blood. I've never had a massage before but at this point I'm desperate to try anything, and it seems benign enough. I was wondering if anyone else tried this approach and what their experiences were?

I used to do it. It helps you relax and you will stop breathing on the table and freak out the therapist so warn them ahead of time. It does help with circulation - some. Much of it depends on the skill of the therapist and how well they are matched with you.

islandboy5150 wrote:The only way I can see it affecting o2 levels in the blood is if there was a happy ending :O

Lol, no we are talking about professional & licensed massage therapy, thank you very much.

If you're thinking of using massage INSTEAD of CPAP, forget it. It will not cure sleep apnea, no matter what claims a massage therapist may make. It's dangerous not to use your CPAP, without a PSG to confirm you no longer need it. Never take anyone's word that you don't need your CPAP (except your doctor's) and you cannot judge if you have apnea or not by how you feel.

If you're thinking of massage for relaxation, go for it. It feels great and it is very relaxing, and to a degree it will improve your peripheral circulation. It may help you sleep better and be more comfortable with your CPAP. That's all good.

My husband and I trade for a massage every month. We get deep tissue massages--the next day we feel like we've been roughed up by a mafia hit man, but the following day feels wonderful. I always sleep great on the night after a massage. If I could have a massage more often I would. It's heavenly!

I just came back from a 9 days holiday at Phuket, Thailand with my GF... and we had foot massages every day after a long day of shopping and doing tourist stuff... I always fall asleep during the massages and wake up feeling very refreshed, compare to some of the naps I had without my CPAP... yes, I still snore during those sessions... maybe the relaxation help with getting a better sleep, not for solving the SA issue.

Janknitz wrote:If you're thinking of using massage INSTEAD of CPAP, forget it. It will not cure sleep apnea, no matter what claims a massage therapist may make. It's dangerous not to use your CPAP, without a PSG to confirm you no longer need it. Never take anyone's word that you don't need your CPAP (except your doctor's) and you cannot judge if you have apnea or not by how you feel.

This is not at all the case or intent.

Janknitz wrote:If you're thinking of massage for relaxation, go for it. It feels great and it is very relaxing, and to a degree it will improve your peripheral circulation. It may help you sleep better and be more comfortable with your CPAP. That's all good.

My husband and I trade for a massage every month. We get deep tissue massages--the next day we feel like we've been roughed up by a mafia hit man, but the following day feels wonderful. I always sleep great on the night after a massage. If I could have a massage more often I would. It's heavenly!

This is. Thanks (to everyone here), I think I will try it at least once. What's the worst that can happen after all, and it might help.

Hello, l have been receiving Deep Tissue Massage prescribed by my Doctor After getting a major lower back pain due to muscle spasm. After awhile, l've noticed that l have been sleepnig better and my AHI went as low as 0.0 with a monthly average of 1.6. l am recovering quickly, sleeping better and back to the gym.
I belive massages are beneficial to me. Stefano, Montreal, Canada.