Finding a Masseuse for Back Massage with a Stoma

Any solutions for getting a massage on your back? I won't lie face down on a massage table because of the pressure on my stoma. Can't find a masseuse who will work with me on my back!

Hmm, any massage therapist should acknowledge each client's situation and tailor the massage accordingly. Some people can't lie too far back in the dental chair, and the dentist will keep the back of the chair elevated. And isn't there a point in the massage where they ask you to flip from your front to your back anyway? It's worth mentioning to them, to just ask for it all to be on your back, even if it's a shorter massage. I'm curious to know if you make any progress. Please let us know!

I go to the chiro monthly, laying on my stomach with no issues. It's just a matter of timing.

Me too. The last massage I had, I began on my front. After about fifteen minutes, I said, "I'm not comfortable on my front anymore. Can I turn over?" He told me to flip over, no questions asked. I just had a weird omen that time; usually, I'm fine on my front as long as my stoma is quiet.

A good chiro will suggest alternatives.

Standing. Sitting. Back only.

If you brought a cushion or inflatable donut (the type you sit on) or use a pillow to support your area, I see no reason front or back massages can't work.

The chiro should know. If not, educate him if you like him.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I've seen chairs that you could sit on. Let me see if I can find a photo from the stock form or something. Maybe you could find something like that or finagle something so that you have it when you get a massage.
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I do chair massage all the time. Malls around here have them, actually easier to schedule, and have done many massages just laying on my back, just need the right masseuse I guess. Thanks for the reminder. I sure could use a nice massage after the holidays.

I'm out.

Hi, as I qualified masseuse myself, my best advice to you would be to change your practitioner rather than your position. The aim of therapy is relaxation, and this can only be found in comfort, etc. Try a few therapists till you find a connection, therefore maximizing your experience. Good luck x x

I use the U-shaped neck pillow to place under me to keep pressure off the stoma. Works perfectly with no issues.

I've changed practitioners many times since the masseuse who would work on my back while I lay on my back broke her arm and retired. No one here is trained to do this. They want me to lay on my side, which does not work for "deep" back work. I'm trying someone new next week.

Okay. Thanks; I'll try a pillow. Good suggestion.

Thank you for this suggestion.

Found a great solution. Found out there is a foam support that therapists have for pregnant women. It has a bowl cut out that allows for a pregnant belly and it fits my pouch area perfectly. Now I can have a massage lying on my front using the support. This really is the answer to the problem and I assume the curved pillow would work as well. Hope your therapist has this support.

Even before my ostomy, I disliked lying on my stomach, so I always got a side-lying massage. They do one side and then you flip to the other side.