Acupuncture with an ICD

I've had an ICD since 2008 and, thankfully it hasn't shocked me yet. On the advice of my cardiologist, I went back to gym (this was the location of my "cardiac event" which thanks to an AED and some great gym staff, I survived) Now I've got a shoulder injury which is driving me mad! I'm following an exercise program from my physiotherapist to fix it, but progress is slow. I would dearly like to try acupuncture, my electrophysiologist says "it would not be sensible", but I thought if the needles didn't go near the device and no electric currents were used, it may be OK. Any thoughts anyone?

4 Comments

Thanks Paula

by Rogeroz - 2010-10-20 11:10:29

Thanks Paula, I'm encouraged, my shoulder is particularly annoying today. The problem shoulder, by the way, is the right one, not the one that carries the ICD.

Me too

by Pookie - 2010-10-20 11:10:37

I've had accupuncture for a number of issues....I saw the TENS machine and wanted to try that, but that is a no no.

Like Paula mentioned....as long as they know about your device and don't use any electrical currents, you should be just fine.

take care
Pookie

No problem

by ElectricFrank - 2010-10-21 02:10:44

Funny, the EP has no problem sticking needles in us if he feels he wants to, but acupuncture. I think this one is more his bias than medical information.

Just be sure they don't use the electrical stim form of acupuncture.

An like I tell my friend who does it "go heavy on the accu and easy on the puncture" LOL

frank

More cheers for Acupuncture

by harley63 - 2010-10-21 08:10:27

I as well receive acupuncture without the electrial portion without problems. My pacer was placed in 2006 and I began acupuncture therapy 2009 for face, neck and arm pain on both sides. It is working for me and I will continue with it as needed.

Zoom...zoom..
Harley63

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

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The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.