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denied treatments at health spa

juliekem

juliekem

Well-Known Member
Messages
85
Location
Nottingham, England
Type of diabetes
Other
Treatment type
Insulin
I recently went to a health spa and was shocked to be denied almost any treatment on offer sue to me having type 2 diabetes. I was banned from the sauna, from having a massage (all I was allowed was a "tickle" - no pressure at all) and the thalassotherapy pool let alone the wraps and rubs with essential oils. All of these treatments I have had before. They told me that "diabetics bruise easily." Well I DON'T bruise easily.Are they being super careful or is there really a risk?
 
l am fine and bruise no easier than have ever done nor skin cuts etc.
l hope you got a full refund also name and shame them
 
I don't think I would bruise in a sauna either. This sounds like one of those cases where the lay person "knows" all about diabetes. Probably frightened of being sued if you did sustain a bruise.

I agree with MID. If you don't make your displeasure known to them in some way you will stew on it for ages. Just a letter of complaint, perhaps, asking them to detail their policy on diabetes so that you can advise this forum in case we all want to go there.
 
I think you need to write a stern letter, also outlining what they ought to know about diabetes. Stupid people, it might help them stop doing it to someone else. How did you let them get away with it? I would have been livid.
 
The reason they gave was ridiculous but all therapists have insurance and there are contra-indications for various chronic conditions, including diabetes.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/knowing-when-not-to-massage.html

The relaxation that comes with massage can alter the absorption rate of insulin for Type1s. Some Type 2s have high blood pressure, neuropathy can mean that a deep massage can cause problems, circulation issues, the list is endless. The therapist would not have known if you had any complications, if you were on insulin. A sauna can make your blood sugars plummet.

Whoever you spoke to should have done a medical history before sanctioning any treatment and I was always taught that if anyone had a particular condition, as described in the article above, they could be massaged if they had a letter from their Dr. that agreed that they were suitable.

The way you describe your encounter leaves a lot to be desired but whoever you were talking to had grasped the basic message that diabetics were contra-indicated. It is a pity that when you booked the spa you were not asked about any medical conditions as this would have saved a lot of hassle.
 
Most saunas, spas, whirl pools etc that I've been to have signs saying do not use if heart trouble/diabetes etc. They are just following guidelines, not any individuals fault. It's liability insurance and fear of legal proceedings. I make a risk assessment on myself and just use them. Not saying it's the right thing to do but I've never had any issues.
 
Blimey that's another thing that we cant enjoy then. Bummer
 
Next time you go somewhere like that don't tell them your diabetic, I don't see why you need to tell them in the 1st place. I would have been crazy with rage being told I couldn't have any treatments. It's discrimination!!!
 
I only tell those I want to tell about my diabetes. I still enjoy a sauna etc and will continue to do so. That's my choice and I'm not saying it's the correct thing to do but hey ho !
 
I use my friends jacussi 3 times a week at 100degrees and bubbles at maximum. I detach from my pump for 1 hour.
Jacussi's no problem.
I used to have a sports therapist that absolutely pummelled me weekly with massages. The first couple of times to be honest my legs were bruised. He really did pummel. After that I went for over a year to him and no problems at all. He knew I was diabetic (couldnt not know with an insulin pump strapped to my arm!!) he did a full medical evaluation first. He did sports massages and physio for the Welsh rugby team and he was also nutrionally qualified too.
If somebody refuses to do a massage etc to me, its because they are too worried about their comptency levels.


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As we are all 'disabled' as defined under UK 'Disability Discrimination Act', you could have claimed you were being discriminated against. I wonder what they would have said to that:)
 
I think I must strike lucky, my Drs think it's ok for me to go for spa days- it's a case great if it makes you feel better & please can I come, the spas we go to "so far" haven't batted an eye lid about my type 1 even at Celtic Manor, but I must admit I usually do get a spike by bed time!
 
I love CelticManor. It is a stunning place. Driving on M4 back to Wales, its the signal to me that I'm in my 2nd homeland. Its a fantastic place, I so envy you going there...


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