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Massage therapy is generally considered safe and offers both physical and psychological benefits. However, there is growing evidence that vigorous massages, particularly deep tissue massages, can lead to muscle damage and nerve damage. This damage is usually minor, presenting as mild soreness or tightness, similar to what one might experience after exercising. However, in rare cases, deep tissue massages have been associated with more severe injuries, such as spinal accessory nerve injury and rhabdomyolysis, a condition where the kidneys are poisoned by myoglobin from muscle crush injuries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle soreness | Very common |
| Muscle tightness | Common |
| Muscle damage | Rare but possible |
| Muscle strain | Rare but possible |
| Muscle crush injuries | Rare but possible |
| Nerve damage | Rare but possible |
| Spinal injuries | Rare but possible |
| Stroke | Rare but possible |
| Pulmonary embolism | Rare but possible |
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What You'll Learn
Deep tissue massages can cause muscle damage
Massage therapy is generally considered safe. However, deep tissue massages, which involve applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of muscles and connective tissues, can sometimes cause muscle damage.
Deep tissue massages can lead to a minor form of crush injury called rhabdomyolysis ("rhabdo"), which is caused by excessive pressure during the massage. This results in the poisoning of the kidneys by myoglobin from muscle crush injuries. While rhabdo is typically mild in cases of massage, it can be dangerous for more vulnerable patients. Additionally, deep tissue massages can cause enthesophytes, which are bone spurs under tendons. These bone spurs can cause significant discomfort, even though they may not show up on X-rays.
Deep tissue massages can also cause nerve damage, especially when applied too vigorously or by untrained massage therapists. This can lead to rare but serious side effects such as spinal cord injury, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.
It is important to note that the benefits of deep tissue massages often outweigh the risks. They can be effective in treating musculoskeletal issues, breaking up scar tissue, reducing tension and inflammation, and promoting faster healing through increased blood flow. However, individuals should be cautious and aware of the potential for muscle damage when undergoing deep tissue massages.
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Vigorous massages can lead to crush injuries
Massage therapy is generally considered safe and offers many physical and psychological benefits. However, there is growing evidence that vigorous massages can lead to muscle damage through crush injuries, a condition known as rhabdomyolysis ("rhabdo").
Rhabdomyolysis is caused by excessive pressure during a massage, which can lead to the liberation of proteins from injured muscles. This results in a "'muscle crush' injury", causing mild to dangerous levels of poisoning by these proteins. While usually mild, rhabdomyolysis can be severe in some vulnerable patients. For example, a 2020 case study reported a young Chinese woman with anemia experiencing thigh pain and "tea-colored urine" after receiving a percussion massage with a massage gun. Her creatine kinase level, an indicator of muscle damage, was extremely high.
Deep tissue massages, which involve intense pressure to relieve muscle pain and stiffness, are more likely to cause rhabdomyolysis. The excessive pressure can break apart spasms or micro-scars in the muscle fibers, leading to soreness and inflammation. Additionally, dehydration can contribute to post-massage soreness. While soreness is common after a massage, especially deep tissue massages, it usually lasts only a few hours to about a day and a half.
To prevent and alleviate soreness, proper hydration, gentle stretching, heat therapy, and rest are recommended. Applying ice packs or taking an ice bath can also help reduce inflammation and boost blood flow. It is important to listen to your body and adjust the type of massage and pressure applied accordingly. If you have a low pain threshold or are sensitive to pressure, opting for a gentler massage, such as Swedish massage, may be preferable.
While rare, nerve damage can also occur from deep tissue massages, affecting nerves such as the radial nerve, spinal accessory nerve, and posterior interosseous nerve. This damage is typically minor, but in some cases, it can lead to serious side effects, including spinal cord injury and stroke. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of any discomfort during a massage and communicate it to your therapist.
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Massage therapy can cause nerve damage
Massage therapy is generally considered safe and beneficial for muscle pain and stiffness. However, in rare cases, it can cause nerve damage, especially when deep pressure or friction is applied during deep tissue massages.
Deep tissue massages involve applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of muscles and connective tissues. While this type of massage can be effective in breaking up scar tissue and reducing tension, it can also put patients at risk of nerve injuries if not performed properly.
There have been several case reports of nerve damage associated with massage therapy. These include injuries to the radial nerve, spinal accessory nerve, and posterior interosseous nerve. One such case reported in the Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation involved a patient who developed spinal accessory neuropathy after receiving a deep tissue massage, resulting in a droopy shoulder due to trapezius muscle weakness.
The risk of nerve damage during massage therapy is relatively low, but it is essential to be aware of this potential complication. Patients should always inform their therapist if they experience any discomfort or pain during the massage. Additionally, it is crucial to seek out trained and professional massage therapists to minimize the risk of nerve injuries.
Furthermore, patients should be cautious of the after-effects of a massage. While soreness and tightness after a massage are common and usually subside within a day or two, prolonged pain lasting more than a week may indicate an underlying issue and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
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Post-massage soreness is common
Post-massage soreness is indeed a common phenomenon. Massage therapy is generally safe, but it can sometimes cause mild to moderate soreness in the muscles. This soreness is often compared to the feeling of soreness after a workout. Just as a workout can stimulate muscles that haven't been targeted in a while, a massage can also target areas of the body that are holding tension, leading to soreness.
Deep tissue massages, in particular, are more likely to cause post-massage soreness due to the intense pressure and deep strokes applied to target the inner layers of muscles and connective tissues. This type of massage can break apart spasms or micro-scars in the muscle fibers, leading to inflammation and soreness. The soreness experienced after a deep tissue massage is often referred to as "post-massage soreness and malaise" (PMSM).
While PMSM is typically mild and considered a normal part of the healing process, it is important to note that excessive pressure during a massage can potentially lead to a more serious condition called rhabdomyolysis ("rhabdo"). Rhabdomyolysis is a muscle crush injury caused by the liberation of proteins from injured muscles. This can result in a toxic situation where the kidneys are poisoned by myoglobin from the damaged muscles. While true rhabdomyolysis is rare, milder forms of this condition may be more common after intense massages.
To relieve post-massage soreness, it is recommended to stay properly hydrated, perform gentle stretching exercises, apply heat or ice therapy, and get adequate rest to aid in muscle recovery.
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Muscle soreness can be relieved with ice packs
Massage therapy is generally considered safe, but it can sometimes cause muscle soreness, especially if it involves strong pressure or deep tissue massage. This soreness is often dismissed as a "healing crisis" or a result of "detoxification," but it is more likely due to mild muscle crush injuries.
If you experience muscle soreness after a massage, you can use ice packs to relieve the pain and reduce swelling and inflammation. Ice therapy is particularly effective within the first 24 to 48 hours of new muscle aches, sprains, or strains. Apply ice packs for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day, to the painful areas. You can also take an ice bath to boost blood flow and reduce inflammation.
It is important to note that ice should not be applied directly to the skin. Instead, wrap the ice or ice pack in a damp towel or cloth before placing it on the affected area. Additionally, be cautious when applying ice to sensitive areas or areas with decreased sensation due to conditions such as neuropathy.
While ice therapy is effective for new injuries or muscle aches, heat therapy may be more beneficial for lingering issues or chronic conditions. Applying heat increases blood flow, which helps relax tight muscles and soothe aches.
To prevent muscle soreness after a massage, you can opt for a gentler massage technique, such as Swedish massage, or communicate with your therapist about using lighter pressure or avoiding certain areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Massage therapy is generally considered safe, but there are rare cases where it has caused muscle damage. Deep tissue massages, in particular, carry a risk of causing a minor form of crush injury, resulting in rhabdomyolysis (muscle poisoning).
Rhabdomyolysis (or "rhabdo") is a condition where the kidneys are poisoned by myoglobin from muscle crush injuries. Symptoms include soreness, malaise, and in some cases, tea-colored urine.
Deep tissue massages are more likely to cause muscle damage due to the intense pressure and friction applied to specific muscle groups. Swedish massages, on the other hand, are gentler and better suited for those with a low pain threshold.
Muscle soreness after a massage is normal and usually lasts a few hours to about a day. To relieve soreness, you can try proper hydration, gentle stretching, heat therapy, and rest. Applying ice packs or taking an ice bath can also help reduce inflammation and boost blood flow.
If you experience severe or persistent pain after a massage, see your doctor as it could be due to an underlying condition or untreated injury. It is important to rule out any possible pathologies.
