What can go wrong during a massage?

Author: Pierre Kovacek  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 2025

Disc herniation, soft tissue trauma, neurologic compromise, spinal cord injury, dissection of the vertebral arteries, and others were the main complications of massage. Spinal manipulation in massage has repeatedly been associated with serious AEs especially. Clearly, massage therapies are not totally devoid of risks.

Can a massage be done wrong?

Massage therapy is quite safe, but nothing's perfect. Strong, deep tissue massage causes the most trouble, of course. It may aggravate problems, instead of helping. Some chronic pain patients may be disastrously traumatized by intense massage (what I call a “sensory injury”).

What are red flags in massage therapy?

  • 1. Excessive Pain: While some discomfort can be normal, especially in deep tissue massages, excessive pain is a red flag.
  • 2. Bruising: Minor bruising can occur, but significant or frequent bruising indicates that the therapist is using too much pressure or improper techniques.
  • 3. Nerve Pain:

What is the most common injury in massage therapists?

“Shoulder strain of the deltoid and rotator cuff group muscles is extremely common in massage therapists,” explains Muscolino.

What is not okay during a massage?

  • 1. Eating a heavy meal before the massage
  • 2. Drinking alcohol or caffeine before the massage
  • 3. Being dehydrated
  • 4. Wearing jewelry or other accessories that could interfere with the massage
  • 5. Not communicating with your massage therapist about any injuries or areas of sensitivity Upvote Profile photo for Ssaamir

Why do I get sore after a massage?

What body parts should not be massaged?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.

What are off limits during a massage?

Professional boundaries in massage therapy are crucial for creating a respectful environment. Any form of non-consensual physical contact is strictly prohibited, including sexual advances or inappropriate touching.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.

What is the most common massage stroke?

The 5 Basic Massage Techniques
  • Effleurage is the most-commonly used massage technique. ...
  • Petrissage refers to the kneading, rolling, and wringing of the tissues. ...
  • Tapotement involves the massage therapist gently and rhythmically tapping on the body using their fists, side of their hands or cupped hands.

What are 3 instances when massage is not recommended?

Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.

How do you know if a massage place is shady?

Here are some of the signs of human trafficking in massage parlors:
  1. Any sexual or erotic services are provided, or they advertise on illicit websites.
  2. The providers are wearing very little clothing.
  3. They refuse to service females.
  4. You have to buzz in to get into the business.

What are yellow flags in massage?

Yellow Flags: The Psychological Side of Pain

They don't point to a serious physical problem but indicate that psychological and social factors might be making pain worse or prolonging recovery. Basically, they highlight the risk of someone developing chronic pain or disability.

Can a masseuse tell if you're stressed?

You Are Super Stressed

When the massage begins all the signs are there. Our poor muscles become taut and tense during stressful times, especially so in the shoulders, nec,k and head. Constant muscle tension causes aches and pains too so there are usually some tender areas as well.

What is not normal during massage?

Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate.

Keep it professional. If you feel like you are getting excited think about something that will take that feeling away. If this is happening and you are not aware, the therapist may stop the massage and walk away for few minutes to give you a chance to calm down.

Why do I feel unwell after a massage?

After a massage, lactic acid and metabolic waste products can be released into the bloodstream, causing flu-like symptoms and fatigue.

Why is my pee dark after a massage?

Your urine may become darker and smelly due to the stimulation of the kidneys. Your urination frequency may also increase throughout the day because your body is ridding itself of all the excess toxins. Lastly, you may feel sore and fatigued following your session.

What is the most pleasurable type of massage?

The Most Relaxing Types of Massages
  • Swedish Massage. The most common type of massage therapy, Swedish massage will help to relax you with a combination of specific movements including: ...
  • Hot Stone Massage. Another very relaxing type of massage is the hot stone massage. ...
  • Chair Massage. ...
  • Aromatherapy Massage.

Can you have a stroke after a massage?

Per the Institute for Integrative Healthcare, massage professionals should make their client aware of any possible consequences of a massage. Minor soreness and bruising may be expected, but some neck massages can actually lead to “stroke, paralysis, or death.”

When shouldn t you massage?

The skin rashes that are contagious or sensitive should not be massaged. A sunburn is also contraindicated for massage therapy, and the sunburn should be healed first. If you have uncontrolled inflammation you may not want to get a massage.

Where should a massage therapist not touch?

Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.

Can you have a bad reaction to massage?

One of the most common side effects of massage therapy is muscle soreness. This occurs because massage techniques involve manipulating the muscles, which can cause temporary microtrauma to muscle fibres, similar to the effects of a workout.

What areas should you not massage?

The types of structures that are vulnerable in an area of caution may include arteries, veins, nerves, bursae, lymph nodes or vessels, or small and fragile bones. Examples of areas of caution for massage include the popliteal space behind the knee, the anterior cervical region, and the axillary region.

Do massage therapists massage groin?

No worries, your therapist can easily work over the sheet to get to these pesky problem areas. Groin & pelvic pain can stick around for quite some time, so I would always suggest at least three or more sessions of massage to make a difference.

Can you have a trauma release during a massage?

Emotional Intensity Trauma massage therapy can sometimes be emotionally intense. The release of stored trauma can bring up strong emotions, which may be overwhelming for some individuals. Not a Standalone Treatment While beneficial, trauma massage therapy should not replace traditional treatments like psychotherapy.

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