Warning: Improper Massage May Cause Disability
Massage has become a common health practice today. Bathhouses, clubs, and beauty salons everywhere display signs promoting “health massage.” Experts express concern: while massage is an effective traditional therapy, improper practices pose serious health risks.
Mr. Ye from Shatai Road recently felt neck pain and visited a massage parlor. A young woman pressed and rubbed his neck haphazardly. The next day, he felt worse. He had to visit a hospital’s orthopedic department. Diagnosis revealed cervical disc herniation with spinal cord injury, requiring hospitalization.
Mr. He recently sprained his left ankle and went to a foot spa for manual therapy. Instead, his condition worsened—his entire left foot became bruised and swollen, making walking impossible. He eventually sought medical help.
According to Dr. Cai Zhenji, head of orthopedics at Guangzhou Youhao Hospital, these are two examples of injuries caused by improper massage. Mr. He originally had degenerative cervical disc disease, but rough massage triggered disc herniation, compressing spinal nerves and causing early paralysis symptoms. Mr. Ye suffered a foot sprain; massage is contraindicated within 24 hours of such injury, as it worsens tissue damage.
Why do massage-related injuries and disabilities occur frequently? Dr. Cai explains that professionally, massage falls into two categories: medical massage (provided by hospitals) and wellness massage (offered by spas and beauty salons). A qualified wellness masseur must possess basic knowledge in Western anatomy, TCM fundamentals, meridian systems, and professional massage skills, plus training in rehabilitation for conditions like lumbar strain and shoulder periarthritis. Only after rigorous certification can they work legally—yet many practitioners operate without credentials.
Dr. Cai warns: To receive quality wellness massage, proceed with caution. First, assess whether massage is suitable. If you feel unwell or have localized pain or swelling, consult a doctor first to rule out conditions unsuitable for massage before proceeding. Never accept massage indiscriminately.