Does More Pain Mean Better Results in Massage?
Scene One: Ms. Wang experiences cervical misalignment. Ms. Wang, residing in Yangpu District, Shanghai, recently felt neck soreness and pain. She went to a massage parlor. Initially, she felt comfortable, but as the masseur increased pressure, she cried out in pain. The masseur insisted: "The more painful it feels, the better—it means the acupoints are open."
Half-believing, Ms. Wang returned home only to find her entire back neck swollen, red, hot, and extremely difficult to turn. Sleeping became unbearable—she could only lie face down. The next day, hospital diagnosis revealed "cervical misalignment."
Scene Two: Mr. Zhao develops large bruises. Mr. Zhao, aged 43, lives in Baoshan District, Shanghai. Last year he was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. After surgery in June, recurrent infections occurred, causing uncontrollable vaginal bleeding. Despite multiple hospitalizations, his condition improved slightly but left him with persistent whole-body pain.
Mr. Zhao assumed this was minor nerve or rheumatic pain and visited a hair salon for massage. Every few minutes, he experienced intense burning sensations, feeling as if his body were falling apart. Although pain temporarily eased, extensive bruising appeared, followed by high fever and life-threatening conditions.
Family rushed him to hospital. Detailed examination revealed severe deficiency in blood clotting factors. Instead of curing his illness, massage triggered serious internal bleeding.
Scene Three: Mr. Chen develops shoulder lump. Mr. Chen, from Hongkou District, Shanghai, recently woke up with a stiff neck. A friend recommended a large beauty and wellness center offering "massage" as a signature service to relieve muscle tension and ease symptoms.
After spending 40 yuan and receiving one hour of massage, Mr. Chen found his neck more painful than before, and his previously healthy shoulder began hurting subtly. The masseuse reassured him: "Don’t worry, rest well overnight and you’ll feel better." But upon waking the next day, he discovered his entire right shoulder was numb and painful, unable to move his head or neck up and down, even struggling to comb his hair.
Alarmed, he rushed to hospital. Doctors explained that the improper "finger pressure" had worsened his condition instead of helping, resulting in soft tissue injury of the trapezius muscle on the neck and shoulder. His right shoulder swelled significantly, requiring immediate proper tuina treatment.
Expert Commentary: Massage Is Not More Effective When It Hurts
Normal therapeutic massage should produce mild soreness or fullness. If it causes sharp pain or unbearable discomfort leading to screaming, this is abnormal and likely indicates soft tissue bruising or subcutaneous bleeding. Symptoms may not appear immediately but manifest the next day.
Unqualified massage can have serious consequences, especially so-called "relaxation massage." In licensed medical institutions approved by health authorities, massage falls under Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) department treatments. Patients with musculoskeletal issues must first undergo physician diagnosis and X-ray confirmation of affected areas before any massage therapy. Qualified physicians will never blindly massage without accurate diagnosis.