Risks of Misusing Massage Devices
One morning, a friend, Mr. Fang, entered the clinic supported by his wife. I approached to inquire about his condition. Mr. Fang pointed to his left leg, saying he was fine when going to bed last night, but this morning he couldn’t move it—couldn’t walk or lift it. Could it be a stroke? After examining him, I found no signs of cerebrovascular disease. I asked further about the cause. His wife explained that their son, noticing Mr. Fang’s frequent back and leg pain, bought him a massage chair, claiming it would help. Mr. Fang followed the instructions, lying on the chair and undergoing rolling, pressing, and vibration massage. He enjoyed it immensely. After 20 minutes, he wanted more—so he repeated the session. After lying down to sleep, he woke up unable to walk.
His wife’s words reminded me. I asked Mr. Fang to get an X-ray of the lumbar spine (anteroposterior and lateral views). After reviewing the images, I told him: “You suffer from lumbar spondylosis and lumbar disc herniation. Overuse of the massage chair, with prolonged sessions and strong stimulation, triggered acute inflammation locally, compressing the sciatic nerve. No wonder your leg is paralyzed.” He was warned not to use massage devices casually again.
Just after sending off Mr. Fang, another woman arrived. She reported that prolonged computer use caused neck stiffness and limited mobility. After repeatedly using a massage stick, her pain didn’t ease but worsened, with discomfort in neck and shoulders, and numbness in her right hand—she couldn’t even hold a bowl while eating. Examination revealed cervical facet joint subluxation. I explained: “The excessive force you applied with the massage stick caused muscle spasms in your neck and shoulders, leading to joint misalignment and compression of the brachial plexus, resulting in upper limb paralysis.”
Cases like these are common in my outpatient clinic. As a physician, I want to warn consumers: electronic massage devices sold in markets—including massage chairs, massage sticks, massage hammers, and rocking machines—are health aids, not tools for treating or preventing diseases. Do not believe advertising claims such as “suitable for all ages,” “cures hundreds of ailments,” “makes women more beautiful,” or “treats all complex conditions like intervertebral disc herniations.” Let’s clarify: scientific use of massage devices promotes local blood circulation, accelerates metabolism, helps relax tired bodies, and offers certain fitness benefits. However, we must recognize that electronic massage devices use high-frequency mechanical vibrations or rolling actions to stimulate the body. Therefore, proper usage requires attention to the following:
1. Choose devices according to individual needs. Electric massage devices, with higher vibration frequency and weaker intensity, are more suitable for health maintenance and older adults. Electromagnetic massage devices, with slower frequency and stronger intensity, are better suited for sports massage and younger adults.
2. Use gradually. Initial sessions should not exceed 10–15 minutes. If no discomfort occurs, gradually extend duration, but never exceed 30 minutes per session.
3. Avoid use if underweight. Thin individuals have less subcutaneous fat; direct massage on joints may stimulate bone membranes, causing injury or sterile inflammation.
4. Do not expect massage devices to cure illnesses. If a joint or tendon suffers trauma, inflammation, redness, swelling, heat, and pain, using a massage device may worsen inflammation, cause nerve root edema, and even trigger periostitis. Improper use in spinal conditions may lead to soft tissue inflammation or vertebral joint dislocation, complicating previously mild conditions. For upper arm pain caused by cervical joint subluxation or disc herniation, no matter how much you massage the neck and shoulders, it won’t relieve pain—it may even aggravate it. Avoid electronic massage devices for early fractures, joint dislocations, tumors, or blood disorders. Also refrain from use when fasting, overly full, drunk, or after intense exercise.