Massage Is Not More Effective When It Hurts
Scene 1: Ms. Wang suffers cervical misalignment
Ms. Wang, living in Yangpu District, Shanghai, felt neck stiffness and pain a few days ago. She visited a massage parlor. Initially comfortable, the masseur gradually increased pressure, causing her intense pain. The masseur insisted, “The more painful, the better—the pain means the acupoint is open.”
Half-believing, Ms. Wang returned home, only to find her entire back neck swollen, red, and hot, making turning her head nearly impossible. Sleep became unbearable—she could only lie face-down. The next day, hospital diagnosis revealed “cervical misalignment.”
Scene 2: Mr. Zhao develops large bruises
Mr. Zhao, 43, from Baoshan District, Shanghai, was diagnosed with uterine fibroids last year. After surgery in June, he suffered recurrent infections and uncontrollable vaginal bleeding. Despite multiple hospitalizations, he still experienced persistent body pain.
Thinking it was nerve pain or rheumatism, he sought massage at a hair salon. Every few minutes, he endured burning sensations, and his body felt shattered. Though pain eased temporarily, widespread bruising appeared, followed by high fever and life-threatening complications.
His family rushed him to hospital. Detailed tests revealed severely deficient clotting and coagulation factors in his blood. Massage not only failed to help but triggered severe internal bleeding.
Scene 3: Mr. Chen develops shoulder lump
Mr. Chen, from Hongkou District, Shanghai, woke up with a stiff neck after sleeping poorly. A friend recommended a large-scale beauty and wellness center offering “massage” to relieve muscle tension and ease symptoms.
After paying 40 yuan for a one-hour session, he found his neck more painful than before, and his previously healthy shoulder began aching. The masseuse reassured him, “Don’t worry—sleep well, and it’ll improve.” But upon waking the next day, he discovered his entire right shoulder was numb and painful, unable to move his head or neck, even struggling to comb his hair.
Shocked, he rushed to the hospital. Doctors explained that the unprofessional “pressure” had worsened his condition, causing soft tissue damage to the trapezius muscle. His right shoulder swelled significantly, requiring prompt, proper massage therapy.
Expert Commentary: Massage Is Not More Effective When It Hurts
Normal therapeutic massage produces mild soreness. If it causes sharp pain or unbearable discomfort, even screaming, it’s abnormal—likely indicating soft tissue bruising or subcutaneous bleeding. Symptoms may not appear immediately but emerge the next day.
Unprofessional massage can have severe consequences, especially so-called “relaxation” massage. In licensed medical institutions, massage falls under the category of traditional Chinese medicine treatment. Patients with musculoskeletal issues must first undergo medical diagnosis and X-ray confirmation before massage therapy. Qualified doctors never massage without precise diagnosis.