Random Massage Easily Leads to Disability
The practice of massage has become a common health-preserving method today, with spas, clubs, and beauty salons everywhere displaying signs for "health massage." As a result, massage establishments have sprung up all over the streets and alleys. However, many experts are deeply concerned: while massage itself is an effective traditional therapy, the health risks caused by unprofessional massage must not be underestimated.
Mr. Ye recently felt neck pain and went to a massage parlor, where a young woman pressed and rubbed his neck randomly. The next day, he felt even worse. He had to go to a regular hospital's orthopedic department for examination, which confirmed a diagnosis of cervical disc herniation with spinal cord injury, requiring hospitalization.
Mr. He recently sprained his left ankle and specifically went to a foot spa for manual massage. However, his symptoms worsened instead, with his entire left foot becoming bruised and swollen, making walking nearly impossible. He eventually had to seek medical treatment at a hospital.
According to Director Cai Zhenji of the Orthopedics Department at Guangzhou Youhao Hospital, the above cases are examples of injuries caused by improper massage. Mr. He originally only had degenerative changes in the cervical discs, but rough massage led to disc herniation, compressing the spinal nerves and causing early paralysis symptoms. Mr. Ye suffered from a foot sprain, and massage should not be performed within 24 hours after such injury; otherwise, it would worsen the damage.
Why do incidents of massage-related injuries and disabilities keep occurring? According to Director Cai Zhenji, professionally speaking, massage is divided into two types: medical massage provided by hospitals and wellness massage offered by various massage parlors and beauty salons. A qualified wellness masseur must possess basic knowledge in Western anatomy, traditional Chinese medicine fundamentals, meridian systems, and professional massage skills, as well as expertise in rehabilitation massage for conditions like lumbar strain and periarthritis, and must pass strict examinations before obtaining certification to work. In reality, however, many wellness massage practitioners operate without proper credentials.
Director Cai warns that to obtain high-quality wellness massage therapy, one must proceed with caution. First, consider whether massage is suitable. If you feel unwell or experience soreness, swelling, or pain in any area, consult a doctor first to rule out conditions unsuitable for massage before proceeding. Never blindly accept massage without careful consideration.