Massage has many benefits. Studies show a good massage can help stress, migraines, lymphedema, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson's disease, infertility and numerous other diseases and ailments. However, it can sometimes do more harm than good. A bad massage can injure nerves and cause muscle spasms and inflammation. According to Sports and Orthopedic Rehab Specialist Dr. Robert Gotlin, from Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, the first line of treatment is rest. If that doesn't work, patients are given muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medications or painkillers.
Experts say sometimes the muscle is in such spasm and so tight, the only way to make that muscle spasm go away is an injection of cortisone or novocaine. In some cases, physical therapy is necessary. Gotlin said between 15 percent and 20 percent of all patients who seek a massage end up having to get corrective treatment afterward. Most people, he said, have inherent spine, bone or nerve problems and seek massages thinking the muscles are the problem.
"It's really the bone or the nerve that's underlying that problem that's really causing the pain," Gotlin said.
This means massages could make the condition worse.
Gotlin said thin people should steer clear of deep massages. Deep, high-pressure massages, such as Swedish massage and shiatsu, are terrific for breaking up tight muscles but can damage muscles in thin people. A nerve, muscle or bone right by the spinal column could be injured. A person who has weak muscles or can't move their arms, back or legs should also avoid massages.
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Massage therapy
Sometimes massages can do more harm than good.
 
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If you have nighttime aches or pain, mainly noted in the evening, it could be bone injury, arthritis or a deeper problem. For those people, Gotlin suggests first seeking medical attention. Areas of the body where there are fractures or weakened bones from osteoporosis or cancer should not be massaged.
People who should be extra cautious about massages include:
 | | Individuals who have open or healing skin wounds, skin infections, recent surgery or blood clots. |
| | Individuals with bleeding disorders or low platelet counts, or those taking blood-thinning medications. |
| | Pregnant women, particularly if the abdominal area is involved. |
| | Those with pain between the upper borders of the shoulder blades (this is likely usually from a pinched nerve in the neck). |
Gotlin recommends you try a professional from the American Massage Therapy Association for the best chance at a safe massage. Therapists in this group have gone through 500 hours of training and know the basics of body anatomy and physiology. Experts also say make sure you select the massage technique that suits you best.
If you still want to help a loved one at home, stretching is best. For example, during a basic neck stretch, gently hold the person's head in your hands. Have them turn their head to one side. Instruct them to use their neck to push their head against your hand while you gently push the opposite way. Hold for about five seconds and let the person relax. Repeat the stretch a few times on both the right and left sides. You can do the same stretch with the arms and legs.
If you attempt massage, Gotlin cautions not to go too deep and use gentle stroking like the spindle technique coupled with deep breathing. While the person breathes in and out slowly and deeply, gently massage the area with the thumbs in a circular motion.
