 Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch, CA When people have tight muscles, back pain, neck pain, or chronic muscle tension, they often assume that a stronger massage must produce a better result. But more pressure does not necessarily mean better care. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we believe treatment should work with the body rather than overwhelm irritated or injured tissues. For some people—especially those already experiencing pain, inflammation, or sensitivity—a gentler approach such as Swedish massage may be more appropriate. What Does the Research Say About Deep Tissue Massage? Deep tissue massage uses slower, stronger pressure to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Many people tolerate it well, and there is not enough conclusive research to say that deep tissue massage is generally harmful. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, serious complications from massage appear to be rare, although adverse events have been reported with vigorous forms of massage, including deep tissue massage. Research examining the safety of massage therapy has also documented adverse events, but the available research is limited and does not mean that everyone receiving deep tissue massage is at risk. However, research is only one part of why we decided to write this article. Our clinical experience is another. What We Have Seen in 25 Years of Practice Over my 25 years in chiropractic practice, I have seen my share of patients who came into our office specifically because they felt they had been hurt during or after a deep tissue massage. These were not simply people reporting normal temporary soreness after massage. We have had patients tell us that they were doing reasonably well before the massage, experienced significant pain during or afterward, and then came to our office asking whether we could help because their symptoms had persisted or worsened. We cannot say that these experiences prove that deep tissue massage is harmful in general. They are clinical observations, not controlled scientific research. But we have encountered this situation enough times over the years that we believe it deserves discussion. That is one of the main reasons I am writing this article. The scientific research may not yet be conclusive, but after more than two decades of seeing patients, I believe people should understand that more pressure is not always better pressure. Why We Often Prefer a Gentler Approach Swedish massage generally uses smoother, lighter-to-moderate pressure designed to relax muscles and reduce tension without unnecessarily aggressive force. Scientific evidence does not establish that Swedish massage is superior to every other massage technique. The current research on massage therapy suggests massage may provide short-term benefits for certain types of back, neck, and shoulder pain, but results vary. For us, the important question is: What amount of pressure is appropriate for this particular patient? A massage does not have to hurt to be therapeutic. Massage May Relax the Muscle—but Why Is It Tight?A tight or painful muscle may sometimes be associated with:
 At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we look beyond the painful area and evaluate how the muscles, joints, posture, and movement patterns are working together. You can learn more about how we approach chiropractic care.
Gentle Does Not Mean Ineffective There is a common misconception that treatment has to hurt in order to work. We disagree. Effective care should be specific, controlled, and appropriate for the individual. Sometimes deeper pressure may be useful. Other times, gentle massage, stretching, mobilization, or another approach may be more appropriate. Patients can also explore our exercises and stretches for ways to support flexibility and healthy movement. The Bottom Line Deep tissue massage is not automatically harmful, and Swedish massage is not automatically right for everyone. The research regarding injuries from deep tissue massage is limited, and we do not want to make a conclusion that science has not established. At the same time, 25 years of clinical experience has taught me not to ignore what patients repeatedly report. We have seen enough patients come to our office with new or aggravated pain following deep tissue massage that we believe people should be aware of the possibility. If a massage causes significant pain, bruising, swelling, or symptoms that continue afterward, do not assume that pain simply means the treatment is working. More pressure does not necessarily mean better results. Looking for Gentle Chiropractic Care in Porter Ranch?If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, muscle tightness, or pain following a massage or other injury, Soft Touch Chiropractic can evaluate the mechanical factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Our focus is on gentle, individualized chiropractic care based on what your body needs—not how much force you can tolerate. Call 818-831-0100 to schedule an appointment, or contact Soft Touch Chiropractic to learn more. Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch, California
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
