There is a common preconceived notion that a massage is a very safe type of therapy. Although it is very beneficial, sometimes a massage can have some underlying side effects however mild or minor they may be. Research clearly shows that individuals tend to report some pain and discomfort a day or even weeks after a massage is conducted. The statistics reveal that around ten out of a hundred patients call back complaining about pain immediately after the massage. Many reasons could cause pain after a massage, and this is what this article explains.

Pain from Sensory Injuries Due to Intense and Aggressive Massages

Intense massages heighten and elevate pain sensitivity. This reduces high pain tolerance and the pain and consequent damage caused could even be long term. Sensory injuries are very common since most therapists have a huge misconception that the more intense the massage is, the better the results will be. This is because therapists believe that the most chronic pains can only be best remedied and relieved by intense therapy. Unfortunately, this only results to pain after a massage as most patients have very minute pain tolerance and their therapists are alien to this fact.

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis entails muscle crush injury after a massage due to the proteins emanating from an injured muscle. The muscle pain becomes severe and is accompanied by muscle stiffness and swelling, leading into this serious condition. Most therapists dismiss the condition, as just a sensory experience after an aggressive massage session. However, it could seriously aggravate from mild to serious hence, this presumption should be set aside.

Migraines and Headaches

Headaches and migraines are common amongst patients who undergo massage treatment. They could spawn from a very harmless or innocuous head or neck massage. The pain could be so acute hence, it is very important to ensure that the problem is checked to ensure that the pain subsides as fast as possible.

Interactions with Inherent Conditions

A massage results to a severe reaction due to some other inherent conditions and vulnerabilities in the patient. These could include some other unidentified muscle ailments and issues that might emanate from medication that the patient is taking. This could culminate into swelling probably in some areas such as the arms and the neck, causing unbearable pain if left unchecked.

Strenuous Stretching Exercises

Stretching is very common in massages and while it may be a norm and one that is perceived as being relatively safe, sometimes therapists overindulge and ask their patients to strain too much by going the extra mile while stretching. This definitely culminates into some serious pain for the patients.

Lesions and Bruises

These include pain from nerve lesions and bruises. Any undetected and existing chronic pains could also be aggravated by a massage. Drained wallets and too much stress on the nervous system could also cause a lot of pain if you do not seek immediate care.

Spinal Issues

Spinal issues could stem from the feebleness and frailty that lies in the spine. A massage could therefore result to spinal cord injury due to the frailness and vulnerability of the upper cervical spine. This will definitely cause pain after the massage.

Nerve Injuries

The nerves are not as vulnerable per se since they can be very tolerant to severe pressure and stress. However, if the masseuse pushes wrongly, he/she could injure a nerve resulting to a lot of acute pain and discomfort for days and even weeks immediately after a massage.

Fractures

Fractures may be rare, but they tend to happen in some patients. An example is the fracture of an otherwise weak and frail femur. This may result into some very severe pain after a massage.

From the information in this article, a massage could definitely cause a lot of pain if you happen to experience sensory injuries, fractures, nerve injuries, and other conditions. It is therefore very important to ensure that your therapist does not make you go through the side effects of massage, as they do happen. One thing to note, however, is that pain does not necessarily mean a massage therapy was ineffective. Nevertheless, it is still vital to ensure that you report such an occasion. Also, talk to your therapist about unusual exertions to ensure that it is treated appropriately and that it does not escalate into some huge issue. Another way to avoid all these issues is to ensure you are working with a certified massage therapist. These experts are trained and will barely cause any pain on you.