Massage could put you at risk for nerve injury

Massage is commonly regarded as a therapy associated with relieving muscle tension and pain.

For some people, a routine massage may actually be the cause of considerable discomfort and physical disability.

In a recent case report, a healthy 38-year-old woman received a massage. During the massage she experienced left shoulder pain. Following the massage, her pain persisted, causing difficulty in lifting her arm. Medical examination revealed upper scapular winging and weakness of left shoulder shrug and arm lifting. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed swelling in the left upper back. Spinal accessory nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography performed three weeks after onset also showed abnormal findings in the left upper back area. The patient underwent physical therapy and gradually improved over 6 weeks. However, 2 years after onset the patient still experiences persistent mild left shoulder pain and weakness.

According to the team of researchers at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, this case demonstrates the clinical and electrodiagnostic findings of a local compression nerve injury in the shoulder area caused by massage. Health care professionals and consumers should be aware of this potential complication. Dr. Mark Ross, senior author of the report states, “Individuals should tell their massage therapists if they experience pain or discomfort during their massage. Though nerve injury is not a common complication of massage, consumers and therapists should be aware of this risk. To reduce the risk of nerve injury, massage therapists should avoid applying excessive focal pressure to the neck and shoulder area.” Dr. Sara Schrader, co-author of the report states, “Individuals experiencing pain or shoulder weakness after a massage may benefit from a visit to the doctor to find out if nerve damage is the cause of their symptoms. Their doctor can determine if electrodiagnostic testing is necessary and what would be the most appropriate treatment for the individual.”

The complete findings and results of this study are being presented at the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) 54th Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, October 14-17, 2007. The AANEM is the largest organization worldwide, with over 5000 members dedicated to advancing neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and electrodiagnostic medicine.