Deep Tissue Massage: Benefits and Risks

Deep tissue massage is a vigorous style of massage. Here is what the research says about massage, including the downsides.

What the research says

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) summarizes the evidence on massage this way:

• Low back pain: "Several evaluations of massage for low-back pain have found only weak evidence that it may be helpful."
• Neck and shoulder pain: "Massage therapy may be helpful for neck or shoulder pain, but the benefits may only last for a short time."
• Headache: "Only a small number of studies of massage for headache have been completed, and their results are not consistent."

The NCCIH page doesn't single out deep tissue massage as more effective than other styles, and we didn't find a source that does. It was last updated in May 2019, so newer research may not be reflected.

Risks

NCCIH says "the risk of harmful effects from massage therapy appears to be low." It also says there have been rare reports of serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury or bone fracture, and that "some of the reported cases have involved vigorous types of massage, such as deep tissue massage." It singles out people who might be at increased risk of injury, such as elderly people.

Talk to your provider

NCCIH advises: "Don't use massage therapy to postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem." Tell your massage therapist about any injuries or health conditions before a session.

How we can help

Our massage page describes what we offer.

Next step

If you want to talk through whether massage fits your situation, book online or call 484.455.4664. Keep It Kinetic Chiropractic is at 3254 W Ridge Pike, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA 19464.