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January 15, 2026 | 2:10pm
MANILA, Philippines — The luxury and comfort of a therapeutic massage, whether it be in the comfort of your own home or in the soothing ambiance of a spa, is quite enticing. It relaxes the body and de-stresses the mind after a week of intense, pressure-filled work in the office.
A therapeutic massage is calming. It relaxes the muscles, stimulates the lymphatic system (which keeps the body’s fluid level in check and protects against infection), and improves circulation and skin tone, among other health benefits. A massage has the power to help make you feel better in minutes.
Watch out, though, because it is also true that a seemingly harmless therapeutic massage, when done wrong, might do more harm than good to the body.
According to Ma. Elena Lourdes R. Tan, MD, from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), a vigorous or deep tissue massage can result in bruising and pain in areas where there wasn’t any, or more serious conditions like the loss of sensation in the arm or leg, or even a full-on fracture. While rare, Rhabdomyolysis is likewise a possibility: The breakdown of muscle tissue due to pressure from an intense massage releases protein and electrolytes into the blood, which can severely affect the heart and kidneys.
“Massages are generally safe,” said Dr. Tan. “Problems can arise during the application of excessive pressure in the wrong spots and for prolonged periods. This could reduce circulation or affect nerves, resulting in temporary or permanent damage.”
But while the amount of pressure a masseur or masseuse applies to the body while massaging a client might be the root of the problem, a client could also be the culprit and inadvertently turn a harmless session into a health risk for his (or her) therapist.
“If you have a skin infection or a contagious respiratory illness like a cold, flu, tuberculosis, or COVID-19, you could easily infect others with close contact,” Dr. Tan.
Still, there are ways to make your next massage a pleasant and safe one for both parties. MakatiMed offers the following tips or practical reminders:
1. Choose a reputable establishment
Dr. Tan shares that it is a must to choose a reputable establishment that puts the comfort and boundaries of their clients first and foremost.
“Ideally, you should get a massage in a place with properly trained therapists, as they are trained to adhere to professional standards.” Dr. Tan pointed out. “Of course, you have to check if the place is well-maintained, clean, and tidy at all times.”
2. Disclose any health conditions when booking a massage
It pays to be honest, so no one suffers from what seems to be a harmless massage that can go wrong when health conditions — of both the client and of the masseur/masseuse — are kept secret.
Reputable establishments make sure their service personnel are in good health. Client must also reciprocate by disclosing any health conditions before beginning a massage session.
“Are you pregnant? Do you have a fracture or think you do? Are you currently treating rashes or an open wound? Do you have an underlying health condition? If you do, then it’s not advisable for you to get a massage until cleared by a physician. Feeling ill is also an indication to skip a massage and stay home,” the doctor stressed.
3. Active participation is key to a truly beneficial massage
Spas and wellness centers aim for ultimate relaxation with their quiet ambiance, dim lighting, and soothing music. However, your active participation is key to a truly beneficial massage.
Dr. Tan encouraged, “Communicate what you want. Tell your therapist how light or strong you want the pressure and stretching, and where you don’t want to be touched. Speak up when you feel uncomfortable or develop any pain.”
4. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional before having a massage
If your pains and discomfort are related to sports or an injury, Dr. Tan suggested consulting a physiatrist, then a physiotherapist.
“In this case, a healthcare professional with a background in human anatomy might be a better choice than a massage therapist. In addition to helping you manage pain through exercise and manual therapy, a physiotherapist can improve your mobility,” the doctor said.
As wonderful as massages make you feel, they are, at best, a complementary treatment to either conventional medicine, physical therapy, or both. “A massage doesn’t cure diseases or injuries,” explained Dr. Tan. “If your pain prevails or returns even after a massage, please see a doctor immediately.”
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