Neck pain following massage

Hi Rackyp83
You are obviously worried but it does not look like you have done something that you shouldn't have.3 days after the massage... had you done it, it would have come latest by the next morning after the body had a rest. I wouldn't worry.
I am replying just to get the ball rolling some massage experts jump in to reassure you and explain it better.

I'd agree with jnani. Very unlikely that any ill effects from your massage would wait three days to show up, but maybe your massage released another aspect of the problem? Shame your client didn't call you instead of taking the pain killers as you could have possibly helped with the neck problem.

In my experience a tight back and shoulders is rarely all there is to deal with, even when these are the only presenting problems. Clients usually complain about the thing that is worse at the moment, but often there are other areas that have been affected, or that do the affecting.

If I were in your position, I certainly would not be worrying about what I'd done or blaming myself.

Hi

I recently did a massage for one of my clients who had been experiencing a really stiff back/shoulders. At the next treatment, he said that he could tell I had massaged his back the day after and it felt good. The pain had gone away, but about 3 days later he had a really bad pain going up his neck and into his face/ear and needed to take painkillers. The pain in his neck subsided after a few days but the pain in the back returned. He didn't know if it was something I had done or if it was just coincedence.
I'm a little worried about asking you guys and I'm fearful I have done something I shouldn't have had.
Any thoughts? dare I ask! :002:

Hi there, difficult to answer without knowing more detail i.e. previous history of neck problems?Any other relevant medical history? Age of client? Where on the neck specifically? Is it a neck problem? Did you test ROM? What techniques did you use?

I wouldn't worry too much but like all masseurs you have to be sensitive to possible problems in the cervical spine area--with age comes inevitable deterioration of the vertebrae, reduced ROM, arthritis and all the joyous things we have to look forward to. Muscles often protectively 'lock' around damaged areas and, perversely, loosening them off can be a bad thing--so you need to strike the right balance. Over enthusiastic application of STR and MET can also create discomfort in the days following treatment.

Thank you all for the feedback.

The client didn't have a history of neck problems (that I'm aware of) and they are only in their late 30s living a very active and healthy lifestyle with little or no health problems at all. He described is as going up the back of the neck and onto the the face. I just used general massage techniques - nothing fancy.

I'm going to try not to worry about it too much, I hate the thought that I could possibly have caused someone pain. Hopefully, nothing untoward has happened following their last treatment!

Neck Pain

Hi Rackyp83,

First of all, i am also massage therapist and the problem you describe is common for someone who hasn't had a massage before or hasn't had one for a long time. sometimes, bruising as well can occur if the body is not accustomed to it. it is like exercising intensely if you haven't done that for awhile, too and feeling the pain the day after as well.

You must take it easy ask him to drink lots of liquids. no sodas and junkfood . If it still hurts, suggest him see a doctor or chiropractor.

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