Is Too Much Massage Harmful?

Potential Side Effects of Excessive Massage

• Muscle soreness, pain, skin irritation, and damage can occur with excessive massage.
• Overstimulating muscles can lead to increased lactic acid buildup resulting in soreness and pain.
• Prolonged massage on one area may fatigue the muscle and exacerbate discomfort.
• Applying excessive pressure to the skin for an extended period can cause skin irritation or damage.

Recommended Massage Duration and Frequency

• Limit self-massage to 15 minutes per session and no more than 15 minutes daily.
• Consider consulting with a massage therapist to determine a suitable massage schedule.
• The frequency of massages should align with the purpose, whether for stress relief, injury treatment, or managing a medical condition.
• Weekly massages are generally recommended, unless dealing with chronic pain or high-intensity sports.

Case Study: Excessive Massage Effects

• An unusually strong 2-hour massage led an 88-year-old man to collapse, potentially due to proteins liberated from injured muscle, causing a "muscle crush" injury.