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by Catherine Holden
There’s nothing like a good massage, but poor technique can lead to injury
There are few things as blissful as melting under a masseuse’s hands. But according to a new study from the Mayo Clinic in Arizona (US), that rubdown may put you at risk of nerve injury if done incorrectly. “The firm kneading may compress nerves,” explains study author Dr Mark Ross. Some post-massage soreness is normal, but if you experience shooting pain, shoulder weakness or tenderness for more than two weeks, all is not well.
Lindsey Yves, based at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa’s Physiotherapy Centre, has practised massage therapy for eight years. She says the risk of bruising and oedema can be exacerbated by an over-zealous massage therapist, and slipped discs and nerve impingement can be inflamed by incorrect technique. “An unqualified or under-trained masseuse might not pick up something quite simple. This could result in the condition worsening over time, and requiring doctors’ consultations and physiotherapy.”
Massage is a highly skilled technique. To fully understand how and where to massage, the practitioner needs to be trained in how the different body parts work together, and in the structure of the tissues. “Physiotherapists have extensive training in the muscular, neural and circulatory systems. Through in-depth assessment and experience they develop the ability to identify problems,” agrees physiotherapist Kim Buchholtz, based at Catherine Chambers Physiotherapy. “They can then treat clients appropriately and safely with massage to achieve the desired effect, be it relaxation, tension release or injury treatment.”
“South Africa is cracking down on fly-by-night massage therapists, and has established an Allied Health Professionals Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), which requires all massage therapists in training to undergo a two-year formalised government-approved course, followed by a stringent examination process,” says Yves. In order to practise therapeutic massage in SA, therapists are legally required to be registered with the AHPCSA. Many qualified therapists then also register with the Massage Therapy Association of SA (MTASA).
How to find a qualified therapist
Choosing a therapist from an MTASA recommendation is the best place to start. “Do your research and ask about the qualifications and experience of your therapist. Find out if he or she is the right person for your needs,” says Yves.
If you have certain conditions or ailments — cancer, osteoporosis, varicose veins, phlebitis, hernia, are pregnant with complications, diabetes (where healing is slow), epilepsy, heart disease, hypertension or rheumatoid arthritis — you should not book a massage without first speaking to your doctor.
“Nerves are very sensitive to reduced blood flow,” explains Buchholtz. So if you get pins and needles or burning pain, tell your therapist immediately to avoid nerve damage.
Who to contact:
 Allied Health Professionals Council of South Africa: www.ahpcsa.co.za
Massage Therapy Association of South Africa: www.mtasa.co.za
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