Navigating the risks of massages and beauty treatments: experts weigh in on safety and personal care

Stay safe during massages and beauty treatments by following best practices and seeking qualified professionals for care.

Massages and beauty treatments have long been cherished for their therapeutic and aesthetic benefits, but recent incidents have cast a spotlight on their potential risks. The recent deaths of a Thai singer and a Singaporean tourist following visits to massage parlours in Thailand have sparked concerns throughout the world. From neck manipulation to chemical peels, these practices range from relatively safe to potentially dangerous, depending on the procedure, the practitioner’s qualifications, and the individual’s health condition. Understanding what is considered acceptable, the possible issues that can arise, and the steps to resolve them is essential for anyone seeking such treatments.

The safety of any massage or beauty treatment hinges on adherence to best practices, which encompass trained practitioners, evidence-based techniques, individualised care, and rigorous hygiene standards. Treatments, especially those targeting high-risk areas like the neck, should only be performed by licensed and qualified professionals. “The qualifications of the practitioner are the cornerstone of safety,” emphasises Tanvi Vaidya, Medical Director of Derma MD Clinics in Thane. “Untrained individuals handling sensitive areas, like the neck or face, can cause serious harm.”

Evidence-based techniques further enhance safety, as they are grounded in scientific research and medical understanding. Swedish massages, for instance, are widely considered low-risk as they focus on muscle relaxation, unlike forceful neck manipulations, which carry higher risks of injury. Informed consent and tailored approaches are equally critical. Reputable practitioners should always discuss the procedure, its benefits, and any potential risks beforehand. Personalisation is key, as individuals with underlying conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes may require specific adjustments or need to avoid certain techniques entirely.

Hygiene and equipment standards are another non-negotiable aspect of safety. Massage centres and salons must adhere to strict hygiene protocols, ensuring all equipment is clean and the environment sterile. These precautions are essential to minimise the risk of infections and other complications, setting a clear benchmark for what is considered acceptable in massage and beauty treatments.

Despite the perception of massages and beauty treatments as harmless indulgences, complications can occur when safety guidelines are not followed.

The neck is one of the most delicate areas of the body, housing vertebral arteries, the spinal cord, and critical nerves. Improper manipulation in this region can have dire consequences. Twisting the neck excessively risks vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to a stroke. Overstretching or forceful adjustments may result in spinal cord damage, potentially causing paralysis or chronic pain. Additionally, excessive manipulation can injure internal structures, such as joints and ligaments, resulting in long-term complications. “Massaging or stretching areas below the neck is relatively safer,” notes Nitesh Kumar Rathi, senior spine surgeon and head of spine surgery at Saveetha Medical College, Chennai . “However, the neck is a critical area. Even slight errors in rotation or pressure in any direction can lead to severe injuries.”

Beyond manipulations, beauty treatments such as facials or chemical peels also come with risks, particularly when hygiene protocols or product safety testing are overlooked. Using unsterilised tools or low-quality products can lead to burns, skin infections and allergic reactions, posing significant health concerns.