Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background: Deep tissue massage is widely used for musculoskeletal pain and is generally considered safe. We report a case of acute kidney injury following non-medical deep tissue massage. Case presentation: A 50-year-old healthy man presented with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain 4 h after receiving a deep tissue massage for low back pain from an unlicensed therapist. CT angiography revealed a segmental acute infarction of the right kidney with occlusion of the superior segmental artery. The patient was successfully treated with anticoagulation therapy with gradual resolution of symptoms. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential for severe vascular complications from deep tissue massage, even in healthy individuals. The proposed mechanism is direct mechanical trauma to the renal artery. Prompt evaluation of abdominal pain following massage is essential.
Source: Frontiers in Nephrology
Authors: Michael Hieu Truong, Vanessa Quynh Tran, Spencer Doan Tran, Calvin Tuan Nguyen, Phuong Chi Pham, Quynh Giao Pham
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
OpenAlex ID: W7127896086