Could Self-Massaging My Abdomen Cause Injury?
I’m feeling quite uneasy about this, but here goes. I’m a 31-year-old female, standing 5’10” and weighing 170 pounds. Overall, I’m in decent health, dealing with PCOS, and I take gabapentin, baclofen, and finasteride for androgenic alopecia. Two days ago, I engaged in some self-myofascial release using a lacrosse ball and foam roller on typical muscle groups like my glutes and shoulders. While exploring my abdomen, I discovered a particularly tender area just beneath my left rib cage. I decided to apply firm pressure with my thumb in what I assumed to be a trigger point for several minutes. Although it was sensitive, it didn’t feel any different from the usual knots I have worked on before. However, when I woke up the next morning, the area was quite sore to the touch. Now, on the second day following the massage, it remains tender, and I’ve noticed some red, spider vein-like marks in that vicinity. There seems to be a slight amount of swelling, though it’s hard to tell if it’s significant. Is there a possibility that I’ve caused an injury to one of my internal organs? I clearly understand now that this was a reckless decision, but I'm unsure if I need to seek medical attention and how urgent that might be.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 10:10:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uneasy after experiencing soreness and bruising in your abdomen following self-massage. While self-myofascial release can be beneficial for muscle tension, there can be risks of injury if pressure is applied to sensitive areas, especially near internal organs.
Main Points:
- Possible Muscle Strain or Bruising: The soreness and red marks suggest a possible muscular strain or bruising rather than injury to an internal organ.
- Monitor Symptoms: It’s important to observe your symptoms closely for any changes or worsening.
Explanation:
The abdomen contains muscles, organs, and other structures that can be sensitive to pressure. Applying firm pressure, especially if it causes tenderness, may lead to temporary soreness or bruising. Spider vein-like marks and slight swelling could indicate a mild bruise or trauma, which often resolves on its own, but it's essential to keep an eye on them.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Avoid Pressure: Give your body a break from self-massage in that area. Avoid applying further pressure until soreness subsides.
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Ice the Area: Applying a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the sore area for about 15-20 minutes every hour can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Make sure to keep a barrier to protect your skin.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if you’re comfortable with it and have no contraindications.
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Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If the tenderness worsens, or if you develop significant swelling, fever, severe pain, or any other concerning symptoms (like nausea or changes in bowel habits), seek medical attention.
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Reflect on Techniques: Going forward, be gentle with pressure on your abdomen and consider seeking guidance from a qualified therapist if you want to continue myofascial release techniques in the future.
If you have any further concerns or if the symptoms persist beyond a few days, please don’t hesitate to reach out for professional guidance. Remember, it’s always okay to get a second opinion if something feels off. Your health and peace of mind are important!
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