Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony projections that form along the edges of bones, most often where bones meet in the joints. While common, these growths can cause discomfort and pain when they press on surrounding soft tissues or nerves. This article clarifies the role of massage therapy in managing the symptoms associated with bone spurs.
Understanding Bone Spurs and Formation
Bone spurs are hard, calcified structures of extra bone tissue that develop over time. Their formation is typically a biological response to chronic joint instability, stress, or damage.
The most frequent cause of development is osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down. The body attempts to compensate for this loss by producing new bone, resulting in osteophyte formation. Repetitive motion, injury, or long-term pressure can also stimulate specialized bone cells, known as osteoblasts, to deposit extra bone tissue.
Can Massage Physically Alter Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are calcified, bony structures composed of dense mineral matter. Because of this, direct physical manipulation cannot alter their size or shape.
Massage therapy, even deep tissue techniques, operates only on soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. No amount of external pressure or friction can dissolve or shrink a mature bony projection.
The notion that massage can “break up” a bone spur is biologically inaccurate, as the spur is an integral part of the skeletal structure. Surgical intervention remains the only method for physically removing or altering the bone spur itself. The true benefit of massage lies in addressing the secondary symptoms created by the bony growth.
Addressing Pain and Muscle Guarding Through Massage
The pain associated with a bone spur rarely comes from the spur itself, but rather from its irritation of adjacent soft tissues. When the spur rubs against nearby tendons, ligaments, or nerves, it triggers inflammation and pain. The body’s reflexive reaction to this localized pain is muscle guarding, where the surrounding musculature tightens up to protect the joint.
Massage therapy helps interrupt this pain-tension cycle by manually releasing the guarding muscles and reducing soft tissue tension. Techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy can target and loosen stressed muscles that have shortened or seized up due to altered movement patterns. This process can restore a more normal range of motion and decrease compressive force on the joint.
Improved localized circulation is another benefit, as massage promotes blood flow to the affected area. Enhanced circulation helps flush out inflammatory byproducts and deliver nutrients necessary for soft tissue healing. By managing secondary effects like inflammation and muscle hypertonicity, massage provides symptomatic relief and improves the overall function of the surrounding area.
Safety Considerations and Modifications for Massage Therapy
Before initiating massage treatment for a known bone spur, a medical diagnosis from a healthcare professional is necessary. This ensures symptoms are correctly attributed to the spur and not to a more serious underlying condition. Open communication with the therapist about the spur’s exact location and any acute inflammation is equally important.
The massage therapist must modify their technique to avoid applying direct, deep pressure over the bony growth, especially if the spur is superficially located. Direct pressure can exacerbate inflammation, increase pain, and potentially cause further soft tissue damage. Therapy should focus on the muscles and connective tissues surrounding the spur, using gentle to moderate pressure and avoiding techniques like heavy percussion. If the area is experiencing an acute flare-up, the massage may need to be postponed or limited to light, soothing strokes to prevent irritation.