Case report: Deep tissue massage linked to renal artery occlusion and kidney infarction in healthy man

A case report describes a 50-year-old previously healthy man who presented with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain 4 hours after receiving a deep tissue massage for low back pain from an unlicensed therapist. CT angiography showed 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. The proposed mechanism is direct mechanical trauma to the renal artery. The safety profile includes the serious adverse event of segmental kidney infarction and acute kidney injury. Key limitations are inherent to the case report format: this is a single case, so it cannot establish incidence or prevalence. Furthermore, the massage was performed by an unlicensed therapist, which may not reflect outcomes from licensed practitioners. The practice relevance is restrained; this case suggests clinicians should be aware that deep tissue massage, particularly from unlicensed providers, carries a potential, albeit likely rare, risk of severe vascular injury. Prompt evaluation of abdominal pain following massage is essential.