How damaging is brief shoulder/neck massage 6 hours after Botox for migraine? What if's longer massage and 36 hours?

Question

Received Botox for migraine today. First time. No after-care instructions. Went and had a mani, and she vigorously massaged neck/shoulders for 3 minutes. Did that mess up the neck/shoulder Botox injections? I have an hour massage for 36h after injecitons; assume I should tell her not to touch head/face just in case. Would her massaging neck & shoulders screw up injections, if 36 hours later but for 10-15 minutes in that area?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting aftercare instructions from your doctor. Typically, as long as the person isn’t massaging the treatment site, you should be fine. If you’re concerned, you may wait 72 hours. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Rey N. Bello, MD · Answer

Botox injection for migraine headache prevention is relatively higher dose as compared to cosmetic injection. It is advisable to avoid massaging the area including the neck muscles and traps for at least 24 hours to avoid spreading the neurotoxin to non intended areas including the nerves which can potentially cause unintended denervation. Doing massage after 36 hours should be fine but I would like to still be on conservative side by avoiding deep massaging on injected area especially in the neck region.

Shelin Tkatch, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Ideally, there should be no vigorous manipulation of the area for 24 hours after your Botox, however the neck and shoulder muscles are relatively large and the slight spread that could occur during a brief 3 minute massage is unlikely to cause you any difficulty. A massage 36 hours post Botox should be fine. I would suggest considering changing providers to one that includes excellent pre and post care as part of their service to you. Best, Dr. Tkatch

Jesse E. Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

We try to have patients avoid exercise and massage for 24 hours after Botox.  In the neck and shoulder, you likely did little damage and will likely have no ill effects.  Massage at 36 hours is fine.

Glenn Messina, MD · Answer

Unless you had injections in the neck and shoulder muscles which would surprise me then maddening the area would not affect your botox. If any manipulation was done over the immediate injection point then I would think it could cause some migration of the botox.

How damaging is brief shoulder/neck massage 6 hours after Botox for migraine? What if's longer massage and 36 hours?

Answers (5)

Answer: Massage after Botox

Answer: Massage after Botox

Answer: Massage probably will not affect botox

Answer: Massage probably will not affect botox

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox for Migraines

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How damaging is brief shoulder/neck massage 6 hours after Botox for migraine? What if's longer massage and 36 hours?

Answers (5)

Answer: Massage after Botox

Answer: Massage after Botox

Answer: Massage probably will not affect botox

Answer: Massage probably will not affect botox

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox for Migraines

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.