There’s no established medical evidence that manual massage can alter the palatine suture in adults. Sutures largely fuse after adolescence. fact check and give me link

Checked on September 21, 2025
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1. Summary of the results

The original statement claims that there is no established medical evidence that manual massage can alter the palatine suture in adults, and that sutures largely fuse after adolescence [1]. However, an analysis of various sources reveals that while some studies do not provide direct evidence to support or contradict this claim [1] [2] [3], others offer insights into the maturation and fusion of the midpalatal suture in different age groups [4] [5] [6]. For instance, one study found that the majority of patients have a non-fused midpalatal suture in the 16-25 age group, while the majority have a fused midpalatal suture in the 26-35 age group [4]. Another study reported that the possibilities to find an open non-ossified suture were 11.65% in early adolescence, 30.06% in mid-adolescence, 15.33% in late adolescence, and 6.74% in young adulthood [5]. Additionally, sources examining manual soft tissue therapy for temporomandibular joint disorders and therapeutic massage of the neck and shoulders do not address the palatine suture or any bone remodeling in adults [7] [8] [9].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key missing context in the original statement is the variation in suture fusion rates among different age groups and populations. Studies have shown that the midpalatal suture maturation stage and fusion status can vary significantly across different age ranges [4] [5]. Furthermore, the original statement does not consider the potential effects of manual massage on the palatine suture in specific contexts, such as in conjunction with other therapies or in individuals with certain medical conditions. Alternative viewpoints may include the idea that manual massage could potentially influence the palatine suture in adults, particularly in cases where the suture is not fully fused [4]. However, these perspectives are not supported by the available evidence, as most sources do not provide direct information on the effect of manual massage on the palatine suture in adults [1] [2] [3] [7] [8] [9].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be considered somewhat misleading, as it implies that there is no possibility of altering the palatine suture in adults through manual massage [1]. However, the available evidence suggests that the fusion status of the midpalatal suture can vary among adults, and that some individuals may still have a non-fused suture [4] [5]. This information could be relevant for orthodontic or maxillofacial treatments, where the ability to alter the palatine suture could be beneficial [4] [6]. The original statement may benefit those who argue against the use of manual massage as a treatment for altering the palatine suture, as it suggests that there is no established medical evidence to support its effectiveness [1]. On the other hand, proponents of manual massage therapy may argue that the statement is overly broad and does not consider the potential benefits of manual massage in specific contexts [7] [8] [9].

Want to dive deeper?
What is the scientific consensus on the effectiveness of manual massage for altering the palatine suture in adults?
At what age do palatine sutures typically fuse in humans?
Can manual massage affect the fusion of sutures in adults with certain medical conditions?
What are the potential risks or benefits of attempting to alter the palatine suture through manual massage?
Are there any established medical treatments for altering the palatine suture in adults?