Re-read your question now you have some more information.
" Can spiral type, multi-turn variable resistors be damaged if they are wound in or out too far?"
You asked a question on a specific type of potentiometer.
As far as I can see, you don't know what sort of pot it is, so how it works remains a mystery.
A Vishay multi turn pot can be £30, a Bournes trimmer, £1.50. Even AliExress want £4.90 for a multi turn pot.
If it's a flimsy single turn pot, you could easily go past the stops.
Yes, I agree you don't want to pull it apart, but it would be useful to mug up on the different types so you can approach cautiously.