Can you overdo a massage?

Author: Dr. Alaina Breitenberg DVM  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

Overdoing deep tissue massages can lead to muscle damage, increased soreness, inflammation, and bruising. Moderation and professional guidance are crucial to avoid these risks.

Is it possible to massage too much?

Yes, it is possible to over-massage a tense muscle. While massage can help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, excessive pressure or prolonged massage can lead to soreness, bruising, or even injury. Signs of over-massage include: Increased pain or discomfort Muscle spasms Swelling or bruising.

Can I have a massage 2 days in a row?

Yes, it's generally okay to have a massage two days in a row, but it depends on your individual body and how you respond to massage therapy. Some people may find it beneficial, as it can help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Is it normal to feel sore the next day after a massage?

Some clients begin to feel achy straight away, while most people tend to experience soreness the following day. The muscle ache can last hours or days depending on the treatment, your body reaction and how well the ache is managed.

Is it safe to have a massage every day?

You can have massage sessions every day, once a week, once a month, or even on a quarterly basis, depending on what goals you are trying to achieve or maintain, and what types of massages you are receiving, while ensuring that your body is in its best state.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

How long should you wait between massages?

It takes a good 48 hours for the system to rebalance after a deep massage, so at least a two day gap between massages is ideal. The frequency of sports massage is dependent on ones training schedule, however regular massage can help to maintain range of movement, flexibility and health of muscles.

What is the most pleasurable type of massage?

The Most Relaxing Types of Massages
  • Swedish Massage. The most common type of massage therapy, Swedish massage will help to relax you with a combination of specific movements including: ...
  • Hot Stone Massage. Another very relaxing type of massage is the hot stone massage. ...
  • Chair Massage. ...
  • Aromatherapy Massage.

Can massage therapists feel knots?

In conclusion, yes, massage therapists can indeed feel knots in your muscles. Through their extensive training and experience, they have honed their ability to detect areas of tension and release them effectively.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.

What are the symptoms of detoxing after a massage?

Hydrating and resting can help alleviate these symptoms. After a massage, mild detox symptoms can occur as the body eliminates toxins. Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle soreness, and headaches due to the release of lactic acid and other waste products.

How soon is too soon to get another massage?

Recommended Time Between Sessions

For general maintenance and stress relief, a session every 3-4 weeks is typically sufficient. However, if you're addressing specific issues such as chronic pain, injury recovery, or intense muscle tension, more frequent sessions—perhaps weekly or bi-weekly—may be beneficial initially.

How long do massage benefits last?

Generally, the benefits of a massage can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. However, regular massage sessions can have cumulative and longer-lasting effects on overall well-being.

Can muscles be over massaged?

When too much pressure is applied, your muscles take an additional beating that can lead to more bruises, nerve damage, and trauma. This pain can last days after your massage, and neither you nor your massage therapist would certainly want that.

What is the best length for a massage?

If you have an issue that you want to focus on, in addition to a full body massage, then opt for a 90-minute session. Perfect for a focused full body massage. This session seems to be the sweet spot for most people. Most clients who have experienced a 90-minute massage usually never go back to an hour.

Do massages help with weight loss?

Experts agree that massage will not directly result in weight loss, but it can aid and support weight loss. Massage can help to reduce DOMS and improve range of motion associated with exercise, as well as promoting better sleep and reduced stress and anxiety - both of which are known to impact weight.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

Poor Communication and Boundary Setting. A professional massage therapist should communicate clearly about the massage process and respect your boundaries. Be wary of therapists who are vague or pushy about undressing. As Mikki noted, “If they're trying to brush past anything or be very quick, that's a red flag.

Can massaging too hard cause damage?

In rare cases, deep tissue massage can lead to nerve damage. This usually happens when too much pressure is applied near a nerve or when a nerve is compressed for an extended period. If you experience numbness, tingling, or sharp pain during your massage, speak up right away.

What not to say during a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  • Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  • Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  • Don't break wind. ...
  • Avoid talking too much. ...
  • Don't use your phone. ...
  • Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Where should a massage therapist not touch?

Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.

What is the crunchy feeling when massaging?

Lack of blood supply to the muscle causes lactic acid to build up, over time this can solidify with calcium deposits and is often the reason we hear a crunching sound when trying to realise the knots.

What does it mean when a massage therapist says you're tight?

4 Talking about tightness suggests an uncanny ability to feel your pain. The therapist is saying, in effect, “I can tell that you are feeling stiff, because I can feel your tight muscles.” This is a good way to impress anyone with a body.

What is the most requested massage?

Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.

What kind of massage do men like?

Types of men's massage
  • Swedish massage.
  • Deep tissue massage.
  • Lymphatic massage.
  • Sports massage.
  • Oncology massage.
  • Hot stone massage.
  • Aromatherapy massage.
  • Thai massage.

What body part feels the best in a massage?

The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.

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