How long does inflammation last after massage?

Author: Mr. Jaquan Johns  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Post-massage soreness is a type of muscle pain or discomfort that typically occurs after a massage and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. It is a normal and natural body response to the physical manipulation of the muscles during a massage session.

How to reduce inflammation after massage?

Apply ice. If you are feeling sore after the massage, you can apply ice to the affected area for 10-20 minutes at a time. This will help to reduce inflammation and muscle pain. Your massage therapist can also give you specific instructions on how to apply ice.

Is it normal to be sore 4 days after a massage?

You should see a healthcare provider if you're experiencing intense soreness after a massage for longer than a couple of days. If you have any past injuries, fractures or underlying conditions, be sure to discuss this with the provider and massage therapist so they're fully informed.

How long does it take for your body to recover after a massage?

At a minimum, you should rest for at least 24 hours after your massage to ensure your muscles have plenty of time to repair themselves. Post-massage soreness is completely normal after a sports massage, and your muscles may still feel tight after 48 hours, which is a sign they are still recovering.

What is the inflammatory response to massage?

Massage therapy produces a healthy inflammation response. It slightly depresses the immune system for a moment so the body and brain turns on chemicals to nourish the body and recover in areas that need it.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

What are the 4 inflammatory responses?

At the tissue level, inflammation is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of tissue function, which result from local immune, vascular and inflammatory cell responses to infection or injury [5].

What type of massage is best for inflammation?

The Best Types of Massage for Inflammation
  • Swedish Massage. The Swedish massage is a classic choice for reducing inflammation. ...
  • Deep Tissue Massage. A deep-tissue massage might be more effective for deeper inflammation. ...
  • Lymphatic Drainage Massage. ...
  • Trigger Point Therapy. ...
  • Hot Stone 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.

Can a massage therapist feel inflammation?

Limitations and Considerations. It's important to note that while massage therapists can detect signs that may indicate inflammation, they cannot diagnose medical conditions. Their ability to “feel” inflammation is based on the detection of physical changes in the body's tissues and the client's responses.

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 body parts should not be massaged?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.

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.

Can a deep tissue massage cause swelling?

Swelling is another potential side effect of deep tissue massage. This occurs when the intensive pressure triggers your body's inflammatory response. While some swelling is normal, excessive swelling could be a sign that something's not quite right.

How often should you get massages?

1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.

Why can't you shower after a deep tissue massage?

After a massage, your body is in a state of relaxation and recovery, and the massage oils applied to your skin continue to nourish it. Taking a hot bath immediately could strip away these benefits. Generally, it's recommended to wait at least two to three hours after a massage before taking a bath.

Should inflamed muscles be massaged?

If your muscles start spasming or cramping up immediately, then your body isn't ready for a deep tissue massage, as your muscles are too inflamed. If discomfort or pain don't arise until midway through your massage, stop your masseuse immediately to avoid injury.

What are the cons of massage therapy?

Side effects associated with massage therapy are rare. However, they can include nausea, headaches, soreness in the muscles being massaged, bruising or bleeding in some cases, fatigue, dizziness, mental/emotional discomfort (anxiety), fainting, and skin irritation.

Can a masseuse tell if you're stressed?

You Are Super Stressed

When the massage begins all the signs are there. Our poor muscles become taut and tense during stressful times, especially so in the shoulders, nec,k and head. Constant muscle tension causes aches and pains too so there are usually some tender areas as well.

What does it feel like when a knot releases?

This myofascial release has a comparable sensation to being rocked by your mother when you were a baby. It causes a pleasant wave sensation to travel throughout the body. It is, in fact, a relaxing experience. That wave infiltrates the restricted areas to allow for softening.

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.

How many massages does it take to get rid of knots?

A weekly or bi-weekly session could prevent these knots from escalating. Conversely, severe knots, causing considerable pain and restricted movement, may require more frequent attention, possibly two to three sessions per week initially. Knowing the severity is key in how often you should get a massage for knots.

Should massage be avoided if a person has inflammation?

If you have uncontrolled inflammation you may not want to get a massage. The massage may actually increase the inflammation due to the pressure applied and the possibility for increased circulation of inflammatory markers. It is good to control the inflammation first prior to scheduling a massage.

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.

How do you tell if you need lymphatic drainage?

How do I know if I need lymphatic drainage?
  1. Bloating.
  2. Brain fog.
  3. Chronic sinus infections.
  4. Fatigue.
  5. Headaches.
  6. Puffy, swollen ankles or hands.
  7. Skin conditions like acne, dryness or rashes.
  8. Swollen lymph nodes in your neck.

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