How long does it take to recover from a bad massage?

Author: Aron Maggio  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

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.

How do you recover from a bad massage?

Relax in a hot shower or bath.

This will help to improve circulation and reduce any soreness. If you don't have time for a shower or bath, simply apply a heating pad to the affected area for 20 minutes. You can also try taking a warm Epsom salt bath.

What happens if you get a bad massage?

Massage-related adverse effects can occur when excessive pressure is applied in the wrong spots, potentially injuring tissues, muscles and nerves, Mr Xu said. For instance, neurapraxia is a mild form of nerve damage that can occur when the conduction of nerve impulses is reduced or blocked in the affected area.

How long does inflammation last after massage?

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 long does it take your body to recover from a deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage can leave the body feeling sore for a few days after the massage. It is important to drink plenty of water and rest to help the body recover. Soft tissue massage does not typically cause soreness, and recovery time is minimal.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

What happens to your body after a hard massage?

So, what happens to the body after deep tissue massage? Most clients report feeling mild soreness akin to DOMS after deep tissue massage. This usually lasts a few days after which time clients report benefits such as pain relief, improved range of motion, better sleep, and lower blood pressure.

How long does it take to get a deep tissue injury?

The process leading to deep tissue pressure injury precedes the visible signs of purple or maroon skin by about 48 hours. Then about 24 hours later, the epidermis lifts and reveals a dark wound bed. This phase of deep tissue injury evolution is often confused with skin tears.

What is a healing crisis after massage?

As the body detoxifies, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including dizziness and light-headedness, an odd or metallic taste in the mouth, headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, nausea, increased sweating, urination or defecation, chills, skin eruptions, itches or ...

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 red flags in massage therapy?

One of the first red flags in a massage session is a lack of communication. If the therapist doesn't take the time to ask about your pain points or preferences before starting, that's a sign of trouble.

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.

Why do I feel unwell after a massage?

After a massage, lactic acid and metabolic waste products can be released into the bloodstream, causing flu-like symptoms and fatigue.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

**Excessive Pain or Discomfort**: A certain level of discomfort might be normal, especially during a deep tissue massage, but if you experience sharp, intense pain or prolonged discomfort, it could be a sign that the therapist is applying too much pressure or working incorrectly.

How do you get rid of muscle pain after a massage?

Top Five Ways to Reduce Post-Massage Soreness
  1. Take an Epsom Salt Bath. A warm epsom salt bath can do wonders to reduce muscle soreness. ...
  2. Go for a Walk. A nice light walk will help the body to work out any soreness, as gentle activity and exercise like this can help the muscles to move freely. ...
  3. Stretch. ...
  4. Drink Water. ...
  5. Relax.

Why did I cry after my massage?

Massage induces biochemical and energetic shifts by alleviating physical tension. This release can stir emotions and lead to tears, signaling a healthy, natural process of stress relief and emotional balance.

What body system are most affected by massage?

Massage stimulates receptors that transmit sensory signals to the central nervous system, and this in turn causes the reduction in tension in muscles and the feeling of relaxation. Massage causes the release of endorphins which has been shown to reduce pain and muscle tension.

What areas are off limits during a massage?

These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.

What are 3 instances when massage is not recommended?

Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.

How long does post massage sickness last?

Usually, these side effects are minor and are nothing of concern; they will usually subside within a few days.

What does a healing crisis look like?

Understanding Healing Crisis. You may feel worse before you feel better. In the process of bringing your body back to good health you may experience some temporary pain or discomfort. Symptoms of cold, flu, dizziness, nausea and fatigue may occur.

How do you recover from a deep tissue massage?

While keeping active is a good idea for what to do after deep tissue massage sessions, so is getting enough rest and a good night's sleep. Getting enough sleep after a deep tissue massage will help with muscle recovery and boost energy levels so you're ready to take on the day when you wake up the next morning!

What are the early signs of deep tissue injury?

Deep tissue pressure injuries are when there isn't an open wound, but the tissues beneath the surface have been damaged. The area of skin may look purple or dark red, or there may be a blood-filled blister. If you or your doctor suspect a pressure injury, the area is treated as though a pressure injury has formed.

How long does deep tissue damage take to heal?

Most soft tissue injuries heal without any problems in about six weeks. However, it may take a few months for your symptoms to settle – these can include pain or discomfort, stiffness, decreased strength, and swelling. The injury may take longer to heal if you suffer from diabetes or if you smoke.

What does a stage 2 pressure sore look like?

When a pressure ulcer reaches the second stage, the sore has broken through the top layer of the skin and part of the layer below. This typically results in a shallow, open wound. A stage 2 pressure ulcer may appear as a shallow, crater-like wound or a blister containing a clear or yellow fluid.

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