How many days does it take to recover from a massage?

Author: Weldon Mosciski  |  Last update: Thursday, January 1, 2026

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.

Is it normal to be sore 3 days after a massage?

Typically, the soreness should gradually decrease within 24 to 48 hours as the muscles recover. This is considered a normal part of the healing process and should not be a cause for concern unless the pain is severe or persists beyond a few days.

How long do massage effects last?

The type of massage, the intensity of the massage, and the person's individual response to massage all play a role. However, in general, most people will experience the benefits of a massage for at least 24 hours after the treatment is over, but they can last an entire week for some.

How long does fatigue last after a massage?

Essentially, massage relaxes both the mind and body which, for some people, can result in mental tiredness or physical body fatigue. Typically this fatigue is temporary and should resolve itself after a good night's sleep.

What happens to your body after a massage?

When a massage therapist works on your muscles, there is more happening beneath the surface than just the easing of tension. The physical manipulation of body tissues increases blood flow and lymph circulation, which in turn helps flush out toxins from the body tissues and assists in cleansing the circulatory system.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

How long should you rest after a massage?

To experience the maximum benefits of a sports massage, you should rest for 24-48 hours after a massage to allow time for muscle recovery. You shouldn't workout within this timeframe, but you can partake in light exercises, such as walking, swimming, and gentle yoga.

What happens to muscle knots after massage?

Massage therapy techniques can help to relieve, reduce or even prevent muscle knots. Deep tissue massage or sports massage techniques work on the muscles that are tight or have the knots. Trigger point massage can be firm and specific pressure to the areas of restriction or “knots” and cause release of that knot.

Can you feel unwell the day after a massage?

Feeling unwell after a massage is normal and may include symptoms like headache, muscle soreness, nausea, and fatigue due to toxin release.

How often should you get a massage?

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.

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.

Are massages actually good for you?

Studies of massage benefits have found massage can: Help reduce stress. Lessen pain and muscle tightness. Increase relaxation.

Why do I feel weird after a massage?

It helps to destress and relax you; this in turn may make you feel tired. This is your time to recover your mind and body and it is your body's time to rebalance itself and retune. Sometimes, if you have been experiencing lots of stress, you may feel emotional or teary after the massage.

Is a 2 hour massage too long?

A two-hour session may seem to be a little extreme to some, but seasoned massage connoisseurs love it! It's not recommended for newbies to massage. Your therapist can provide specific Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage, Deep Tissue work, Cupping, and even some stretching and Range Of Motion within this massage length.

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.

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 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 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 too much massage be bad?

Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you'll be able to determine the best frequency because your body's response is a large part of this determination.

What is the best time of day to get a massage?

Specifically, for: Stress aim to schedule an evening massage as it tends to relieve the physical and mental stress accumulated during the day. Alternatively, you can also get such a stress-relieving experience from an afternoon massage (ideally after work). Muscle pain you can aim for an evening massage as well.

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 ...

Who should not get a deep tissue massage?

People with Certain Medical Conditions. While deep tissue massage can be beneficial for many, it's not recommended for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, cancer, or blood clotting disorders, it's best to steer clear of deep tissue work unless your doctor gives you the green light.

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.

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.

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

Experiencing soreness or tight muscles is normal after a massage, especially if it's been a while since your last massage or you've never had one. Bodner points out that this discomfort usually lasts a few hours to about a day and a half.

Previous article
Are there any cons to dermaplaning?
Next article
How do you fix oxidized blonde hair?