How to ease pain after deep tissue massage?

Author: Julianne Lang  |  Last update: Friday, December 19, 2025

Staying hydrated, taking a hot shower or bath with Epsom salts, resting, and stretching gently can help relieve post-massage soreness. Additionally, cold therapy, herbs, essential oils, and guided meditation can also help with post-massage soreness.

How to relieve pain after deep tissue massage?

Tips for Relieving Muscle Ache After Massage
  1. Stay hydrated.
  2. Take a hot shower.
  3. Soak in an Epsom salt bath.
  4. Allow time for rest.
  5. Practice guided meditation.
  6. Gently stretch.

How long can you be sore after a deep tissue massage?

During a deep tissue massage, the muscles are manipulated in such a way that it mimics exercise and often results in DOMS. Usually, this is a mild soreness that lasts only a few days and shouldn't cause too much inconvenience to the client.

What should you not do after a deep tissue massage?

We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.
  • Not Drinking Enough Water. ...
  • Take A Shower Immediately. ...
  • Taking Hot Shower. ...
  • Eating A Large Meal. ...
  • Drinking Coffee. ...
  • Drinking Alcohol. ...
  • Doing Strenuous Exercise or Activities. ...
  • Stressing Yourself Out.

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.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

Why do I feel so bad after a deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage can make some people feel mentally or physically fatigued. It is thought that this is due to the massage releasing tension, stress, and generally relaxing the person. Some experts actually recommend that people lean into this fatigue as a way of alleviating other side effects.

What does lymphatic drainage feel like?

It's gentle and rhythmic, you might even feel like you're underwater or floating during the session. We tend to underestimate lymphatic work because it is so relaxing and subtle, but it's very powerful.

How do you recover from a deep tissue massage?

Make sure you drink plenty of water before and especially after the Massage. Rest is crucial for post-Massage recovery. Getting adequate rest lets your body recover fully so the Massage effects last longer. Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night, and don't be afraid to take a nap during the day if you need it.

Why can't you shower after 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.

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.

Is it good if deep tissue massage hurts?

Just like soreness post-workout, pain isn't a sign that your deep tissue massage was effective. If you end up feeling pain during your massage and it's not tolerable, you should always let your massage therapist know.

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.

Why is my body aching after a massage?

Reasons why you feel sore after a massage

We feel sore after massages for the same reason we feel sore after a good workout, Bodner explains. “It forces blood into your muscles and helps bring in nutrients. This process can temporarily increase inflammation in areas that the body feels need attention.”

How long does inflammation last after deep tissue massage?

A deep tissue massage can help to reduce muscle tension, increase blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles, reduce pain and stiffness, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. It may also cause some soreness or discomfort, but it typically disappears within a day or two.

Can a massage therapist feel knots?

Yes, massage therapists are trained to identify muscle tension through touch and experience. They use their knowledge of anatomy to pinpoint problem areas effectively. The frequency depends on your activity level and tension severity.

Is a heating pad good after a massage?

Use Heat Therapy (Hot Shower Or Heating Pad)

Heat therapy is one of the most effective ways to soothe sore muscles after a massage.

Why masseuse burp when massaging?

It's possible that a masseuse burps because he or she receives the effect of the massage itself. “I mean, masseuses use their energy when applying pressures. So maybe, since they're using their own hands, and the therapy oils, there's a stimulation on their palms.

Why do I have to pee after a deep tissue massage?

First off, massages are dehydrating. Kneading and working muscle gets fluid pumping out of the soft tissue and into your circulatory system, where it heads toward your kidneys. That's why many people have to pee right after a massage.

Do you lose weight after deep tissue massage?

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.

Should you ice or heat after deep tissue massage?

After a deep tissue massage there can be some stiffness, achiness, or soreness in a localized areas that lasts a day or two. It is highly recommended to apply ice after a deep tissue massage and any time you feel pain. Ice will assist in the recovery process and help your body heal.

Is it normal to cry after a deep tissue massage?

Massage therapy is not only a physical practice but also a profound emotional experience. It's common and entirely natural to experience emotional release, including tears, during or after a massage.

Do you poop a lot after lymphatic drainage?

Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.

Why do I smell after a massage?

In conclusion, it is not uncommon to notice a smell on your skin after receiving a massage. Factors such as the type of oil used, sweating during the session, and poor hygiene practices can all contribute to any odors present.

What is the best drink for lymphatic drainage?

Here are our top picks for the best teas to keep your lymphatic system flowing beautifully:
  • Yaupon Tea. Yaupon tea, a unique herbal tea made from Ilex vomitoria, is a fantastic option for lymphatic drainage. ...
  • Ginger Tea. ...
  • Chamomile Tea. ...
  • Peppermint Tea.

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