Is it normal to be emotional after a massage?

Author: Dr. Dell Baumbach DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Sometimes, if you have been experiencing lots of stress, you may feel emotional or teary after the massage. Alternatively, you may feel elated, on cloud nine, or full of energy. Either response is normal. Try not to suppress these emotions.

Why do I get emotional after a massage?

Both during and after a massage you might feel any number of emotions. As the body relaxes, it is normal for the body to also release the emotional baggage we are holding on to. While you might feel elated, refreshed or energised, there may be times when you feel a need to cry. This is okay, and it's even normal.

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 feel loopy after a massage?

Feeling hung over and groggy after a massage can be attributed to several factors: Release of Toxins: Massages can stimulate the release of toxins stored in muscles. As these toxins are released into the bloodstream, your body may need time to process and eliminate them, leading to feelings of fatigue or grogginess.

Can massage change your mood?

Massage can lower stress levels and feelings of anxiety. It can improve mood and relaxation while increasing confidence and self-image. If you experience depression or anxiety, or are just overloaded with extra stress, massage can be an effective part of treatment.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

What are the mental and emotional effects of massage?

Massage therapy doesn't just increase serotonin release; it increases dopamine release. They are combining these two potent endorphins results in enhanced mood and a happier overall individual. Massage has also been shown to reduce symptoms of depression when used consistently over a period of several weeks.

Why do you feel euphoric after a massage?

The therapist's touch causes an immediate reaction in your brain. As soon as your skin's nerve cells feel pressure, they signal the brain to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which boost your mood and give you a natural high.

Why do I feel spaced out after a massage?

The physiological changes like increased blood flow and reduced heart rate, combined with the psychological relief from stress, create an environment where the body feels more at ease but also more tired. Understanding these factors can help you better prepare for and manage post-massage fatigue.

Is it normal to feel strange after a massage?

As tension is released from the muscles, emotions that have been stored within the body may also come to the surface. This emotional release can sometimes trigger feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety which may contribute to feeling unwell after a session.

What are the side effects of deep tissue massage?

Muscle aches and fatigue is common after a deep tissue massage. The movement of muscle fibres causes stimulation that can often result in pain. If your pain lasts more than a few days, then consult your physician. Headaches and migraines after a Deep Tissue Massage are not uncommon.

Do muscle knots hold toxins?

Muscle knots don't contain toxins. But some people claim that deep tissue massage can lead to lymphatic drainage and the release of toxins. While the lymphatic system does work to remove waste products from your body, there's limited research on lymphatic drainage treatment in general.

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 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.

Does massage release trauma from the body?

Many people think that because massage is a natural therapy that it can't do any harm, but this is a classic example of where it absolutely can. Many therapists believe that by relieving muscle tension with a deep tissue massage, they will release emotions and therefore help to heal trauma.

Does crying release trapped emotions?

The following are research-backed facts about crying: Tears can help release pent-up emotions, providing a sense of relief and calm. Crying can be a way to signal to others that you're going through a tough time and might need help.

What happens to the brain after a massage?

Releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good and diminish pain. If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins works by blocking pain signals from the brain causing a decrease in discomfort.

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.

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.

Is it normal to feel emotional the day after a massage?

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. Alternatively, you may feel elated, on cloud nine, or full of energy. Either response is normal.

What happens if you don't drink enough water after a massage?

If you do not drink water after a massage, you may experience some short-term effects such as feeling thirsty or experiencing dry mouth. It is important to drink water after a massage to help your body flush out any toxins that may have been released during the massage.

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 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.

Can deep tissue massage cause emotional release?

Releasing repressed emotions like tension or melancholy is facilitated by deep tissue massage. It relaxes the body and mind by deeply penetrating the muscles. People have been known to cry or experience other emotions during a massage.

Why do I feel so drunk after a massage?

Feeling "drugged" after a massage is a common side effect of the relaxation response that massage can trigger. When you receive a massage, your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that also produce a sense of euphoria.

Why do painful massages feel so good?

When a skilled massage therapist applies pressure to these areas, it can create a sensation of pain that is ultimately therapeutic. This type of pain triggers the body's natural healing response, releasing endorphins and reducing inflammation, which can lead to an overall sense of well-being.

Previous article
Should I cut my hair if I have heat damage?
Next article
What is the least damaging hair straightener?