Is it normal to cry during a deep tissue massage?

Author: Megane Daugherty  |  Last update: Thursday, December 25, 2025

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.

What emotions are released during a massage?

Most people who receive massage regularly report feeling relief, a sense of peace or increased relaxation. However, some people may also experience a sudden rush of powerful emotion while receiving bodywork. Whether it is grief, euphoria, anger, fear or sadness, the phenomenon is known as an emotional release.

Is it normal to cry during therapy?

It is absolutely okay to cry during a therapy session. In fact, many people find that crying can be a cathartic and healing experience. It's normal to have strong emotions during therapy, and tears can be a sign that you are processing and releasing some of the emotions and stress that you have been holding onto.

Does deep tissue massage release trauma?

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.

What is considered inappropriate during a massage?

A massage therapist should never touch the genital area of the client. This is either sexual abuse or prostitution. In most parts of the U.S., massage of the breast is off limits. In the few states where it is legal, there must be written consent by the client.

Why some people cry during or after massage?

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 off limits during a massage?

Professional boundaries in massage therapy are crucial for creating a respectful environment. Any form of non-consensual physical contact is strictly prohibited, including sexual advances or inappropriate touching.

Why am I crying after deep tissue 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 does trauma release feel like?

As you release trauma, you may notice that your muscles start to relax, and you feel more loose and flexible. Increased Energy: Releasing trauma can free up energy previously tied up in coping with stress and emotional pain. The increase in energy will be gradual and not overwhelming.

When should deep tissue massage be avoided?

People with Osteoporosis and Cancer that has spread to the bones should avoid Deep Tissue Massage because it can cause fractures in your bones. If you have an open wound or a skin infection, then reschedule your appointment. This way, you avoid developing a new infection and prevent the condition from getting worse.

What do therapists think when clients cry?

Therapists, far from being alarmed by tears, often see them as a positive sign. When a client cries, it's an indication that they are opening up, allowing themselves to be vulnerable, and addressing deep-seated emotions. Therapists are trained to handle these moments with care and empathy.

Is it normal to cry at physical therapy?

Many patients have cried in physical therapy sessions from the overwhelming experience of feeling limited, debilitated, or powerless in their bodies.

Is crying in therapy a breakthrough?

Crying in therapy can signify various emotions, from relief to sadness, frustration to realization. While it's not a definitive breakthrough marker, tears can indicate a profound emotional connection or completion about a topic or memory.

Is crying during a massage normal?

It's why some people have been known to cry during a massage session, or others who've felt overwhelmed by the whole experience. As I've said in the beginning, you're not alone if you experience this. It's totally normal, and you just need to let us know if you're experiencing an emotional overload.

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.

Is crying trauma release?

Crying or Laughing: Unexpected bouts of crying or laughter can be a physical sign your body is releasing trauma. These emotional releases are natural and therapeutic. Mood Swings: Fluctuations in mood, such as feeling elated one moment and sad the next, can indicate that deep-seated emotions are being processed.

Why is trauma stored in the hips?

The psoas muscle, which is located in the lower back and connects to the hip joint, is particularly susceptible to holding onto tension and trauma. When you experience a traumatic event, your body may instinctively contract and tighten the psoas muscle as a way of protecting itself.

Where does the body hold trauma?

This can happen anywhere in the body, and for trauma survivors, it is most commonly held in the core of the body, the stomach, abdomen, and low back, as well as the upper torso, chest, shoulders, and spine.

Is it normal to release during massage?

Emotional release during a massage is a powerful and transformative experience. It allows you to release emotional baggage, promote healing, and restore balance to both your body and mind.

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.

Is crying after therapy normal?

It is normal to cry after a therapy session. It is a natural response for an individual to cry as they process challenging emotions that are brought up during therapy. Crying after therapy is a common and valid reaction.

What areas should you not massage?

The types of structures that are vulnerable in an area of caution may include arteries, veins, nerves, bursae, lymph nodes or vessels, or small and fragile bones. Examples of areas of caution for massage include the popliteal space behind the knee, the anterior cervical region, and the axillary region.

How to tell if a massage therapist likes you?

If therapist is talking to as a friendly then he/she is more interested in you as a person. If the therapist is not communicating with then therapist wouldn't be no more interested in you as a person and He/she will treat you as a normal clients.

How many days in a row can you get a massage?

It takes a good 48 hours for the system to rebalance after a deep massage, so at least a two day gap between massages is ideal. The frequency of sports massage is dependent on ones training schedule, however regular massage can help to maintain range of movement, flexibility and health of muscles.

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