Is it normal to feel unwell after a massage?

Author: Mrs. Filomena Fahey DVM  |  Last update: Monday, September 8, 2025

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

How long will I feel sick after a massage?

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

What are the symptoms of massage release toxins?

Feeling unwell after a deep massage is common due to the body's response to toxin release, immune system activation, and muscle recovery. Symptoms like fatigue, mild fever, or nausea usually pass within 24-48 hours. Staying hydrated, resting, and eating light meals can help speed up recovery.

How long does massage fatigue last?

You may feel more energetic, have greater focus and productivity at work and home. There is a possibility you may feel sore for 24-48 hrs after the massage but that will ease and eventually disappear in the next 24-48 hours.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

  • 1. Excessive Pain: While some discomfort can be normal, especially in deep tissue massages, excessive pain is a red flag.
  • 2. Bruising: Minor bruising can occur, but significant or frequent bruising indicates that the therapist is using too much pressure or improper techniques.
  • 3. Nerve Pain:

Why do I get sore after a massage?

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.

Why do I feel weird 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.

Why do I feel like I have the flu after a massage?

During a massage, increased blood flow and pressure on the muscles can dislodge toxins that have built up over time. These toxins are then flushed into the bloodstream for elimination. This process can cause flu-like symptoms such as pain, muscle soreness, headache, nausea, and fatigue.

How many hours 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.

Can massage drain your energy?

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 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 ...

How do you know if your body is full of toxins?

If you have been fighting a battle with acne, irritations, rashes, or even conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, it could be your body's way of telling you it's getting a bit bogged down by toxins.

Why is my pee dark after a massage?

Your urine may become darker and smelly due to the stimulation of the kidneys. Your urination frequency may also increase throughout the day because your body is ridding itself of all the excess toxins. Lastly, you may feel sore and fatigued following your session.

Why do I hurt days after a massage?

Experiencing muscle ache after a massage is common, particularly with deep tissue massages. This discomfort usually fades within a few days and signifies the body's natural healing process. Understanding the difference between normal and concerning muscle pain is crucial for effective pain management.

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.

Why do I feel sick after lymphatic massage?

If things aren't able to leave our body as quickly as they are accumulating, we may experience something known as a "Detox Flu" after our MLD session. This is due to the temporary strain that detoxification puts on our body, and can include a low-grade fever, chills, and body aches. It's rare, but it can happen.

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.

What happens if you don't shower after a massage?

Myth 3: You cannot shower after a massage

It will not reverse the benefits of massage nor cause too much blood circulation. Showering after massage is a personal preference, not a health risk. The exception is if you've had a skin treatment massaged into your skin.

Do and don'ts after massage?

Drink extra water after your massage. Don't get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you're dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session.

Why do you feel so weird after a massage?

As great as it sounds to have the relaxing effect of deep tissue massage, after the first treatment your body could be dealing with a huge amount of released metabolic waste - and this can trigger a response from your immune system. This toxic overload is what can make you feel poorly.

Can massage bring out a cold?

Massage is unlikely to cause an actual cold or flu unless the Massage Therapist is contagious. However, deep tissue massage is known to cause Post Massage Soreness & Malaise (PMSM). This commonly presents with flu-like symptoms including: Pain.

Why do I feel sick after physical therapy?

Why It Happens: Depending on the diagnosis, physical therapy can be physically demanding. The exercises and activities are designed to challenge the musculature and connective tissue we are targeting, which can lead to tiredness or fatigue after physical therapy.

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 are the most common reaction after massage?

Most Common Side Effects of Deep Tissue Massage
  • Muscle Aches or Fatigue. ...
  • Headaches/Migraines. ...
  • Fatigue or Sleepiness. ...
  • Inflammation. ...
  • Redness or Heat (Skin) ...
  • Nausea. ...
  • Bruising. ...
  • Aggravating an Older Injury. Relaying past injuries to your massage therapist is crucial for avoiding such side effects from past injuries.

Why am I dehydrated after a massage?

The massage process can also cause the body to lose fluids due to sweating and increased blood flow. Additionally, during a massage, muscle movement and manipulation can cause the body to release toxins, which can dehydrate the body.

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