What happens to your body after a deep tissue massage?

Author: Mayra Wolf  |  Last update: Sunday, July 20, 2025

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.

What are the side effects of deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage is well known for having some harsh side effects, such as pain, sore muscles, headache, and nausea.

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.

How long does it take to recover from a deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage can leave the body feeling sore for a few days after the massage. It is important to drink plenty of water and rest to help the body recover. Soft tissue massage does not typically cause soreness, and recovery time is minimal.

What happens to muscles during deep tissue massage?

The whole point of this treatment is to break up muscle tension, adhesions and scar tissue that often lie in deeper musculature, so your therapist will likely be applying a good deal of pressure. However, you should let them know if this becomes too uncomfortable.

Six Things You Need to Know About Deep Tissue Massage

What is the disadvantage of deep tissue massage?

Side effects

People may experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage, particularly if a therapist targets problem areas. They can let their massage therapist know if a massage becomes too painful. Although massage has a low risk of harm, deep tissue massage may not be suitable for everyone.

Do massages actually get knots out?

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.

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.

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.

How often is it OK to get a deep tissue massage?

Regular deep tissue massages can significantly enhance general wellness, muscle health, and flexibility. For optimal results, a monthly session is commonly recommended. Athletes may benefit from bi-weekly sessions to support muscle recovery and prevent injuries.

Why am I so tired after a deep tissue massage?

Feeling fatigue after a massage is a common and normal reaction. Massages influence blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate, resulting in feelings of tiredness.

What is the best drink after a massage?

Drinking water improves the body's ability to deal with fatigue and pain in general. Along with hydrating, take a day to rest after a massage, and try to avoid intense exercise to give your muscles a chance to catch their breath.

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.

Why do I feel weird after deep tissue 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 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 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.

What chemical is released after a massage?

Endorphins. While technically not a toxin, the release of endorphins during a massage is a significant benefit. These "feel-good" hormones naturally boost mood and relieve pain.

Where does the fluid go after lymphatic massage?

A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.

Do you retain water after a deep tissue massage?

The squeezing that the massage therapist does during your appointment releases fluids from your muscle tissues and into your vascular system. That means that you have to restock up on all of the water you lost during your massage.

How many calories do you burn in a deep tissue massage?

An hour-long massage can burn more calories than you might think -- 230 calories -- the same as an hour of light weight training.

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.

Can a masseuse feel tension?

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.

What is inside a muscle knot?

What are muscle knots? Knots are comprised of tense muscle fibers. "Muscle knots are actually hyperirritable spots in muscle or fascial tissue [bands or sheets of connective tissue] known as myofascial trigger points," Charleston says.

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