What is the crunching sound during a massage?

Author: Hermann Thompson  |  Last update: Thursday, May 15, 2025

What's going on inside the muscle? Lack of blood supply to the muscle causes lactic acid to build up, over time this can solidify with calcium deposits and is often the reason we hear a crunching sound when trying to realise the knots.

What is the crunchy stuff during a massage?

The ``crunchy stuff''' you experience while getting a massage is referred to as fibrotic tissue...the body produces fibrotic tissue usually to protect itself from repetitive movements, poor posture, injury, improper nutrition, as examples. Over time, this crunchy stuff can limit ra...

Why does my neck crunch when massaged?

These sounds can often occur due to air escaping the fluid surrounding the joints or from tight tendons rubbing or snapping against the bones.

Why does my fascia feel crunchy?

First, you should know that because fascia is essentially made up of fibrous collagen, it can tighten up and become stiff. Then, it doesn't have the same stretchy mobility as it did. This is how “knots” form. These are the spots on your body that may sound crunchy when getting massaged.

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.

Why Your Neck Crunches, Crackles, and Makes Noise When Moving It? - Dr Mandell

What does it feel like when fascia releases?

When fascia releases, it can feel like taffy softening. Sometimes people may feel cold or heat, tingling or buzzing, burning, or a sense of water or air moving through the area. They may also notice a sensation in an area other than that being treated.

Why does pressing on knots feel good?

When you massage a knot, it often feels like you are stretching a rope or taffy which is stuck in your muscle tissues. This may be a result of increased blood flow to the site of tension, but it also may be due to the relaxation of the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles (called fascia).

Why does my foot crunch when massaged?

Crystalline deposits of waste products such as calcium and uric acid accumulate around nerve endings on the foot and feel 'crunchy'. A swelling or just a strange sensation could indicate a possible problem in the related zone.

How many massages to get knots out?

A weekly or bi-weekly session could prevent these knots from escalating. Conversely, severe knots, causing considerable pain and restricted movement, may require more frequent attention, possibly two to three sessions per week initially. Knowing the severity is key in how often you should get a massage for knots.

What does a ruptured fascia feel like?

If you suffer from a plantar fascia rupture, you may hear or feel a “pop” in your arch. You will also likely experience sharp pain with bruising and swelling in your arch and heel. A torn plantar fascia is very painful and requires proper treatment.

Why do I hear crunching when I get a massage?

Lack of blood supply to the muscle causes lactic acid to build up, over time this can solidify with calcium deposits and is often the reason we hear a crunching sound when trying to realise the knots.

When I rub my neck it makes a crunching sound?

Some of the more common causes of neck cracking and grinding sounds, also called neck crepitus, include: Pressure changes within the cervical facet joints. Ligament or tendon movements around bone or near their bony attachments. Adjacent bones grinding together.

How often should you get a massage?

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 does my neck crunch when I massage it?

Ligaments or tendons snapping over bones can cause cracking sounds due to sudden release of tension. Ligaments and tendons both attach to bones. In some cases, it may be possible for a moving ligament or tendon to make a snapping sound as it moves around a bone and/or over each other.

What does your body release when you get 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.

Do knots pop when massaged?

Trigger points, or muscle knots, are hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle. The pressure applied during therapy can cause these points to release, sometimes resulting in a popping sound.

How many clothes do you take off for a massage?

Remember, it's your choice, so let your therapist know what you are comfortable with. Many customers opt to remove just the top layer as a nice balance between allowing skin access while maintaining a degree of modesty. If being partially dressed feels comfortable to you, then this is the best option.

What happens when a muscle knot releases?

When a muscle is tight like that, it can limit blood flow in that area. The theory is when you put pressure on it you're limiting blood flow to the knot, and when you release the pressure, more blood flows in,” he explains. The increased blood flow can help the muscle relax.

Why do massages feel crunchy?

These knots tend to sound and feel “crunchy.” I've heard this crunchiness comes from either connective tissue build up or from calcium crystal build up. Essentially, muscle knots have reduced blood flow and circulation, which means toxins can become trapped in these areas.

What is knuckling in massage?

Knuckling is another form of kneading but using the knuckles to knead and lift in circular and upwards motions. Scissoring is another petrissage movement that is performed only over a flat area with very little pressure. The index and middle fingers of both hands are only used for this movement.

Why does releasing tension feel good?

Nervous System Calming

Lassey adds that when you stretch, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, creating a state of calm within the body. “This change results in a reduction of stress hormones like cortisol and an increase in the production of endorphins, improving mood.”

Can massage therapists feel your 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.

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