What is the crunchy sound during massage?

Author: Lois Oberbrunner  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

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 crackling sound during a massage?

There's no risk in doing this, Press says. That's just air or gas bubbles being released in the synovial fluid around the joint.

Why does my neck sound crunchy when I massage it?

Often, the sound occurs due to the movement of air trapped within the fluid of the joints. It may also occur due to slight changes in how the ligaments or tendons move. However, if swelling or pain accompanies it, the noises could indicate an underlying health condition.

What is the crunchy feeling when massaging feet?

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.

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.

Clearing Out HUGE KNOTS - Crunchy Sounds and Cracks Released

What is the crunchy feeling when massaging?

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 are the symptoms of fascia release?

Following Myofascial release, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
  • Sore Muscles: Aches and pains are common for around 24 hours after your treatment as the body flushes out the toxins that release. ...
  • Unusual Sensations: As MFR therapy sessions relax and unwind chronically tight muscles and connective tissue.

Why does my foot crackle when I massage it?

One common reason for the cracking noise is what's known as cavitation. This is where changes in joint pressure can cause tiny bubbles of gas trapped in your joint's synovial fluid to burst.

What is a crunchy knot in the foot?

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot (nodule) in the arch of the foot. It is embedded within the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot.

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.

How to get rid of crunchy knots?

How to get rid of muscle knots
  1. Therapeutic massage.
  2. Therapeutic stretching techniques.
  3. Dry-needling.
  4. Low-level laser therapy.
  5. Electrostimulation.
  6. Pulsed ultrasound.
  7. Mechanical vibration.
  8. Ischemic compression.

Why do my muscles make a crunching sound?

Crepitus is a crackling or popping sound that occurs as a result of tissues rubbing together. The sound results from an unusual interaction between air, fluid, or bone. It is common among older adults, and it can sometimes signify an underlying condition.

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.

Why do muscle knots pop?

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 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.

Do muscle knots feel crunchy?

Ever felt a crunch when massaging a knot? That crunchy feeling can be scar tissue, metabolic waste buildup, or fascial adhesions in your muscle. Muscle knots can be present in both superficial muscles, like the trapezius, and deeper ones like the rhomboids, which reside under the trapezius.

Why is my fascia crunchy?

Healthy fascia is smooth, slippery and flexible. Factors that cause fascia to become gummy and crinkle up (called adhesion) include: A lifestyle of limited physical activity (too little movement day after day) Repetitive movement that overworks one part of the body.

How does massage release 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.

Why is the bottom of my foot crunchy when I rub it?

These crunchies were once thought to be an accumulation of metabolic waste (uric and lactic acid). New studies suggest that the crunchies are actually entanglements of nervous tissue which actually indicates unhealthy organs throughout the body.

Why shouldn't you crack your big toe?

Although cracking your toes won't cause arthritis, excessive joint cracking could indicate an underlying issue if it comes with: Pain or stiffness – This could signalosteoarthritis, ligament damage, or other joint problems.

How to tell if fascia is tight?

Symptoms and Causes
  1. Pain that's aching, throbbing, tight, stiff or vice-like.
  2. Trigger points (small bumps, nodules or knots in your muscle that causes pain when touched and sometimes when they're not touched). These commonly develop as the condition worsens.
  3. Sore, tender muscles.
  4. Weak muscles.
  5. Reduced range of motion.

How do you release a fascia knot?

You'll use a foam roller or roller massager to gently apply pressure to your fascial tissues. Some studies have shown using a foam roller for self-myofascial release has helped increase joint range of motion. You should ask your healthcare provider before trying any self-treatment.

What vitamin deficiency causes myofascial pain?

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common muscle condition characterized by painful trigger points. Vitamin D deficiency has been recognized as a precipitating factor of MPS.

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