Why do deep tissue massages hurt so much?

Author: Kenya Wolf  |  Last update: Thursday, June 19, 2025

Much like any other massage, such as relaxation massage or Swedish massage, deep tissue massage utilises the same techniques and modalities to eliminate pain and/or repair sore muscles, however the amount of pressure applied on the affected areas of the body is much more profound in the case of DTM as the goal is to ...

Is it good if deep tissue massage hurts?

Just like soreness post-workout, pain isn't a sign that your deep tissue massage was effective. If you end up feeling pain during your massage and it's not tolerable, you should always let your massage therapist know.

Does pain mean a massage is working?

Massage can hurt, and the level of discomfort will have a story to tell about current tissue condition. However, whether it hurts to receive deep tissue massage, or not is not an indicator of the effectiveness of treatment. The following paragraphs explain scenarios why massage does not need to feel painful.

Why do I feel so bad after a deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage can make some people feel mentally or physically fatigued. It is thought that this is due to the massage releasing tension, stress, and generally relaxing the person. Some experts actually recommend that people lean into this fatigue as a way of alleviating other side effects.

What happens to your body when you get a deep tissue massage?

By increasing blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, deep tissue massage helps to reduce tension and pain. It also helps to break up adhesions and knots, which can cause discomfort and limit the range of motion.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

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.

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.

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 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.

Why do I cry after a 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.

Why was my massage so painful?

A common example of this is where your masseuse uses too much elbow or shoulder pressure. Another big reason why massages hurt is that the person receiving them isn't relaxed. You might be tense from an earlier experience or from something else in your life that's getting in the way of a good massage.

Who should not get a deep tissue massage?

People with Certain Medical Conditions. While deep tissue massage can be beneficial for many, it's not recommended for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, cancer, or blood clotting disorders, it's best to steer clear of deep tissue work unless your doctor gives you the green light.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.

How often should you get a deep tissue massage?

For optimal results, it is generally recommended to get a deep tissue massage at least once a month. This frequency allows sufficient time for muscle recovery while maintaining the benefits of the treatment.

Can a deep tissue massage go wrong?

Increased Muscle Tension: When experiencing pain, your body naturally responds by tensing up. This involuntary reaction can make the muscles tighter, counteracting the intended benefits of the massage. Injury Risk: Applying excessive pressure can cause bruising, inflammation, and even muscle or tissue damage.

Can a massage therapist feel inflammation?

Limitations and Considerations. It's important to note that while massage therapists can detect signs that may indicate inflammation, they cannot diagnose medical conditions. Their ability to “feel” inflammation is based on the detection of physical changes in the body's tissues and the client's responses.

What areas are off limits during a massage?

These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.

What not to say during a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  • Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  • Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  • Don't break wind. ...
  • Avoid talking too much. ...
  • Don't use your phone. ...
  • Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What is the most relaxing body part to massage?

Choosing Your Massage Focus Target Spots
  • ➪ Head. In our view, a head massage is a great choice for some extra focus, as it can be highly relaxing yet revitalising at the same time. ...
  • ➪ Neck & Shoulders. One of Top 3 selected body parts. ...
  • ➪ Back. ...
  • ➪ Buttocks. ...
  • ➪ Thighs. ...
  • ➪ Calves. ...
  • ➪ Feet. ...
  • ➪ Arms & Hands.

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.

Can a massage therapist tell if you're stressed?

A guest with an agitated mood typically indicates stress. Stress creates tension in body and over time may cause “holding patterns” that are evident when performing a massage. It is easy to tell whether a guest is relaxed or not as soon as they lay down on the table.

Where should a massage therapist not touch?

Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.

Why do I have to pee after a deep tissue massage?

First off, massages are dehydrating. Kneading and working muscle gets fluid pumping out of the soft tissue and into your circulatory system, where it heads toward your kidneys. That's why many people have to pee right after a massage.

Why masseuse burp when massaging?

It's possible that a masseuse burps because he or she receives the effect of the massage itself. “I mean, masseuses use their energy when applying pressures. So maybe, since they're using their own hands, and the therapy oils, there's a stimulation on their palms.

Is it rude to not shower before a massage?

Be sure to come in fresh and clean before your appointment. You don't want any sweat, chlorine or grime rubbed into your skin. Plus, it's just the polite thing to do for your massage therapist. If you have time, a nice, warm shower can help relax your mind and your muscles before your treatment.

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