Why do I feel bad the day after a deep tissue massage?

Author: Shawna Rogahn  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

A deep tissue massage usually leaves the muscles feeling sore, as if clients have done intense exercise, and when there is muscle soreness, the immune system naturally activates T-Cells to try to repair those muscles. As such, this immune system response can make some clients feel as if they are ill.

Is it normal to feel unwell after deep tissue massage?

Fatigue after a deep tissue massage is a common and usually normal response. This fatigue can be seen as the body's way of managing the physiological changes it undergoes during the massage. Other typical side effects include muscle soreness, headaches, flu-like symptoms, and dizziness.

Why do I feel bad the day after a massage?

Muscle soreness: Another reason why some individuals may feel sick after a deep tissue massage is due to muscle soreness or inflammation caused by the intense pressure applied during the session. This soreness can manifest as feelings of fatigue, weakness, or general malaise which may be mistaken for illness.

How do you feel the next day after a deep tissue massage?

Most clients report feeling mild soreness akin to DOMS after deep tissue massage. This usually lasts a few days after which time clients report benefits such as pain relief, improved range of motion, better sleep, and lower blood pressure.

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.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

What is post massage malaise?

Flu-like symptoms are fairly common after a deep tissue massage, and is known as Post Massage Soreness & Malaise (PMSM). PMSM presents differently in everyone with different degrees of severity, and the appearance of different flu-like symptoms.

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.

How long does it take your body 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.

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 are the side effects of deep tissue massage?

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.

How long does inflammation last after deep tissue massage?

A deep tissue massage can help to reduce muscle tension, increase blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles, reduce pain and stiffness, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. It may also cause some soreness or discomfort, but it typically disappears within a day or two.

What happens if you don't drink enough water after a massage?

If you do not drink water after a massage, you may experience some short-term effects such as feeling thirsty or experiencing dry mouth. It is important to drink water after a massage to help your body flush out any toxins that may have been released during the massage.

Why do I feel sick after lymphatic drainage?

Some folks are just more sensitive to the detox process and it may make you feel crummy. Now when I say this, the crumminess last less than 24 hours. You could experience flue-like symptoms like nausea, headaches, achiness, swollen lymph nodes and fever.

Why am I so tired after a deep tissue massage?

Clients often report feeling tired or fatigued after a deep tissue massage. This is completely normal and may be a result of the massage releasing tension and reducing both mental and physical stress.

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 ...

What are the metabolic wastes after massage?

By releasing a variety of toxins — from metabolic wastes like lactic acid and urea to stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline — massage provides a plethora of health benefits that extend well beyond simple relaxation.

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 massage therapists feel inflammation?

Massage therapist can feel heat and inflammation in an acute injury. Chronic injuries show in the form of dehydrated muscles that feel tight.

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.

Should you rest the day after a deep tissue massage?

How Long Should You Rest After a Sports 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.

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.

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 color is urine when detoxing?

Yes, your urine may be pale yellow or even darker if you are detoxing. In addition, they can even have a strong smell indicating an overload of molecules that need to be treated during detox.

What are the symptoms of heavy metals in the body?

Acute exposures are dangerous and can quickly cause serious health effects or death. Some signs of acute poisoning can be confusion, numbness, nausea and vomiting, and coma. If you are concerned about acute heavy metal poisoning, call the Oregon Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 and contact your health care provider.

What is the fastest way to flush your body of toxins?

Do mainstream detox products work? The human body has a self-based mechanism to remove toxins. The fastest way to detox your body is to drink water, get enough sleep, exercise, lower sugar intake, and eat probiotic foods. In recent years, "detox" has become somewhat of a buzzword.

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