Why do I feel dizzy after a massage?

Author: Molly Kuhn I  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

During a deep tissue massage, pressure is applied to the muscles which can help improve blood flow and circulation. This sudden increase in circulation can sometimes lead to feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, or nausea as the body adjusts to the changes.

Is it normal to be dizzy after a massage?

No, it's not normal to be dizzy after deep tissue. However, if you have been lying face down on a treatment bed for thirty minutes or an hour, it's not an uncommon for people to have postural hypotension or low-blood pressure as they move from lying to sitting. That dizziness passes through very quickly.

Why does my head feel weird after a massage?

Massages can be pretty intense workouts for your muscles, and they can cause you to lose fluids through sweating and increased circulation. If you're not properly hydrated before and after your massage, you might find yourself with a splitting headache.

Why do you feel spaced out after a massage?

Feeling hung over and groggy after a massage can be attributed to several factors: Release of Toxins: Massages can stimulate the release of toxins stored in muscles. As these toxins are released into the bloodstream, your body may need time to process and eliminate them, leading to feelings of fatigue or grogginess.

Why do I feel so light after a massage?

Massages increase blood flow, which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues, but this process also lowers blood pressure and reduces heart rate. These changes can create a sense of relaxation and lethargy, contributing to feelings of fatigue.

Your Health Matters - Why do I feel dizzy after a deep massage? (powered by MHEALTH)

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.

Is it normal to feel weird after deep tissue massage?

Flu-like symptoms are a fairly common side effect after a deep tissue massage, a phenomenon known as Post Massage Soreness & Malaise (PMSM).

Is it normal to feel unwell after a massage?

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.

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.

What happens to the brain after 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.

Why do I feel weak and shaky after a massage?

Overstimulation Of The Parasympathetic. The second reason is that massaging treatment can revive the parasympathetic nervous system of your body. Due to this, your heartbeat and blood pressure become low. That's why you feel weak and shaky after your massage.

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.

Why does my head feel funny after a massage?

Some people may experience headaches after a massage. It can result from dehydration, sensitivity to scents or environmental factors, muscle tension, or blood pressure changes. This headache usually presents as a dull, achy pain with possible muscle tenderness in the shoulders, neck, or scalp.

When should you worry about dizziness?

In general, see your healthcare professional if you have any repeated, sudden, severe, or long-lasting dizziness or vertigo with no clear cause. Get emergency medical care if you have new, severe dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following: Pain such as a sudden, severe headache or chest pain.

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 ...

Why can't you shower after a massage?

The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.

How often should you get massages?

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.

Can a massage make you dizzy?

Deep tissue work can sometimes cause dizziness or even nausea, especially if you haven't eaten recently or if you got up from the table too quickly. To help prevent these symptoms, make sure you've had a light meal before your appointment and take your time getting up afterward.

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.

Can a massage help a pinched nerve?

A massage to treat a pinched nerve should last around forty-five minutes to an hour for it to fully relax you. You can either opt for a localized massage, in which the area that hurts the most will be focused on, or go for a full body massage to reduce stress levels that may be contributing to the pinched nerve.

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.

Why am I so tired after a massage?

Massage is not just work on the body; it is work on the mind too. It helps to destress and relax you; this in turn may make you feel tired. This is your time to recover your mind and body and it is your body's time to rebalance itself and retune.

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.

Previous article
How do I know if my body is unhealthy?
Next article
What are female sideburns called?