Release of toxins: Deep tissue massage is known for its ability to release toxins trapped in the muscles through manipulation and pressure techniques. When these toxins are released into the bloodstream, it can sometimes overwhelm the body's detoxification systems, leading to feelings of sickness or flu-like symptoms.
Sports massage and deep tissue massage often leaves the muscles feeling sore, a feeling akin to DOMS, and when muscles are sore, the immune system naturally activates T-Cells to try to repair the muscles. It is this response that is thought to make clients feel sick after massage.
This is the healing crisis which essentially means you may feel worse before you feel better. Your restrictions are releasing which shifts alignment and can cause achiness in unfamiliar areas. It's recommended that you gently stretch these areas and drink lots of water.
Flu-like symptoms are fairly common after a deep tissue massage, with symptoms including headache, soreness, fatigue, and nausea. However, this is not caused by the release of toxins, as has been widely believed by both clients and industry professionals for many years.
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.
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.
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.
Not only can the symptoms intensify, but also other sensations or emotions may come to the surface. Usually this process lasts around 48 hours, but can go on longer. This is your body's way of bringing your awareness into what you are actually dealing with everyday, but you "tune out" and don't feel.
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 It Happens: Depending on the diagnosis, physical therapy can be physically demanding. The exercises and activities are designed to challenge the musculature and connective tissue we are targeting, which can lead to tiredness or fatigue after physical therapy.
Like other forms of massage, there are few risks to myofascial release therapy. Just like all forms of massage, you may feel some detox symptoms after myofascial release. This may include soreness, light bruising, headaches, dizziness, or fatigue.
Among the various body regions, one area stands out as particularly delicate and susceptible to injury during myofascial release—the cervical spine region. The cervical spine, comprising the seven vertebrae in the neck, plays a critical role in supporting the head, facilitating movement, and protecting the spinal cord.
According to a 2018 comparison article , both conditions share similarities, and people may mistake MPS for fibromyalgia. Both conditions cause musculoskeletal pain. People may have MPS or fibromyalgia if they have persistent pain for more than 3 months. Both conditions may involve central sensitization.
It is possible for the relief to be significant for a long period of time. Are there any side effects? Side effects from Myofascial Release Therapy may include a bruising sensation, actual bruising, nausea, dizziness, temporary pain flares, and fatigue.
The first sensation you'll get is a springing give that feels like a release. This is the tissue's elastic component giving way, which means you stop there, you won't see a long-term difference right away because it takes time to get deeper into the more plastic part of the tissue.
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 ...
Few people have negative reactions to lymphatic massage. But some people develop side effects like fatigue, headaches or nausea. If this happens, let your healthcare provider know. They can tell you how to reduce your risk for these complications.
With severe swelling, the lymph fluid can drain through small breaks in the skin or cause blistering. Skin changes. In some people with very severe lymphedema, the skin of the affected limb can thicken and harden so it resembles the skin of an elephant.
Lymphatic vessel
However, through the function of cell components, toxins can be excreted. Mitochondria from oxygen and lysosomes help remove waste from cells into the bloodstream and they are further excreted from the body by the liver and kidneys.
Signs your body is releasing trauma can sometimes be subtle or surprising, but recognizing them is key for moving forward in your healing journey. Here are some signs to look for: Sudden emotional outbursts such as crying or laughter. Changes in physical health, like reduced muscle tension or headaches.
Aches and pains are common for for around 24 hours after your treatment as the body flushes the toxins that have been released out. In order to speed this process along, drink lots of water after your massage.
The body can hold information below the conscious level as a protective mechanism, so these memories tend to become dissociated. During these times of trauma or injury, our fascia system stores a “holographic” image of our body's position, complete with all the fear, anger, sadness, etc. that was present at that time.
As great as it sounds to have the relaxing effect of deep tissue massage, after the first treatment your body could be dealing with a huge amount of released metabolic waste - and this can trigger a response from your immune system. This toxic overload is what can make you feel poorly.
The main rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) symptoms are muscle pain, dark urine, and feeling weak or tired. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms. Rhabdo symptoms can mimic other conditions like heat cramps and dehydration.
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.