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

Author: Allen Blick  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 17, 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.

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.

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.

Is it normal to feel ill after a 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.

Is it normal to feel bad after a deep tissue massage?

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.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

What should you not do after a deep tissue massage?

We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.
  • Not Drinking Enough Water. ...
  • Take A Shower Immediately. ...
  • Taking Hot Shower. ...
  • Eating A Large Meal. ...
  • Drinking Coffee. ...
  • Drinking Alcohol. ...
  • Doing Strenuous Exercise or Activities. ...
  • Stressing Yourself Out.

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 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 do you know if you got a bad massage?

Discomfort or Pain During the 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 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 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.

What is the emotional release during a deep tissue massage?

Relaxation Response: Deep tissue massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering the relaxation response. This shift from the fight-or-flight mode to a state of calm and relaxation allows the body to release emotional tension and find balance.

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.

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 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.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

Poor Communication and Boundary Setting. A professional massage therapist should communicate clearly about the massage process and respect your boundaries. Be wary of therapists who are vague or pushy about undressing. As Mikki noted, “If they're trying to brush past anything or be very quick, that's a red flag.

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 long does it take to get over 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 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.

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.

What is the disadvantage of deep tissue massage?

Side effects

People may experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage, particularly if a therapist targets problem areas. They can let their massage therapist know if a massage becomes too painful. Although massage has a low risk of harm, deep tissue massage may not be suitable for everyone.

What are the symptoms of a detox reaction?

Can detox give you flu-like symptoms? Detoxification can give you flu-like symptoms. This is especially common in the early stages of withdrawal from substances such as alcohol, opioids, or certain drugs. These symptoms can include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and even nausea or vomiting.

Can trauma be released through massage?

Holistic Healing Trauma massage therapy addresses both physical and emotional aspects of trauma. By working through physical tension, it often leads to emotional release, promoting comprehensive healing. Reduces Physical Pain Many trauma survivors experience chronic pain.

What is the inflammatory response to massage?

We feel sore after massages for the same reason we feel sore after a good workout, Bodner explains. “It forces blood into your muscles and helps bring in nutrients. This process can temporarily increase inflammation in areas that the body feels need attention.”

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