Why do I feel spaced out after a massage?

Author: Prof. Alexys Hamill MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

These points collectively explain why fatigue is a common reaction after a massage. The physiological changes like increased blood flow and reduced heart rate, combined with the psychological relief from stress, create an environment where the body feels more at ease but also more tired.

Is it normal to feel off balance 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.

How long does massage fatigue last?

You may feel more energetic, have greater focus and productivity at work and home. There is a possibility you may feel sore for 24-48 hrs after the massage but that will ease and eventually disappear in the next 24-48 hours.

Why does my body feel weird after massage?

Experiencing soreness or tight muscles is normal after a massage, especially if it's been a while since your last massage or you've never had one. Bodner points out that this discomfort usually lasts a few hours to about a day and a half.

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?

Why do I feel foggy after a massage?

While it's not common, some people may experience brain fog or difficulty concentrating after a massage. This can be due to the deep state of relaxation that massage can induce, which can make it harder to focus or think clearly.

Do muscle knots hold toxins?

Muscle knots don't contain toxins. But some people claim that deep tissue massage can lead to lymphatic drainage and the release of toxins. While the lymphatic system does work to remove waste products from your body, there's limited research on lymphatic drainage treatment in general.

Is it normal to feel unwell after a massage?

Feeling unwell after a massage is normal and may include symptoms like headache, muscle soreness, nausea, and fatigue due to toxin release.

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.

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.

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 many hours should you rest after a 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.

Can massage drain your energy?

Essentially, massage relaxes both the mind and body which, for some people, can result in mental tiredness or physical body fatigue. Typically this fatigue is temporary and should resolve itself after a good night's sleep.

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.

How often should you get a massage?

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.

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.

Why do I feel woozy after a 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.

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.

Why do I feel weird after deep tissue massage?

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.

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.

Can releasing muscle knots make you feel sick?

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.

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.

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.

Why is my pee dark after a massage?

Your urine may become darker and smelly due to the stimulation of the kidneys. Your urination frequency may also increase throughout the day because your body is ridding itself of all the excess toxins. Lastly, you may feel sore and fatigued following your session.

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