Why do muscles pop during massage?

Author: Janae Fadel  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Trigger points, or muscle knots, are hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle. The pressure applied during therapy can cause these points to release, sometimes resulting in a popping sound. This release can alleviate local and referred pain associated with trigger points.

What are muscle knots that crunch with massage?

Ever felt a crunch when massaging a knot? That crunchy feeling can be scar tissue, metabolic waste buildup, or fascial adhesions in your muscle. Muscle knots can be present in both superficial muscles, like the trapezius, and deeper ones like the rhomboids, which reside under the trapezius.

Is cracking during massage good?

These sounds can be an indication that the massage is targeting those areas and potentially helping to release muscle tension and knots. In many cases, these sounds are harmless and can be associated with the release of gas or air pockets within the joints and soft tissues.

What does it feel like when a muscle knot releases?

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.

Why does my muscle pop when I rub it?

Cracking and popping sounds are often the result of air bubbles that form in the joint fluids or empty spots within the joints (cavitation ).

What Releasing (Another) Muscle Knot Looks Like! Deep Tissue Massage

What is the popping during deep tissue massage?

There's no risk in doing this, Press says. That's just air or gas bubbles being released in the synovial fluid around the joint.

Is it bad if a muscle pops?

Because these types of injuries can range in severity, you should see your doctor right away if you: Are in a significant amount of pain. Cannot walk. Heard a popping sound when the injury occurred.

Is it good to pop muscle knots?

It can help loosen up the muscles and reduce the tension in the knot. Trigger Point Massage – During this type of massage a therapist will begin to apply pressure and stretch the muscle knot to release (a.k.a pop) it. You may experience minor discomfort, but long-term relief during this technique.

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 happens if you over massage a muscle?

Rather than anticipating relief, you anticipate pain which, in turn, makes the session less relaxing. When too much pressure is applied, your muscles take an additional beating that can lead to more bruises, nerve damage, and trauma.

Why do my muscles crack when I massage them?

Trigger points, or muscle knots, are hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle. The pressure applied during therapy can cause these points to release, sometimes resulting in a popping sound.

Where shouldn t you massage?

The types of structures that are vulnerable in an area of caution may include arteries, veins, nerves, bursae, lymph nodes or vessels, or small and fragile bones. Examples of areas of caution for massage include the popliteal space behind the knee, the anterior cervical region, and the axillary region.

How do chiropractors know when to crack?

Observational Analysis: Posture and Movement Assessment

Chiropractors are trained to observe subtle differences in posture and movement that may indicate spinal issues. They assess how patients stand, walk, and move, looking for asymmetries or deviations that could signify spinal health issues.

Do massages actually get knots out?

Massage therapy techniques can help to relieve, reduce or even prevent muscle knots. Deep tissue massage or sports massage techniques work on the muscles that are tight or have the knots. Trigger point massage can be firm and specific pressure to the areas of restriction or “knots” and cause release of that knot.

Why is my back so crunchy when massaged?

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.

What are the Crunchies when massaging feet?

What are they? These crunchy deposits are not attached to muscles or tendons as other theories suggest. They appear to be bundles of connective tissue fibers that are mirroring problems in other parts of the body.

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.

Can too much massage be bad?

Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you'll be able to determine the best frequency because your body's response is a large part of this determination.

What is the best time of day to get a massage?

Specifically, for: Stress aim to schedule an evening massage as it tends to relieve the physical and mental stress accumulated during the day. Alternatively, you can also get such a stress-relieving experience from an afternoon massage (ideally after work). Muscle pain you can aim for an evening massage as well.

Why does pressing on muscle knots feel good?

The theory is when you put pressure on it you're limiting blood flow to the knot, and when you release the pressure, more blood flows in,” he explains. The increased blood flow can help the muscle relax.

Do massage guns release muscle knots?

With proper use and caution, muscle massage guns can be an effective tool for managing muscle knots and improving overall quality of life.

What are knots in your back made of?

Knots are comprised of tense muscle fibers. "Muscle knots are actually hyperirritable spots in muscle or fascial tissue [bands or sheets of connective tissue] known as myofascial trigger points," Charleston says. Trigger points typically fall into one of two categories: Active.

Can you feel muscles healing?

If you are asking “Do muscles hurt when healing?” Yes, you will feel pain and soreness as your muscles heal. You can also feel pain when your muscle is healing after a workout or surgery, which usually last up to 48 hours.

Is it bad when your muscles pop?

Call your doctor promptly if: You hear or feel a pop in your muscle at the time of injury. You have severe pain, swelling or discoloration in the injured muscle. Your injured muscle is obviously weak or has difficulty moving compared to the same muscle on the opposite side of your body.

What is a doctor who specializes in muscles called?

An orthopedic surgeon (orthopedist) is a medical specialist who focuses on injuries and diseases affecting your musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints and soft tissues). Although this type of doctor is a surgeon, they often help people get relief with nonsurgical therapies.

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