A deep tissue massage is a type of massage that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.
It is designed to release tension and knots in the muscles, as well as improve overall body function.
After a deep tissue massage feeling sick is one of the possible side effects. It’s nothing to be alarmed about, here is what you need to know:
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What is a deep tissue massage?
During a deep tissue massage, the therapist will use a variety of techniques, including kneading, pressing, and rolling, to apply pressure to the muscles.
The therapist may also use their elbows, fists, or forearms to apply deeper pressure.
Deep tissue massages are often recommended for people who experience chronic muscle tension or have injuries that have caused muscle imbalances.
They can be helpful for relieving pain and improving mobility, as well as reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Deep tissue massages have a bad reputation for being painful, but that’s really not the case.
It can be painful, of course, but it’s more of a good pain than a bad one and a deep tissue massage is typically only painful when it’s doing you more good than harm!
Health benefits of a deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massages have a number of health benefits, including:
- Reducing muscle tension and stiffness; the techniques and pressure used during a deep tissue massage target the deeper layers of muscle, releasing tension and helping to reduce pain.
- Improving circulation; as the pressure and techniques used during a deep tissue massage target the deeper muscle layers, it can help to improve circulation in these areas.
- Decreasing stress; deep tissue massages can help to reduce stress, both physical and mental.
- Reducing inflammation; deep tissue massage techniques may help to reduce inflammation in the body, as well as helping to reduce pain and stiffness.
- Boosting the immune system; deep tissue massages can help to stimulate the immune system, increasing your body’s ability to fight off illness and disease.
As you can see, there are more than a few health benefits that come with getting a deep tissue massage!
Why you might feel sick after a deep tissue massage
It is not uncommon to feel sick after a deep tissue massage, especially if the massage was particularly intense or if you have a lot of muscle tension.
The sickness may be due to the body releasing toxins and waste products that have been trapped in the muscles.
The sickness should go away within a day or two, but it can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the muscle tension.
If the sickness persists for more than a few days or becomes more severe, it is a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or massage therapist.
It’s also important to note that you may feel sick if it’s your first massage or if it’s been a while since you’ve had one.
This is because your body may not be used to the pressure and techniques used in a deep tissue massage and may have more toxins to flush out.
Your body is likely to adjust after a few more massages and the symptoms should go away.
Possible side effects of a deep tissue massage
In addition to feeling sick, there are a few other possible side effects of a deep tissue massage:
- Soreness or tenderness in the areas that were worked on. This is normal and should go away within a day or two.
- Bruising or redness in the areas that were worked on. This is also normal and should go away within a few days.
- Headaches or dizziness. These symptoms may occur if the massage causes the body to release toxins or waste products. They should go away within a day or two.
- Nausea. This may occur if the massage was too intense or if there was a lot of muscle tension.
Deep tissue massages and the pressure associated with the methods can also aggravate old wounds.
Communication is so important, you absolutely have to talk to your massage therapist about how you’re feeling immediately after and in the days following.
Related – Etiquette tips for a deep tissue massage and a Swedish massage!
Why you shouldn’t let feeling sick put you off having a massage
While it is not uncommon to feel sick after a deep tissue massage, it is usually a temporary side effect and should not put you off having a massage.
The benefits of getting regular deep tissue massages outweigh any temporary side effects, so it is important to remember that feeling sick after a massage is usually just your body’s way of releasing toxins and waste products that have been trapped in the muscles.
It is also important to remember to communicate with your massage therapist and let them know how you are feeling during and after the massage.
Your therapist can adjust the pressure or techniques used to make sure that your body is not overloaded with toxins, while still getting all of the benefits of a deep tissue massage.
This will help to ensure that you get all of the benefits without feeling sick afterwards.
So, what are you waiting for? Why not book your next message now?
Image credits – Photo by Benjamin Wedemeyer on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.