Chest Pain After Massage? (here’s What You Need to Know!)

If you’re experiencing chest pain after a massage, it’s important to understand the possible causes and take appropriate action.

Here is a closer look at why someone might experience chest pain after a massage and what to do if this happens.

Why Does My Chest Hurt After a Massage?

There are a few possible reasons why someone might experience chest pain after a massage:

• Muscle strain: Massaging the chest muscles can cause strain or inflammation, which can lead to soreness or pain. This is usually temporary and should resolve on its own within a few days.
• Massaging too hard: If the therapist applied too much pressure during the massage, it could lead to muscle strain or inflammation. It’s important to communicate with your therapist about the level of pressure that you’re comfortable with.
• Heart-related issues: Chest pain can also be a sign of a heart-related issue, such as angina or a heart attack. If you’re experiencing chest pain along with other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or numbness in the arms or legs, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

The bottom line is that it’s not normal to feel chest pain after a massage, and it’s important to be aware of the possible causes.

Related – Here’s what it means if you vomit after a massage.

What Should I Do If I Experience Chest Pain After a Massage?

If you’re experiencing chest pain after a massage, the first step is to take a few deep breaths and relax.

If the pain persists or worsens, contact your doctor.

It’s also a good idea to contact your massage therapist and let them know what happened, so they can take steps to avoid any potential issues in the future.

If you’re not sure what caused your chest pain, it’s also important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be responsible.

Your doctor can help you determine what might be causing the chest pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Can Massaging Too Hard Cause Damage?

Massaging too hard can cause muscle strain or inflammation, which can lead to soreness or pain. It’s important to communicate with your therapist about the level of pressure that you’re comfortable with to avoid overdoing it.

Don’t ever feel like you can’t speak up during a massage, no matter how relaxed the atmosphere is your therapist would rather you tell them if you feel any pain or discomfort.

Letting your massage therapist know right away enables them to adjust the pressure or technique accordingly.

However, massaging too hard is generally not considered to be harmful or damaging to the muscles in the long term, so don’t worry.

What to Do if Your Chest Hurts After a Massage

If you’re experiencing chest pain after a massage, here are a few things you can do:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication: If the pain is mild, you may be able to relieve it with over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the package.
• Apply heat to the affected area: Heat can help to relax sore muscles and improve circulation. Try using a heating pad, warm compress, or hot water bottle to apply heat to the affected area.
• Get plenty of rest: It’s important to give your body time to rest and recover after a massage. Try to get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activity for a few days after your massage.
• Contact your therapist: If the pain persists or is severe, it’s a good idea to contact your massage therapist or healthcare provider for further guidance. They can help to determine the cause of the pain and suggest appropriate treatment options.

Some Other Possible Side Effects of Massage Therapy

In addition to chest pain, there are a few other possible side effects of massage therapy that you should be aware of:

• Soreness: Massage can cause inflammation in the muscles, which can lead to soreness. This is usually temporary and should resolve on its own within a few days.
• Headache: Some people may experience a headache after a massage, especially if they have tension headaches or migraines. This is usually temporary and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication.
• Nausea: Some people may feel nauseous after a massage, especially if they have a sensitive stomach or are prone to motion sickness. This is usually temporary and can be relieved with over-the-counter medication or by eating a light, easy-to-digest meal.

Related – Here is what you need to know about taking Tylenol after a massage.

Always Talk to Your Therapist!

If you’re ever feeling uncomfortable or in pain during a massage, it’s important to let your therapist know right away.

Communication is everything when it comes to massage therapy, it’s essential you tell your therapist how you’re feeling during and after a treatment to make sure you’re getting the most out of the experience.

They can adjust the pressure or technique accordingly to make sure the massage is comfortable for you and helps to alleviate any pain or discomfort.

At the end of the day, it’s important to listen to your body and go at a pace that is comfortable for you.

A massage is supposed to be enjoyable, and rejuvenating, and offers a number of positive health benefits, both physical and mental.

With the right therapist and you doing your part to communicate, you can be sure that your massage experience will be both comfortable and effective.

Image credits – Photo by Matteo Vistocco on Unsplash