A massage is a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate the body, but it is not uncommon to experience cold symptoms after a massage.
Here’s what you need to know about having cold symptoms after a massage:
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Is it normal to have cold symptoms after a massage?
It is not uncommon to experience cold symptoms after a massage, this is often known as Post Massage Soreness & Malaise (PMSM).
Massage therapy can cause cold-like symptoms due to lowering your immune system and releasing toxins from your body, leading to congestion and other common cold symptoms.
Experiencing a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and even a fever is not that uncommon.
However, it is important to note that cold symptoms after a massage do not necessarily mean that you have an actual cold virus.
The symptoms 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 symptoms persist for more than a few days or become more severe, it is a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or massage therapist.
Other possible side effects of massage therapy
In addition to cold symptoms, there are a few other side effects that may occur after a 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 caused the body to release toxins or waste products. They should go away within a day or two.
If you experience any of these side effects or cold symptoms after your massage, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider or massage therapist and err on the side of caution.
In most cases, these symptoms will pass and it doesn’t mean you’ll always end up feeling like this after a massage.
In fact, it tends to be a lot less likely the more often you have a massage – so don’t let it put you off!
Why do I get a runny nose after a massage?
A runny nose after a massage is usually due to the therapist applying pressure to the muscles and tissues in the neck and throat area, which can cause the body to release toxins and waste products.
It may also be caused by your sinuses draining after the massage.
The runny nose should go away within a day or two, but it can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the muscle tension.
You should be able to treat it and keep it under control using the same treatments you would for any kind of cold-like symptoms.
How long will I feel sick after a massage?
Most cold-like symptoms that occur after a massage should go away within a day or two.
However, it will vary depending on the individual and how quickly you tend to recover from such illnesses.
It may not help to hear this, but it’s actually a good sign and confirms that toxins are being flushed out of the body.
It’s a good idea to drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest in order to help your body recover faster.
You may also want to take a warm bath and give yourself some TLC, always nice to have an excuse to do so!
Related – Here is what to expect the day after a deep tissue massage (yes, you might be sore!)
Don’t let feeling sick put you off having a massage!
I want to end by saying that you shouldn’t let having a cold or some other side effects put you off from having another massage.
Yes, occasionally some side effects may occur but this doesn’t mean that you should avoid massage therapy altogether.
In fact, the benefits of regular massage therapy can be fantastic and should be taken advantage of.
If you haven’t had a massage in a while it can be quite the shock to your body and cause all kinds of aches and pains.
It’s important to remember that the more often you have a massage, the less likely you are to experience any kind of side effects – so don’t let it scare you off!
Talk to your massage therapist and healthcare provider if you have any concerns and get back to enjoying your massage therapy!
Image credits – Photo by Brittany Colette 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.