Potential Deep Tissue Massage Side Effects
The risk of deep tissue massage side effects is low in the hands of an experienced therapist on an otherwise healthy person. Some amount of soreness can occur the day after a deep tissue massage. You may also notice mild bruising if you . In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur including:
- Nerve injury
How Does Deep Tissue Massage Work
When injured, muscle fibres stick together or tear. We dont know why this happens but we know that heat and compression helps break up the fibres and heal the tears. This is where deep tissue massage can help.
Deep tissue massage promotes blood flow to the injured area and creates micro-tears in the muscle tissue, to speed up the healing process.
Why am I sore after a deep tissue massage? Because the area becomes bruised, and this is what causes the pain after the massage. You should only feel this to the touch. You may or may not see bruising on the skin.
Your muscles should feel like theyve had an exercise session. Your injury should not feel worse. If your injury feels worse, the massage may have been too firm, or that your condition cannot be remedied with massage.
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Be sure to communicate any areas of concern/pain that need to be addressed . It is always helpful to express whether it is a deep pain vs. superficial so that the therapist will have a better idea of how to go about addressing it.
You also need to inform your therapist of any medical issues/problems especially related to the body.
What Are The Benefits Of Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage offers both physical and psychological benefits. Unlike other massage techniques that focus on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps to treat muscle pain and improve stiffness. But it can still help to you unwind mentally, too.
A 2014 study involving 59 participants found that deep tissue massage helped to reduce pain in people with chronic low back. The authors likened its effects to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen .
People have also reported that deep tissue massage helps with:
- sports injuries
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What You Should Do After A Massage Treatment
So, youve had your massage, youre feeling nice and relaxedyou know, that muscles melting off yourbones feeling. You know your massage therapist was talking to you at the end of the treatment, but you were feeling too sleepy to really take it in. So what to do now? I mean, you had a massage for a reason right? It could have been to relax, de-stress and have some me time. Perhaps it was because youve had some nasty tight spots that needed an ease off. Maybe you had an injury and you were looking for a way to help speed your recovery. You could even be one of those people, who is so tuned into what your body needs, that you are having regular maintenance treatments giving your body a regular tune up. Whatever the reason, you want to make sure the benefits are going to last as long as possible dont you? You dont want to lose that lovey, relaxed feeling right away do you? Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your massage session.
Why Do I Feel Terrible The Day After A Massage
Hours or Days After the Massage In some cases, clients who become nauseous after a massage may even vomit and experience muscle pain. Although uncomfortable, these symptoms are often a sign that the massage has successfully performed one of its most important tasks: removing metabolic waste from the muscle tissue via the lymph nodes.
Can a massage cause nausea the next day?
Nausea: Because massage deals with and releases toxins from the body, nausea can sometimes occur after the treatment. It is not uncommon for clients to feel an upset stomach in the hours and days following the massage.
Can a massage cause flu-like symptoms?
People routinely experience pain and discomfort of varying degrees after more tonic massage therapy, a phenomenon known as post-massage pain and discomfort, or PMSM. 23 The worst cases feel like full-blown flu, except they dont last nearly as long.
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How Do You Get Rid Of Crunchy Knots
treatment
- Physical therapy.
What gets rid of muscle knots?
If you find that certain areas knot frequently, ask your doctor about stretching exercises to loosen those muscles and reduce the likelihood of more knots. ice and heat. Most muscle pain responds well to alternating ice and heat. Use an ice pack on the spot for a short time, then switch to a warm compress or heating pad.
Why Do Muscle Knots Feel Crunchy?
As the natural toxins become trapped in the muscle, they often solidify much like calcium deposits in a kettle. Healing and deep tissue massage techniques target these crusty deposits, breaking down the calcified substance into a smaller powder material.
When To Speak Up
Its important to establish open communication with your therapist. Before your appointment, talk to them about any concerns you have regarding your body and discuss the pressure you prefer.
Your therapist will check in during the massage, but if you feel uncomfortable or want them to try a different pressure, speak up. The massage shouldnt feel painful at any time.
Let your therapist know if there are any places you want them to use a different type of pressure on or avoid altogether. Voice your intentions for the massage. A massage to relieve deep muscle knots will be quite different from a massage to stimulate relaxation, so keep this in mind.
Its also important to let your therapist know if you have any medical concerns or injuries.
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Can You Get A Deep Tissue Massage Every Day
Deep Tissue Massage For pain relief, you can have a deep tissue massage daily, a few times a week, or a few times a month. Your massage therapist can recommend a frequency and duration to address the underlying health condition that prompts this type of massage.
Can the body massage be done daily?
You can enjoy a relaxation massage once a year or two days in a row or even twice a day to relax without harm. You can benefit from massage sessions once or twice a week to keep your muscles, joints and tissues supple and in good shape.
Can you do too much deep tissue massage?
Well, if youre wondering is too much massage harmful? you probably have good health insurance or use self-massage techniques and instruments. And the answer is yes, it can be. Massage is more than just a good feeling: Among other things, it triggers chemical changes, blood circulation and the movement of lymphatic fluid.
Who Performs Deep Tissue Massage
Physical therapists and massage therapists perform deep tissue massage. Physical therapists are healthcare providers who specialize in movement. They use prescribed exercise, hands-on manipulation, and education to help people improve their quality of life. This may include restoring function and movement, managing pain and other symptoms, and preventing disability.
A is a licensed professional who uses hands-on manipulation of the bodys soft tissues to improve a persons well-being both physically and mentally. While anyone can see a massage therapist, you may need a doctors order to visit a physical therapist.
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Take Supplements Or Vitamins With Omega
Along with drinking water and getting plenty of rest, including omega-rich foods into your diet may also help relieve soreness post-massage such as sardines, walnuts, eggs, and salmon.
Supplements like Omega-Meal can also help to provide those omega acids and other nutrients that your body may be craving post-massage.
Remember, it is always important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements or vitamins!
How Do I Prepare For A Deep Tissue Massage
No special preparation is necessary for a deep tissue massage. For your comfort, empty your bladder before the massage starts. If you are having a full body deep tissue massage, you will be lying on your stomach halfway through the appointment. For this reason, it may also be helpful to avoid large meals before a massage. Enjoy a nutritious snack about an hour before your massage.
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your session begins. This will give your mind and body time to relax and think about what to share with the therapist.
Bring a bottle of water with you.
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Things You Should Not Do After A Massage Therapy To Ensure Full Benefits
Massage therapy is applied to treat and manage various health conditions. Moreover, it can help to enhance the wellness of a person.
Based on scientific research, massage therapy provides various health benefits to the body. It is effective for chronic back pain and chronic tension headache. Moreover, it can help manage depression, anxiety, stress, pain, and inflammation. In addition, it can help to improve the quality of sleep.
However, did you know that there are things that you should not do after massage therapy to ensure full benefits? Let us find out!
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At Secret Spa we offer both 60 minute and 90 minute deep tissue massages at home. Our trained and experienced massage therapists come to you.
Looking for a different type of massage? We also offer relaxing Swedish massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, lymphatic drainage massage and reflexology.
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Muscle Soreness And Fatigue
Another commonly stated deep tissue massage side effect is muscle soreness and fatigue. And its easy to understand why.
The aim of this massage is to penetrate through the top layers of muscle and work out the built-up tension in the deeper muscles. This, done with precise pressure techniques, leaves the muscles relaxed. And this in turn can cause a fatigue effect and some sore muscles.
Any pain, discomfort and fatigue should not last more than a few days.
What Is The Crunching Sound When I Get A Massage
This popping or crunching sensation breaks down what has built up, making the body better able to flush out those toxins. Some clients may flinch at this sensation, others describe it as good pain and feel better immediately once this happens.
What are crunchies in massage?
These knots usually sound and feel crispy. Ive heard that this crispness comes from either the buildup of connective tissue or the buildup of calcium crystals. Muscle knots essentially have reduced blood flow and circulation, which means toxins can become trapped in these areas.
Why do my muscles crunch when massaging?
Muscle attachments feel like a pop, pop, pop as your therapist works on them. But its the fascia, or lining, around your muscles that clenches with repetitive motion. The friction and pressure exerted by your masseur causes the fascia to contract again.
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Proven Benefits Of Deep Tissue Massage
What Is Deep Tissue Massage
The benefits of deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia .
Unlike Swedish massage, which has a relaxing effect and uses lighter pressure, deep tissue massage is done using deep finger pressure with strokes that are firm and slow. Deep tissue massage has several therapeutic effects and can be used to treat many different conditions. This type of massage is ideal for the treatment of major muscle groups like the neck or lower back. It can also be used to relieve strain and treat injuries in your joints and tendons.
What To Expect
The first thing to bear in mind is that deep tissue massage is used for therapy and rehabilitation, not relaxation. So you need to be prepared to feel some discomfort during a deep tissue massage and even after. You will most probably lie on your stomach or back while the massage therapist applies various degrees of pressure on tight muscles that have issues and are lying dormant in your body.
Are There Any Side Effects
Its not unusual to have some lingering soreness for a few days following a deep tissue massage. Using a heating pad or a cold pack wrapped in a towel may help to relieve soreness.
Though massage therapy is generally safe, deep tissue massage uses very firm pressure and may not be safe for everyone.
Speak to your doctor before having a deep tissue massage if you:
- have a history of blood clots or a clotting disorder
- have a bleeding disorder
- have cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation
Anyone with osteoporosis or cancer thats spread to the bones should avoid deep tissue massage as the firm pressure used may cause a fracture. You should also hold off on deep tissue massages if youre pregnant. Gentler types of massage, such as Swedish massage, may be a better option.
If you have an open wound or skin infection of any kind, youll need to reschedule to avoid developing a new infection or making an existing one worse.
If you want to try a deep tissue massage, its important to work with a qualified massage therapist.
To find a massage therapist:
- ask your doctor or physical therapist for a referral
- ask friends and family for a recommendation
- use the America Massage Therapy Associations database
As you sort through potential massage therapists, keep a few things in mind:
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What To Avoid After A Deep Tissue Massage
So, I told you what to do and how long you need to be in the chill zone after your massage. Now let me clarify what you shouldnt do:
- Dont Drink Cold Water: Water works wonders, but cold water has its own side effects due to the temperature. It will tighten up the muscles you just healed, leading to cramps or spasms. So, the water you drink has to be room temperature or warm.
- Say No to Alcohol: Were you thinking of relaxing with a chilled beer or a cup of wine? Well, this isnt the time. Avoid alcohol at least for 24 hours. Youve just calmed yourself and purified our blood. Alcohol will just get you really high again and fill up new toxins.
- Avoid Caffeine: No coffee or any other caffeine rich drinks please. Caffeine simply reverses the effects of deep muscle massage.It will dehydrate you and strain your muscles again.
- No Running Around: Not only have you just got immense relaxation youve got rid of knots on your muscles. Youre in a delicate state for some time when youve just got a really strong massage. So, no strenuous exercising, running, dancing or rushing here and there.
What To Expect In A Massage
Your massage therapist will start with a kneading style of massage, generating some heat in the tissue to start to warm up the muscle and help you relax. They then might perform firm stripping motions in the direction of the muscle they are treating. A good massage therapist can often be able to feel the change in tissue tension and know where you are tight, where you have trigger points and taught bands.
Unfortunately this can often be uncomfortable.
Your massage therapist should always work within your pain threshold and ask you if the pressure is okay. They may even ask you to grade the pain out of ten. Dont be afraid to speak up if the pressure is too much for you. In this case, pain is not gain. Too much pressure may be doing further damage to the muscle and cause your injury to flare up further.
The massage therapist will use their palms, knuckles, fist, forearm and even their elbow. The speed of the strokes will most likely be slow and even stop and hold at points with more tension until it eases.
Dont forget to breathe
Be sure to breathe throughout the treatment, this may sound obvious, but youd be surprised how many people hold their breathe to cope with the pain. If you need to hold your breath, then the pressure is too much. Deep breathing can help you tolerate more pressure and the oxygen will help the muscles release. Your massage therapist may even ask you to take a deep breath into the muscle that they are treating.
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What Should You Do After A Deep Tissue Massage
If you are considering visiting a massage therapist for the first time, then it is important that you know what to expect. So many people visit massage therapists and dont know what to do after their appointment!
After your deep tissue massage, there are some simple things that you should be doing in order to ensure that your muscles recover properly. In this blog post, we will discuss just a few of these steps so that you can come out feeling rejuvenated and refreshed!
How Many Massages Does It Take To Get Rid Of Muscle Knots
Find the tight spots . Use your fingers to press firmly into the trigger points. Repeat this for three to five minutes, ideally five or six times a day.
How often do muscle knots work?
Use your fingers to press firmly into the trigger points. Repeat this for three to five minutes, ideally five or six times a day. âIt has to be part of the daily routine,â says Dr. adams
How long do muscle knots last?
Some doctors believe that the muscle spasms can affect blood flow, and this is what makes the knotted area painful. Other doctors say the pain could be caused by nerves triggered by the spasms. Regardless of the cause, a muscle knot is painful, and this pain can last for days or weeks.
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