Painful Massage: Possible Injury Vs. Common Side Effects

Understanding the Side Effects of Advanced Therapeutic Massage and How to Manage Them

Deep tissue and advanced therapeutic massages are powerful tools for relieving muscle tension, improving circulation, and promoting overall relaxation. However, after receiving an intense or deep massage, many clients experience side effects in the days following the session. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to more intense soreness. Understanding these effects, knowing how to differentiate them from potential injuries, and having strategies for managing discomfort can help you recover quickly and safely.

Common Side Effects of Deep Tissue Massage

Advanced therapeutic techniques such as deep tissue massage work on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. While this can yield significant therapeutic benefits, it can also cause some temporary side effects, particularly if you’re new to deep tissue massage or if the session was particularly intense.

Muscle Soreness or Tenderness

One of the most common side effects is muscle soreness. This is often referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and occurs as the muscles react to the deep pressure and manipulation. Similar to the feeling after a strenuous workout, the soreness may peak 24-48 hours after the session and may last a few days.

Bruising

Deep tissue massage targets knots and tight muscles with significant pressure, which can sometimes cause small capillaries to rupture, resulting in bruising. Bruising can vary in severity depending on the intensity of the massage and the client’s individual sensitivity.

Headaches

Some individuals may experience mild to moderate headaches post-massage, especially if tension was released in the neck, shoulders, or upper back area. This is often due to the release of muscular tension and the potential alteration in posture or alignment.

Fatigue

Massage can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and recovery. While this can be beneficial, it can also lead to a sense of fatigue or drowsiness in the days following the session. The body is working to repair itself and may temporarily feel more tired than usual.

Increased Flexibility

After the deep manipulation of muscles, you may experience a temporary increase in flexibility, especially if tight areas were worked on during the session. While this is usually a positive effect, some may feel odd or “loose” in the days following treatment.

How to Relieve Discomfort After Deep Tissue Massage

If you experience discomfort after a deep tissue massage, there are several ways to relieve these side effects at home.

Stay Hydrated

One of the best ways to alleviate soreness and flush out toxins released during the massage is by drinking plenty of water. Massage helps release metabolic waste from muscles, and staying hydrated supports the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Gentle Movement and Stretching

Though it may seem counterintuitive, light activity such as gentle stretching, walking, or yoga can help improve circulation and alleviate soreness. Avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two, but light stretching can help prevent stiffness.

Apply Heat or Cold

Alternating hot and cold packs can help ease muscle soreness. A cold compress can reduce inflammation and numb the area, while heat (such as a warm bath or heating pad) can promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension.

Take Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salts contain magnesium, which can help relax muscles and reduce soreness. Taking a warm bath with Epsom salts can be especially soothing for areas that were worked on intensely during the massage.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

If the discomfort is more intense, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and help with pain relief. However, always follow the recommended dosage and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Recognizing the Difference Between Normal Discomfort and Injury

It’s important to distinguish between typical post-massage soreness and the possibility of injury. While soreness is normal after a deep tissue massage, certain signs may indicate something more serious.

Normal Symptoms

• Mild to moderate soreness that typically lasts 1-3 days.

• Tenderness in the areas worked on, which will subside with rest and self-care.

• Muscle fatigue or tiredness, which is a natural result of the massage’s therapeutic effect.

• Bruising in areas where deep pressure was applied.

Signs of Injury

• Sharp or radiating pain that does not subside after a few days or gets worse over time.

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in limbs, which could indicate nerve irritation or compression.

• Persistent swelling that doesn’t improve with rest or ice.

• Pain that worsens with movement or doesn’t improve with home care.

If you experience any of the latter symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider as they could indicate a more serious issue, such as a muscle strain, ligament injury, or nerve impingement.

When to See a Doctor

While most of the side effects of deep tissue massage are temporary and can be managed with at-home care, there are certain situations where it’s important to seek professional medical advice:

Persistent pain that doesn’t improve or gets worse over several days.

Severe bruising or swelling that seems excessive or doesn’t resolve.

Numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or other parts of the body, which may indicate nerve injury.

Fever or chills, which could signal an infection, especially if you received a massage in a more sensitive area or had open skin.

Dizziness or fainting, which could be a sign of a more serious reaction.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are normal or if they persist beyond a few days, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor for a professional evaluation.

If You Are Injured During a Massage

If you experience an injury during a massage therapy session, it’s important to immediately inform the therapist about your symptoms and follow up with your medical provider to get a second opinion on whether your symptoms are coming from an injury or are a common side effect of the service you received. Make sure to notify the practice in writing, detailing the injury and any discomfort you’re experiencing including relevant dates and times. Documenting this information and keeping detailed records, including any relevant correspondence, will be crucial should you need to file a claim under the therapist’s professional liability insurance. This insurance is legally required in the State of Texas, and it is designed to protect both you and the therapist in case of an incident, so it’s essential to follow the proper steps to ensure your well-being and safeguard your rights.

Conclusion

Advanced therapeutic massages, including deep tissue work, can provide significant benefits for muscular tension, pain relief, and overall relaxation. However, it’s common to experience temporary discomfort following these treatments. Understanding the typical side effects, knowing how to manage them, and recognizing the signs of potential injury can help you recover safely and quickly. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional to ensure your well-being.

References:

1. Cummings, T. M., & White, A. R. (2001). Massage Therapy: The Evidence for Effectiveness. British Journal of Pain, 15(1), 3–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/030573560101500104

2. Gertsmann, S., & Batchelor, M. (2020). Understanding Soft Tissue Pain: The Role of Massage Therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(4), 57–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.07.004

3. Hurley, J. C., & Watson, A. (2019). Effectiveness of Deep Tissue Massage for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(2), 118–125. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0251