Normally, a massage should serve to increase well-being and regenerate physically as well as mentally. But in some cases, the opposite can occur: Immediately after the massage or even a few days later, you feel sick or dizzy. But what is the reason for this? And what can I do about it? These are the questions I asked myself. In the following article, I would like to answer them.
Short Answer
The feeling of illness after a massage can have various causes. On the one hand, a massage influences the body’s internal processes. For example, the lymphatic system is activated. This should actually serve for the removal of harmful substances and thus for detoxification. For a short time, however, this can lead to an imbalance in the body and thus to discomfort – you feel sick. Symptoms of this are, for example, fatigue, hot flashes, chills or dizziness.
Furthermore, during the massage the muscles are physically stressed. This in turn can lead to sore muscles on the following days, which in some cases feel like aching limbs.
To prevent this or alleviate the symptoms, it often helps to ensure adequate hydration before the massage. This helps the connective tissue to function well. Also, any pre-existing conditions should be discussed with the masseur. If the massage feels too intense or even painful, this should also be communicated during the massage. After the massage you should avoid too much physical exertion. Instead, warm baths and a light stretching of the affected parts of the body are recommended.
Long Answer
You have now learned in brief why people sometimes feel sick after a massage and how to reduce symptoms. In the following, we would like to go into more detail about the background. Also, we describe the symptoms in more depth and explain to you in which cases you should consult a doctor.
Why do you feel sick after a Massage?
If, after the massage, you feel that your general condition is getting worse, this is not uncommon. Often it affects people who have already suffered from pain or muscle stiffness before the massage. The body must first process the effects on the muscles and also cope with the increased blood flow. If the muscles are already preloaded, this does not always work as it should.
Normally, massage should detoxify the body. However, deep tissue massage leads, among other things, to increased blood flow. This, among other factors, leads to metabolic waste reaching the lymphatic system more quickly. The faster delivery of nutrients and oxygen can, in turn, lead to water from the bloodstream being used up. As a result, you feel dehydrated and thirsty.
Furthermore, massages stimulate the lymphatic system. This plays an important role in the detoxification processes in the body. The activation of the lymphatic system can also cause the feeling of illness after a massage. The reason for this is that the lymph fluid is moved more strongly through the body. The toxins contained in it must be filtered out of the body. This leads to additional effort in the liver and kidneys, which in turn can cause flu-like symptoms or headaches.
Symptoms of Post-Massage Sickness
The symptoms of Post-Massage Sickness are similar to those of a classic flu. Accordingly, the following often occur:
- Headache
- Thirst
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sore muscles
- Dragging pain in the muscles
When should I call a doctor?
Feeling sick after a massage is harmless at first. However, it should not be taken lightly. For example, the feeling of sickness should disappear after three days at the latest. If, on the other hand, the feeling of discomfort does not improve, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
There are also the following symptoms, which are by no means normal and should definitely be clarified by a doctor:
- Continuous vomiting
- Intense, wandering, and/or pulsating pain
- Severe mobility problems/paralysis symptoms
- Numbness
- Severe hematomas or sores on the skin
- High fever
- Infections
- Severe increase or decrease in blood pressure
- Chills
- Severe attacks of dizziness or even unconsciousness
- Cardiovascular problems
- Shortness of breath
- Visual disturbances
- Apathy
- Perceptual disturbances
How to prevent feeling sick after a Massage
It may not always be possible to avoid feeling sick after the massage. However, with the following tips you can reduce the risk of feeling unwell after the massage:
Before the massage:
- Drink enough fluids. This helps the connective tissue to function properly.
- If you already have experience with pain after a massage, talk to your masseur about it.
During the Massage:
- Pay attention to your well-being. If the massage is too intense and hurts, tell your masseur.
After the Massage
- Avoid physically demanding activities. Rest instead.
- Take a warm bath or use warming pads if sore muscles or muscle pain occur as a result of the massage.
- Light and especially careful stretching of the affected muscles can also help.
Conclusion – After a Massage I feel sick: What can I do?
It is not uncommon to feel sick after a (professional) deep tissue massage. What causes this and how you can prevent the feeling of illness I have explained to you in the article. I also showed you which complaints you should rather consult a doctor after a massage. I hope that I could help you with that!
