Deep Tissue Massage:
Frequently Asked Questions & Everything You Need to Know
Okay, let’s get real about deep tissue massage. It’s not a spa treatment...trust me, its jut not. Maybe thats another blog for you...I can soap bpx about that all day long!
ANYWAYS!
It’s delicious, there is a discomfort, and it digs deep into those muscles that are screaming for attention. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, those little muscle bumps we call knots, or you just push your body a little too hard in your workouts...
Deep tissue massage can make a world of difference.
But I know you’ve probably got some questions, so let’s break it down.
What should you expect? Why does it hurt sometimes? And how long does that soreness stick around?
Let’s dive in!
Why does deep tissue hurt?
The Hurt So Good Scoop
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Here’s the scoop on why it might hurt (in the best way possible). Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, addressing areas of tension and tightness that can restrict movement. When I apply deep pressure, I’m working to release tension in the muscles and improve blood flow to promote recovery. While this can lead to discomfort, especially when working on areas that are more tense, the temporary soreness is a sign that the body is responding to the release of this built-up tension and stiffness.
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The discomfort you feel is a natural part of the process—think of it like a workout for your muscles. It might sting a little, but that “hurts so good” feeling means it’s working. The relief you’ll feel afterward is totally worth it!"
How long will the soreness last after a deep tissue massage?
Post Massage Soreness
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Post-massage soreness is completely normal. You might feel a little sore for 1-2 days on medium deep pressure, 3-7 days with firm pressure, 7+ days with very firm aka Sandy Firm (lololol), similar to the soreness you feel after a tough workout. This is called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), and it happens because your muscles are being worked in a way they're not used to. That soreness means we’ve done some good work on your muscles, and they’re now recovering and adapting. Don’t stress—it’ll fade within a couple of days, especially if you stay hydrated and stretch lightly. As I always say after your session "water, water, water".
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If the soreness lasts longer than expected or feels off in any way, please let me know. Your feedback is key in helping me adjust future sessions to ensure you're getting the best recovery. I always aim to find the right pressure for your body, but I rely on your input to fine-tune the treatment for maximum benefit.
Why do I feel like a truck hit me after a deep tissue massage?
Triggering a healing response
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Okay, so why does it feel like you’ve been run over by a truck? When we go deep into the muscle tissue, we’re triggering a healing response. This can make you feel a bit sore or even fatigued afterward, just like the way your muscles feel tired after a hard workout. The deep pressure is working through muscle tight muscles and tension, and that’s something your body hasn’t been used to.
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The good news is that this feeling is temporary and a sign that your muscles are finally releasing the built-up tension. In the next day or two, you’ll start feeling the benefits of your deep tissue massage. Your muscles will thank you.
Why do I feel Flu-like symptoms after a deep tissue massage?
Triggering a healing response
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Here’s the truth about that ‘flu-like’ feeling… Deep tissue massage doesn’t release toxins (that’s a myth). But it does cause some temporary discomfort as your body responds to the deep pressure and manipulation of muscle and connective tissue. The feeling you get is actually your muscles and nervous system adjusting to the deep work. It’s similar to the soreness you experience after a tough workout—this is known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
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According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (2012), massage, especially deep tissue work, helps to reduce muscle stiffness and promote recovery by improving blood flow and oxygenating tissues. DOMS usually peaks 24-48 hours after the session and is perfectly normal. The flu-like symptoms are your body's way of processing the intensity of the treatment. Hydration and light movement can help ease this temporary discomfort.
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The “flu-like” symptoms aren’t caused by toxin release, but by the inflammatory response your body has to the deep pressure and stretching of muscles and fascia. When you massage the fascia (the connective tissue around muscles), it encourages better circulation and helps release tension that has built up over time. This is why some people feel a little off post-session—it's just part of the process of healing and resetting your muscles.
How often should I get deep tissue massage?
Depends on your Goals
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This really depends on your body and goals or how fast you want these uncomfortable sensations to go away. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or muscle tightness, I recommend starting with weekly to bi-weekly sessions to prevent tension from building up. We’ll aim for at least four sessions to start, and then we can assess where your body’s needs are and adjust from there. Typically, if we do weekly sessions for four weeks, we may see even chronic issues start to improve, thanks to our work together and some simple steps you can take at home.
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A big part of this recovery work will be your homework—nothing too crazy, but things like drinking more water and cutting back on sugar (I know, I can already hear you: 'Ugh, I can’t give up sugar!' Trust me, I hear it from clients all the time! That’s a blog post for another time, though!)
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If you’re opting for monthly or every 3-week sessions, I always recommend a 90-minute massage. For highly active individuals, we may just be scratching the surface at first, and with a 90-minute session, we’ll have plenty of time to work through both old tension and any new issues that come up over the weeks. It gives us the space we need to dig deeper and keep you feeling your best.
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The key is consistency. Deep tissue massage is best when you make it a regular part of your recovery routine, especially if you’re active or dealing with stress. I’ll help you figure out the right rhythm that works best for you.
Conclusion:
Deep tissue massage is no joke, but it’s one of the best ways to keep your muscles healthy and functioning at their best. It might be tough, and it might make you feel sore afterward, but the benefits are absolutely worth it. Think of it as a reset for your body, and when done consistently, it helps prevent injuries, reduce pain, and improve overall flexibility.
If you're ready to experience the benefits for yourself, click below to book your session. Let’s work together to help you feel stronger, move better, and recover faster!
Cited Sources:
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Journal of Clinical Psychology (2012) - Sports Massage and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). This study showed that massage significantly reduced soreness and improved circulation, aiding in muscle recovery.
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National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Muscle soreness and the role of DOMS in recovery. It explains how micro-tears in muscle fibers contribute to soreness after intense physical activity or deep tissue massage.