Dangers of Deep Tissue Massage: Risks, Side Effects, and Who Should Avoid It

Is Deep Tissue Massage Always Safe?

Many types of massages have become popular recently, and one of them is deep tissue massage. However, if you are looking to book a deep tissue massage session, it's important to first understand the risks of deep tissue massage, as well as its benefits.

A deep tissue massage can release stubborn tension and knots from your muscles, but there are certain side effects of massage therapy that you should be aware of. Deep tissue massage is not for everyone, and the negative effects of a deep tissue massage can sometimes be felt more strongly by certain individuals than others.

Here, we take a look at the various risks, side effects, and dangers of deep tissue massage to help you make an informed decision at the end.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

A deep tissue massage is a specialised massage therapy technique that helps with strains and sports injuries related to our body's musculoskeletal system. Deep tissue massage uses slow, deep strokes with sustained pressure. This technique helps to reach the inner layers of muscle and connective tissue in our body.

As a result of the technique used, therapists can break down scar tissue, alleviate muscle tension, and improve flexibility. A deep tissue massage can also enhance the body's healing process by promoting blood circulation and minimising inflammation.

A report, published by T.D. Pystupa, University of Sports Science, Wroclaw, also states that deep tissue massage can help to lower blood pressure in the body.

Common Side Effects of Deep Tissue Massage

While deep tissue massage offers many benefits, you also need to be aware of its side effects. By staying informed about the potential dangers of deep tissue massage, you can assess whether or not you should opt for it.

Muscle Soreness After Massage Therapy

Muscle aches and soreness are common after a deep tissue massage. This is the result of the stimulation of muscle fibres that takes place during the massage. In most cases, this muscle soreness is temporary and lasts for a few days. However, should the pain not subside after a few days, it's best to consult your doctor.

Bruising and Tissue Damage

Another side effect of deep tissue massage is bruising that you might get afterwards. While not as common as muscle soreness, they are not unheard of. With this in mind, it's important to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions you might be suffering from with your massage therapist before starting your session to avoid complications such as tissue damage or excessive bruising.

Fatigue or Dizziness After Massage

While fatigue and dizziness after a massage are not uncommon, they can be another side effect that you might experience. This is especially true if you haven't eaten anything beforehand or if you get up too quickly after your session.

As deep tissue massage affects blood circulation, it can sometimes lead to dizziness or slight nausea. Speak to your therapist beforehand about any precautions you can take to avoid this issue after your massage.

Serious Risks and Complications of Deep Tissue Massage

Most side effects that can occur after a deep tissue massage are usually temporary. However, certain serious risks and complications can occur after a deep tissue massage if the technique is not performed correctly.

Risk of Nerve Damage from Massage

If excessive pressure is applied during a deep tissue massage, it can sometimes cause nerve damage if the nerve remains compressed for too long due to the massage pressure. While rare, this is among the more serious after-effects of deep tissue massage sessions.

Inform your therapist immediately if you experience any numbness, tingling, or shooting pains during your session.

Blood Clots and Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

The dangers of deep tissue massage therapy also include the formation of blood clots and the risk of deep vein thrombosis. While blood clotting is how our body prevents excessive bleeding after an injury, clotting can sometimes lead to blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

DVT is a condition where clots form in the legs, usually due to inflamed or blocked blood vessels, prolonged sitting, or weakened veins. While deep tissue massage does not cause blood clots to form, it can cause them to dislodge, increasing the potential for a DVT risk.

Bone Fractures in At-Risk Individuals

Anyone suffering from osteoporosis or cancer that has spread to the bones should avoid deep tissue massage. This is because the firm pressure applied during the session could potentially cause a fracture.

Infections and Skin Complications

If you have active skin conditions, open wounds, burns, rashes, or even a contagious infection, you must avoid massages. Conditions such as psoriasis or eczema can also worsen if not well managed during a deep tissue massage session.

If pressure is applied to injured or inflamed skin, you might experience discomfort. The skin's healing process will also slow down, and the risk of infection will increase. Contagious skin conditions can also spread to your therapist and other clients if not properly managed.

Contraindications: Who Should Avoid Deep Tissue Massage?

While massage therapy undoubtedly offers benefits such as stress reduction, improved circulation, and enhanced recovery, it's not suitable for everyone. Here's an overview of who should avoid deep tissue massages.

Individuals with Blood Clotting Disorders

Individuals suffering from blood clotting disorders should ideally avoid deep tissue massage sessions. This is because one of the side effects of deep tissue massage therapy is its potential to dislodge existing clots or increase the likelihood of clot formation. This could prove to be quite dangerous if not addressed or avoided.

Patients Recovering from Recent Surgery

If you are recovering from recent surgery, it's best to avoid deep tissue massage, especially around the surgical site. This is because the pressure applied during the massage can disrupt the body's healing process and cause discomfort.

Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

As chemotherapy can lead to a reduction in both red and white blood cells in the body, it increases the risk of bruising and bleeding. If deep massage techniques are applied to an individual undergoing chemotherapy, it can lead to minor bleeding or bruising, exacerbating the issue.

Pregnant Women and Massage Risks

While the right massage techniques during pregnancy can help alleviate pain, deep tissue techniques are generally not recommended for expectant mothers. This is because the intense pressure can be too much for both the mother and the baby.

Osteoporosis or Bone Conditions

If you suffer from bone conditions such as osteoporosis, it's best to avoid a deep tissue massage session. The pressure applied during deep tissue massage could lead to fractures due to existing bone fragility.

How to Ensure a Safe Deep Tissue Massage

There are a few safe ways to ensure a safe deep tissue massage experience for you.

1. Choose a Qualified Therapist: Look for a therapist who holds appropriate certification, licence, and experience in deep tissue techniques.
2. Communicate with Your Therapist: You must discuss any areas of discomfort, medical conditions, or preferences you might have with your therapist before starting the massage session. This will help your therapist tailor your treatment and provide a safer experience.
3. Feedback During the Session: If you experience any pain or discomfort at any point during the massage session, inform your therapist immediately. This will help your therapist modify their approach during the massage to ensure comfort and prevent injury.
   

Post-Massage Aftercare Tips for Optimal Recovery

There are certain post-massage aftercare tips you can follow to ensure you recover well after a deep tissue massage session.

1. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water after a massage. This helps flush out toxins released during the massage and reduces the likelihood of post-massage muscle soreness. Avoid caffeine or alcohol in this instance.
2. Stretch: Lightly stretch after your massage session to maintain the muscle flexibility gained from the therapy session and prolong the benefits of the massage.
3. Ice and Heat Therapy: For post-massage muscle soreness, ice packs can help reduce inflammation. Heat therapy, on the other hand, relaxes muscles and diminishes any discomfort you might be feeling.
4. Don't Overexert Yourself: Intense physical activities after a massage session are not recommended, as your muscles need time to recover from the massage session. Such activities could hinder the recovery process.

Safer Alternatives for At-Risk Individuals

The good news is that even for at-risk individuals who cannot receive deep tissue massage, there are several safer alternatives available to help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Swedish Massage for Gentle Muscle Relaxation

Swedish massage is a gentle technique that focuses on long, flowing strokes to achieve benefits such as improved circulation and reduced muscle tension in the body. This makes it a good alternative to deep tissue massage.

Myofascial Release Techniques

With myofascial release techniques, you will experience a gentler way to release tension in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding the muscles. This technique uses sustained, light to moderate pressure and a little stretching, making it safe for at-risk individuals.

Physiotherapy for Pain Management

Physiotherapy is a safe and effective alternative, as it involves targeted exercises, manual therapy, electrical stimulation, etc., to reduce pain, strengthen muscles, and improve mobility. This is done without the intense pressure associated with deep tissue techniques.

Physiotherapy is particularly beneficial if you are recovering from injuries or suffering from conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Prioritise Safety

While a 2014 study published in The Scientific World Journal found that deep tissue massage helped reduce the lower back pain that people were struggling with, it's important to understand when this massage technique is not ideal for you.

There's no doubt that deep tissue massage is effective in alleviating chronic pain and tension. However, there are some side effects of this massage therapy that you should be aware of to make an informed decision and choose a safer massage practice, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

FAQs on the Risks of Deep Tissue Massage

Is Deep Tissue Massage Dangerous for Everyone?

No, deep tissue massage is not dangerous for everyone. However, it's not the best option for individuals suffering from certain medical conditions or those at a higher risk of injury. These include individuals with blood clotting disorders, osteoporosis, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those who have recently undergone surgery.

Can Deep Tissue Massage Cause Nerve Damage?

While rare, deep tissue massage can cause severe nerve injuries if excessive pressure is applied.

What Are the Side Effects of Deep Tissue Massage?

Some of the side effects of deep tissue massage include:

• Muscle Soreness
• Bruising and Tissue Damage
• Dizziness or Nausea
• Nerve Damage
• Potential Fracture in At-Risk Individuals
• Blood Clots or DVT in At-Risk Individuals

Who Should Avoid Deep Tissue Massage?

Certain individuals should avoid deep tissue massage, including:

1. Individuals with Blood Clotting Disorders
2. Anyone recovering from recent surgery
3. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
4. Pregnant women
5. Individuals suffering from bone conditions

How Can I Ensure a Safe Massage Experience?

There are certain precautions you can take to have a safe massage experience:

1. Choose a qualified and experienced massage therapist
2. Communicate openly with your therapist about any underlying health conditions you may have so they can tailor your treatment accordingly.
3. Provide feedback to your therapist during the session, especially if you experience pain.

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29861215/
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/deep-tissue-massage#comparison-to-swedish-massage