A deep tissue massage is a specialized massage approach that is designed to target and treat issues like injuries and inflammation in your body. When done properly by a trained professional it also helps increase blood flow through the body. However, there are times when one can experience bruising after deep tissue massage sessions.
This is where it becomes essential for practitioners to understand why such post-massage bruising occurs. Here we will have a look at:
- The various causes of post-massage bruising.
- What kind of bruising after deep tissue massage sessions is normal
- When to be concerned about post-massage bruising
- Post-massage recovery
- How to prevent bruising after massage sessions.
Causes of Bruising After Deep Tissue Massage: Why Does It Happen?
Source: Bruising after deep-tissue massage sessions is quite common and not usually something you need to be too concerned about. Here are a few causes of such post-massage bruising.
How Deep Tissue Massage Pressure Can Cause Bruising
One of the main reasons the pressure from a deep tissue massage can cause bruising is because of its intensity. The main aim of a deep tissue massage is to break up the knots and the tension that are formed in our muscles.
To release these knots, pressure is applied during a deep tissue massage to reach deeper into the different layers of the muscle. Due to this pressure, the ability of the blood to clot effectively can get compromised. As a result, even when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface break during the massage, it can lead to the appearance of bruises.
Poor Massage Technique and Increased Bruising Risk
Since deep tissue massage involves more advanced techniques when compared to a Swedish massage, the therapist must be well-trained. This includes the pressure being applied, the areas being massaged, and the tools being used.
All these factors need to be monitored to avoid the risk of bruising. Since the different types of massages call for different techniques, it is important to seek out professionals well-versed in the type of massage you are looking to get. You book a professional deep tissue massage session near you, any time, if you want to as well.
Medications That Cause Bruising After Deep Tissue Massage
Medications like blood thinners can also increase the chances of the appearance of post-massage bruises. Any individuals who are looking to indulge in a deep tissue massage but are taking blood thinners need to inform their therapist of the same. This will help your massage therapist modify the treatment accordingly to prevent bruising.
Genetic and Skin Sensitivity: Who Is More Prone to Bruising?
Certain individuals are more genetically prone to bruising. So even with precautions, it is likely that these individuals would experience some amount of bruising after a deep tissue massage. However, as the body grows accustomed to the massage, the bruising will also decrease over time.
When Is Bruising After a Deep Tissue Massage Considered Normal?
There are many benefits to a deep tissue massage and usually most of the post-massage bruising that occurs is not something one needs to be too concerned about. Here is a look at what should be considered normal when it comes to bruising after a deep tissue massage.
Mild and Temporary Bruising After Deep Tissue Massage
Since deep tissue massage applies a certain amount of pressure to deeper muscles, damage to capillaries is normal, leading to mild bruises. These bruises are almost always temporary and not something to worry about.
Deep tissue massages help in the release of lymphatic fluid that has built up in the treated area. This can result in mild bruising under the skin’s surface. Such mild bruises normally fade between a couple of days or a few weeks.
First-Time Deep Tissue Massage and Bruising: What to Expect
If it is your first time getting a deep tissue massage then bruising would be considered quite normal. This, accompanied by soreness, especially in areas where the muscles are tight, should not be something you need to be worried about.
The more frequently you get a deep tissue massage, the more your body will grow accustomed to it, reducing the appearance of bruises over time.
When to Be Concerned About Bruising After a Deep Tissue Massage
While most of the bruising caused by a deep tissue massage is harmless, it is important to understand when you need to be concerned about it.
Severe or Persistent Bruising After a Deep Tissue Massage: Should You Worry?
Excessive bruising or bruising that does not go away on its own in a few days is cause for concern. It is also important to notice any redness or swelling at the massage site. In such cases, it could indicate an underlying health condition or infection and needs to be looked at by a professional.
If you are suffering from any of the following underlying health issues, it is important to avoid deep tissue massages, unless your doctor has approved it.
- Wounds or skin conditions
- Blood clotting disorders
- Nerve injuries
- If you are undergoing or have undergone chemotherapy
- If you have had a recent surgery
Why Am I Bruising After a Gentle Massage?
Even after a gentle massage, capillaries can get damaged leading to bruising. This is quite common in individuals who have thin skin or are taking blood thinners. If a deep tissue massage hurts you in any way, it is better to inform your massage therapist or your physician about it.
How to Prevent Bruising After a Deep Tissue Massage
While bruising after deep tissue massage therapy sessions is normal, certain steps can be followed to prevent bruises from showing up.
Choosing the Right Massage Therapist to Reduce Bruising
A professionally trained massage therapist will ensure that the pressure being applied during the deep tissue massage is not too much and does not cause serious bruises on your skin.
Communicating with Your Massage Therapist About Bruising Risk
Communication is essential when it comes to helping reduce bruises. You need to let your massage therapist know if you are someone who bruises easily or is suffering from any underlying health issues.
This will help your massage therapist to customize your treatment accordingly and help reduce the occurrence of bruises more effectively.
Reviewing Medications and Supplements That May Cause Bruising
Certain medications and supplements may cause you to bruise easily. These include:
- Blood thinners
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs
- Steroids
- Fish oil
- Garlic
- Ginseng
Managing Bruising and Promoting Faster Recovery After a Deep Tissue Massage
The good thing about most of these post-massage bruising is that they can be managed easily and post-massage recovery can also be triggered effectively.
Immediate Post-Massage Bruising Care: What to Do
If you feel you might end up bruising after a deep tissue massage session, then a simple thing to do is to use ice packs on the affected area. The use of ice packs on the areas left tender after the massage can help reduce inflammation and minimize bruising effectively.
Best Healing Remedies for Bruising After a Deep Tissue Massage
Once the bruise has already formed, the use of heating pads on the bruised area can help improve circulation and clear out any trapped blood. You can also use Vitamin K creams on the area to help reduce the severity of the bruising.
Final Thoughts: Understanding and Managing Bruising After a Deep Tissue Massage
Since deep tissue massage applies pressure to the deep layers of the muscles in our bodies, it can lead to the breaking of capillaries, leading to bruising. Though more often than not post-massage bruising is not a serious issue, certain measures can be taken to prevent it and to address it if it does occur.
It is also important, however, that you communicate effectively with your deep tissue massage therapist and let them know if you are on medications like blood thinners or have any underlying health conditions. This helps them customize your treatment accordingly to prevent any potential bruising.
FAQs About Bruising After Deep Tissue Massage
Is Bruising After a Deep Tissue Massage Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Bruising after a deep tissue massage is quite normal. However, if the bruises do not fade after a couple of days or you notice that the area becomes red or swollen, you should contact a professional or your doctor to address the problem.
How Long Does Bruising from a Deep Tissue Massage Last?
Bruising after a deep tissue massage session should ideally resolve itself in 4 to 6 days.
What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Bruising After a Deep Tissue Massage?
To prevent the occurrence of bruises after deep tissue massage sessions, it is very important to choose a professionally trained massage therapist. It is also important that you communicate with your therapists about any underlying health conditions you might have to help them customize your treatment and prevent bruises.
When Should I See a Doctor for Bruising After a Massage?
If the bruising does not fade after a week or you start to notice that the spot has become red or swollen, it is important to consult your doctor.
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