How Long Will I Feel Sick After Massage?

How long will I feel sick after massage? While the relaxation benefits are undeniable, some people experience temporary downsides after a massage. If you're wondering how long sickness after massage might last, you've come to the right place. We'll explore why this happens and shed light on how long you can expect to feel these after-effects.

I. What causes sickness after massage?

Feeling a bit under the weather after a massage is fairly common and there are a couple of reasons why this might happen:

1. Dehydration and Toxic overload

Massage therapy increases circulation throughout the body, which can leave you feeling dehydrated. This is because your body is working to flush out toxins and metabolic waste products released during the massage. To avoid this, make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your massage.

The mechanical benefits of massage therapy aim to release your muscle fibers, thereby opening up your blood vessels. These vessels carry a supply to help your body hydrate, oxygenate, and nourish muscles and other cells efficiently. It also facilitates lymph drainage and eliminates any waste products that have wreaked havoc by stagnating and stimulating nerve endings with their acidic substances.

The relaxing effect of a deep tissue massage sounds wonderful, but after the first treatment, your body may need to process a large amount of metabolic waste released – which can trigger a response from your immune system. This toxic overload can make you feel ill. The sudden increase in blood flow and the quick provisioning of nutrients and oxygen also demand more water from the blood, potentially leading to significant dehydration. Now, you might understand why every therapist on the planet advises you to drink liters of water!

Drinking liters of water helps release toxic

3. Post-Massage Soreness and Malaise (PMSM)

This is a fancy way of saying that your body might react to a massage like it would a workout. Deep tissue massages, in particular, can cause microscopic tears in your muscle fibers, similar to what happens when you exercise. This can lead to soreness, fatigue, and even flu-like symptoms like a headache or mild achiness. These symptoms are usually mild and short-lived, but if you're concerned, talk to your massage therapist about using lighter pressure next time.

4. Low Blood Sugar

Another consideration is low blood sugar, which the physical and mental demands of a massage can further exacerbate. If you haven't eaten recently, a massage can lower your blood sugar levels, leading to feelings of lightheadedness or nausea. It is crucial to maintain stable blood sugar levels through adequate nutrition before your massage.

5. Technique matters

The technique employed during the massage process plays a pivotal role.

If excessive pressure is applied or an incorrect method is used, it may lead to feelings of dizziness or nausea afterward. Clear communication with your massage therapist is key to ensuring your comfort and minimizing potential side effects.

Similarly, if you are using a massage device like the Fusion Elite, adhering to the correct usage instructions is essential to reduce the risk of nausea or other adverse reactions from high-intensity massage sessions.

The technique employed during the massage process plays a pivotal role

6. Overexposure to scents and oils

For those sensitive to fragrances or allergic to certain types of oils, excessive exposure to massage products can lead to nausea.

Discussing any sensitivities with your massage therapist or opting for fragrance-free alternatives when using massage devices at home can help prevent this issue.

II. How long will I feel sick after massage?

The good news is that feeling a bit under the weather after a massage is usually temporary. For most people, any unpleasant side effects will disappear within a day or two.

However, the exact length of time you might feel sick can vary depending on a few factors:

The type of massage: Deeper tissue massages are more likely to cause temporary soreness or fatigue compared to a lighter Swedish massage.
Your hydration level: Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your massage can significantly reduce these after-effects.
Your overall health: If you have any underlying health conditions, it's best to consult your doctor before getting a massage and discuss any potential side effects.

In the next section, we'll explore some tips to help you minimize these after-effects and ensure a smooth recovery after your massage.

How long will I feel sick after massage?

III. What to Do If You Feel Sick After Massage?

If you feel sick after a massage, there are several steps you can take to address the discomfort:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or other fluids to help flush out any toxins that may have accumulated in your body during the massage.

2. Take a break: If you start to feel queasy or uncomfortable during or after the massage, let your therapist know and take a break. They can adjust the pressure or technique to help you feel more comfortable.

3. Avoid trigger foods: If you suspect that a particular type of food is causing your discomfort, try avoiding it for a while to see if your symptoms improve.

4. Try over-the-counter remedies: Anti-nausea medication or anti-inflammatory drugs may help alleviate your symptoms. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication.

5. Consult with your therapist: If you experience persistent discomfort or side effects after a massage, discuss them with your therapist. They can help you identify the cause and suggest ways to minimize the discomfort in the future.

6. Consider a different modality: If you find that massage is causing discomfort or side effects, you may want to try a different therapy, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, or physical therapy.

7. Contact your healthcare provider: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of your discomfort and provide appropriate treatment.

Remember, it's essential to communicate with your massage therapist if you experience any discomfort or side effects during or after a massage. They can help you address the issue and ensure that you have a comfortable and safe massage experience.

IV. When Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Massage?

If you experience fatigue or discomfort lasting longer than 24 hours after a massage, it's important to seek medical attention.

It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any sudden or severe symptoms such as neck or back pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea. These could be signs of a more serious underlying issue that requires a doctor's attention.

Moreover, conditions such as allergic reactions or heart problems can increase your risk of feeling nauseous after a massage. Make sure to inform your massage therapist or healthcare provider of any health concerns before your massage to ensure they can adjust their technique accordingly.

In summary, if you experience persistent or severe symptoms after a massage, don't hesitate to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your discomfort.

V. Conclusion

I hope this article has provided you with the necessary information to understand why many people feel tired or nauseous after a massage.

From dehydration to low blood sugar, several underlying reasons can cause these symptoms. Fortunately, many of these issues can be prevented with simple steps, such as drinking water before and after a massage, eating a balanced meal, and taking breaks between massage sessions.

If you have experienced severe or persistent symptoms after following these preventive measures, please seek medical attention.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that any potential issues are addressed and you can fully enjoy the benefits of massage without worrying.