Remedial Massage is a low-risk intervention that can provide high-impact results. It offers a fast recovery time and instant enhancement of the results, unlike interventions such as surgery or injections, which may require a longer recovery period and provide only temporary relief in the long run. According to a study conducted by Cambron et al. (2007), the majority of negative symptoms after a massage that began less than 12 hours after the treatment only lasted for 36 hours or less. This article presents the most common to the least common side effects of remedial massage.

General Soreness

General soreness is the most common side effect of remedial massage. This feeling is similar to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) that one might experience after exercising. The deep work done in remedial massage can cause the body to initiate its healing processes to adjust to what has been released, resulting in general soreness.

Fatigue and grogginess

Fatigue and grogginess are also common side effects of remedial massage. This is because massage therapy can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and slows down bodily functions (Moraska et al., 2010). This stimulation can cause a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration, which can lead to feelings of drowsiness or fatigue.

Redness/Heat

Massage can sometimes cause redness or skin irritation due to the pressure applied during the massage, which may result in friction or stretching of the skin. This can lead to temporary redness or a rash-like appearance, which is typically mild and should resolve within a few hours to a few days (Cambron et al., 2007). Increased blood flow to the treated areas during the massage may also cause skin redness, indicating that the body’s natural healing processes are at work (Ernst, 2003).

Brusing

Another potential side effect of massage therapy is bruising, which can occur when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface break and release blood into surrounding tissues (Cafarelli & Macgregor, 2021). The risk of bruising may vary among individuals, and some people may be more susceptible than others. While bruising from massage is generally not a major concern, clients should communicate any discomfort or concerns with their therapist openly. Massage therapists prioritize their clients well-being and appreciate honest feedback to ensure a positive treatment experience.

Headache

A handful of people may experience a headache after a massage session, there is a few possible reasons to why this is.

One likely cause is that massage can increase blood flow and circulation, which may result in changes in blood pressure that trigger a headache (Moyer et al., 2004). Additionally, certain massage techniques, such as deep tissue massage or trigger point therapy, may cause tension or strain in the neck or head muscles, which can also result in headaches (Moyer et al., 2004).

Nausea

Nausea is a rare side effect of massage that may occur due to the increase in blood flow and circulation, which can stimulate the body’s natural detoxification process (Smith & Barassi, 2017). During this process, toxins may be released into the bloodstream, causing nausea and other symptoms.

Low blood sugar levels may also contribute to nausea after a massage, particularly in individuals with diabetes or those with pre-existing low blood sugar. The relaxation induced by massage can cause a further drop in these levels (Smith & Barassi, 2017). It’s important to note that while nausea is a possible side effect of massage, it is not common.

Aggravating an Older Injury

An older injury may be affected by the increased blood flow and circulation to the area, which can trigger an inflammatory response (Crawford et al., 2014). This response can cause temporary swelling and soreness in the area, especially if the injury is still healing or in a sensitive state.

Another potential outcome is that the massage therapist may have inadvertently caused tension or strain in the surrounding muscles and tissues, indirectly affecting the old injury site and causing discomfort (Calvert et al., 2018). However, it’s important to note that this is highly unlikely when working with a licensed remedial massage therapist who has been highly trained to avoid harming pre-existing conditions.

To minimize the risk of aggravating an old injury during a massage, it’s important to communicate with your therapist regarding these issues before the session. The therapist can then adjust their techniques or pressure to avoid putting undue stress on the injury site.

In conclusion, the common side effects of remedial massage are low maintenance and typically disappear within 24-36 hours. Serious adverse effects are extremely unlikely when the massage is performed by an experienced professional. Overall, remedial massage is considered a safe and effective intervention for addressing a range of musculoskeletal issues.

References:

Field, T. (2019). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 35, 131-139. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.01.013

Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3-18. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.130.1.3

Calvert, R. N., & Myers, T. W. (2018). Therapeutic massage for musculoskeletal pain. In P. J. M. Willems & M. F. Swain (Eds.), Interventions for Musculoskeletal Problems (pp. 203-208). Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-64585-6_27

Smith, L., & Barassi, G. (2017). Massage, mindfulness, and relaxation. Routledge.

Crawford, C., Boyd, C., Paat, C. F., Price, A., Xenakis, L., Yang, E., & Zhang, W. (2014). The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations—A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: Part II, cancer pain populations. Pain Medicine, 15(5), 902-911. doi: 10.1111/pme.12395

Cambron, J. A., Dexheimer, J., Coe, P., & Swenson, R. (2007). Side-effects of massage therapy: A cross-sectional study of 100 clients. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(8), 793-796. doi: 10.1089/acm.2007.7048

Kostopoulos, D., & Rizopoulos, C. (2012). Differential diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome: A comprehensive review. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 23(2), 277-294. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2012.01.001

Moraska, A., Chandler, C., Edsberg, L., & Geletka, S. (2010). Physiological adjustments to stress measures following massage therapy: A review of the literature. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 7(4), 409-418. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nen029

Ernst, E. (2003). The safety of massage therapy. Rheumatology, 42(9), 1101-1106. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keg307

Cafarelli, A., & Macgregor, R. (2021). What are the side effects of massage therapy? Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/massage-side-effects