Deep-tissue massages may leave one feeling dizzy and disoriented, but why? And what can be done to stem these effects on your body?

A deep-tissue massage is a form of massage therapy that applies firm pressure to the areas of your body affected by muscle pain – it targets the connective tissues that bind your muscles together and releases tightness. It is often used for athletes and those who suffer from chronic muscular conditions.

Deep-tissue massage has the added benefit of increasing blood flow and reducing joint inflammation by releasing muscle adhesions, aka – knots, allowing blood to flow smoothly through the body, which increases the rate at which your body heals from various injuries and improves your mobility and general quality of life.

The propensity of deep-tissue massage to allow for faster healing is why this massage technique is most common among athletes, who require faster healing so that they can return to their sports in a shorter time frame after injury.

What Should I Do Beforehand?

One of the things you should know is that deep-tissue massages are particularly rigorous and hard on your muscles and body. That’s okay, they’re meant to be — but this type of rigorous massage might not be for everyone. You should definitely consult your doctor beforehand if you are currently under a doctor’s care for any medical condition. It is not advised for anyone undergoing cancer treatments to have a deep-tissue or anyone with a blood/blood-clotting disorder or those on blood thinners. People who suffer from osteoporosis or those who are pregnant are also contraindicated from obtaining deep-tissue therapy due to the stress on the bones and the body more broadly.

Why Do I Feel Dizzy Afterwards?

Dizziness after a deep-tissue massage is very common. The medical term is “postural hypotension”, and it happens, usually, after standing up having been lying down for a long period of time. Due to their relaxing component, massages lower your blood pressure and your body temperature, the sudden up-righting of your body jolts your system, as your blood pressure needs to come up in order for you to have the energy to stand and move after a massage. This is perfectly normal and will usually only last for a few hours following your massage, as your body regulates itself. Should this feeling recur, you should talk to your doctor or massage therapist. Please note that muscle soreness for a couple of days afterwards is also fairly common.

What Can I Do To Help With This?

One of the best things you can do to help is to rehydrate your body. This means drinking plenty of water and rest your muscles for a few hours to give them time to re-energize, try drinking something with electrolytes to help replenish your supply.

Deep-tissue massages take a lot out of you. There is no real need for anyone to be receiving deep tissue massage therapy every single time they receive a message, except if you are an athlete. The body becomes desensitized to all that deep work, and then you have the law of diminishing returns, as in exercise, where the body is no longer truly benefitting and it simply becomes a habit. A Swedish relaxation massage, or stretch therapy session, may be what your body needs to mix it up and continue providing therapeutic value. Be sure to discuss with your therapist if deep tissue massage is really what you need before you schedule your appointment and rest and replenish yourself plenty afterwards.

If you want to find out more, why not get in touch with our team today. We have plenty of experience and can assist if you’re looking to develop your skills in massage as well.