Bruising After Deep Tissue Massage: Is It Normal?

A deep tissue massage is a great way to relieve tension from both your muscles and their surrounding connective tissues, speeding up recovery time for an injury or simply leaving you feeling rejuvenated and more flexible. Unlike a traditional Swedish massage - which is performed using gentle, long strokes - a deep tissue massage is performed with pressure, and can be used to target just one area of the body.

When getting a deep tissue massage for the first time, you might experience some discomfort and tenderness in the treated area, and this is totally normal. For some, bruising is a surprise and less common side-effect of a deep tissue massage. But is it normal?

In this blog, we're going to take a look at some reasons why you might notice bruising after a deep tissue massage, and what you should do if you experience this after your treatment. Let's take a look!

What is a deep tissue massage?

A deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that aims to relieve deep tension in the body, and does so by removing any muscle knots around the deep layers of the muscles and their surrounding connective tissues. Deep tissue massages can work to reduce inflammation, chronic pain, and discomfort, and are very popular amongst athletes and runners.

A deep tissue massage is slightly more intense than a traditional Swedish massage, and can cause some degree of discomfort, especially if it's your first time getting this type of treatment. You can minimize discomfort by maintaining open communication with your massage therapist during treatment, and discussing any concerns beforehand.

Is bruising after a deep tissue massage normal?

It's first important to note that noticing bruises after a deep tissue massage is rarely a cause for concern, and isn't usually indicative of any underlying health conditions. In most cases, bruising occurs when a build-up of lymphatic fluid in the treated area is released during the massage, causing mild bruising under the surface of the skin. While the bruise may appear unsightly, the removal of these knots is actually one of the key purposes of a deep tissue massage - you'll notice reduced tension in the area and enhanced flexibility.

Bruising can also occur if you take certain medications, or if your therapist is using improper techniques when performing the deep tissue massage. Let's explore these two explanations further.

What else causes bruising during a deep tissue massage?

Poor technique

As mentioned above, a deep tissue massage isn't the same as a traditional Swedish massage, and the techniques used during this treatment are more complex and require separate training. If your massage was performed by an amateur therapist who hasn't been sufficiently trained in deep tissue techniques, this can result in bruising.

To avoid this, always make sure to hire a professional and licensed massage therapist, especially when opting for a deep tissue treatment. At Spa Theory, all of our massage therapists are vetted, licensed, and insured for your safety.

Medications

If you're currently taking blood-thinners or other medications that reduce blood clotting, you may be more prone to bruising during deep tissue massage. You can let your massage therapist know about this beforehand, so they'll be able to adjust their techniques where possible to help avoid bruising or help minimize discomfort.

Genetics

Some of us bruise like a peach - and there's not much we can do about it! If you're prone to bruising after bumps and scrapes, you may find that a deep tissue massage - especially if it's your first one - can result in some light bruising here and there. As your body gets used to the treatment, the appearance of these bruises should reduce over time.

When bruising isn't normal

If you're noticing bruising and broken capillaries after every massage (including regular Swedish massages), this is most likely a sign that you need to find a new massage therapist. While there are some factors that can induce mild bruising after a deep tissue treatment, constant bruising, pain, and discomfort is not normal, and should not occur systematically after every massage.

If you're noticing a general increase in bruising in your day-to-day life (not just after a massage) this could also be your cue to head to your doctor's office for a quick check-up and blood test. While it's most likely nothing serious (bruising can often simply indicate a vitamin deficiency) it'll give you some peace of mind going forward.

How to Find a Professional Mobile Massage Therapist in Atlanta

If you're looking for a licensed, professional, mobile massage therapist, look no further than Spa Theory. Whether you're looking for a deep tissue massage, a traditional Swedish massage, or a professional mobile couples massage in Atlanta, our professional network of spa therapists can bring their skills to you. Who wouldn’t love a professional massage in the comfort of their own home? Get in touch today, or take a look at our booking page for more information.