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Why do massages hurt?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 07, 2026

So, for many DTM therapists, the answer to the question, “why do deep tissue massages hurt” is pretty simple and straightforward, it is due to the amount of pressure applied to the muscles of the affected body part in order to break away the scar tissues that some people may feel the pain and soreness afterward.

Is it normal for a massage to be painful?

A: Experiencing sore or tight muscles is normal after a massage, especially if it has been a while since your last massage or you've never had one before. Massage is like exercise: It forces blood into your muscles, bringing nutrients and removing toxins.

Why does massage hurt so good?

It feels great not only because the pain is triggering a release of endorphins, but also because circulation is increasing and inflammation from the knot is being released. This is why some back and shoulder massages can “hurt so good”!

Why do Backrubs feel so good?

The participants who received a back rub were found to have significantly higher levels of oxytocin compared with control subjects who merely rested quietly. The hormone is known to evoke feelings of contentment and alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.

Why does squeezing sore muscles feel-good?

They found that massage reduced the production of compounds called cytokines, which play a critical role in inflammation. Massage also stimulated mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses inside cells that convert glucose into the energy essential for cell function and repair.

15 related questions found

Why am I so sore after a massage?

It's normal to feel sore after a massage. The technique carries blood and nutrients to your muscles while eliminating toxins. After stimulating muscles that you may not usually use, you might experience delayed onset muscle soreness. This is a physical response to the inflammation as your body heals.

Why do muscles pop during massage?

This popping or crunching feeling is breaking down what has built up, the body is then more able to flush out these toxins. Some clients may wince at this feeling others describe it as a 'good pain' and it instantly feels better once this has been done.

How often should you get massages?

If you're working on a specific pain issue or injury, weekly massages can be a good starting place if it's in your budget. For more of a general tuneup, or for stress-relief, every 4-6 weeks is the average time frame.

Why I quit being a massage therapist?

The first five years of practice are the most difficult because you're not used to the physical demands, and many massage therapists quit due to burnout. Acclimating to the emotional demands are difficult as well. Clients come to you with frustrations and complaints, often times breaking down and crying in the room.

What are the 5 manipulation of massage?

They are:

  • Effleurage-Circular stroking movements.
  • Petrissage-Kneading movements.
  • Friction-Rubbing Strokes.
  • Vibration-Shaking movements to loosen the body.
  • Tapotement-Tapping.

Is massage good for weight loss?

Massage also helps you to get rid of excess fat, reduce cellulite, and improve digestion. It is an effective way for obese persons to reduce their weight. Studies show that combining massage therapies with exercise produces amazing results.

What happens when you massage out a knot?

You can use massage to treat muscle knots. Massage therapy increases circulation and improves blood flow. That can improve muscle function and help loosen up your muscles. This helps to relieve pain and stiffness.

What is the crunching sound during a massage?

What is that “crunching” noise I hear when the massage therapist rubs my shoulders? Fascia is a connective tissue that runs throughout the body and surrounds all of the muscles and organs. If this fascia is hard, a “crunching” noise may be heard until it is softened and is able to be “worked” or “kneaded”.

What happens when muscle knots release?

When a muscle is tight like that, it can limit blood flow in that area. The theory is when you put pressure on it you're limiting blood flow to the knot, and when you release the pressure, more blood flows in,” he explains. The increased blood flow can help the muscle relax.

What causes knots in muscles?

‌Muscle knots usually happen because a muscle has been irritated by a repetitive motion. Athletes will notice muscle knots after training one group of muscles for a long period of time. A muscle might also knot up when it's in an awkward position for too long.

Why are muscle knots crunchy?

Essentially, muscle knots have reduced blood flow and circulation, which means toxins can become trapped in these areas. Over time, trapped toxins will solidify in the muscle knot if not dealt with, resulting in hard, crunchy bumps.

How often should you get a massage for knots?

How often should you massage muscle knots? For the best results, you should massage each muscle group for up to 6 minutes a day. This is entirely dependent on each individual and how bad the muscle knot is. You can massage muscle knots every day, but don't over-do it as this could actually cause more irritation.

Do muscle knots pop when massaged?

They are a buildup of contracted muscle spindles caused by repeated movements or imbalances in your posture, etc. The therapist breaks up these knots by applying pressure around the knot or by stripping the tissue. Muscle adhesions feel like a snap, crackle, pop when your therapist works on them.

Can masseuse feel knots?

Massage therapists are trained to feel where knots occur by looking for tension in the back, neck and shoulders. They find this tension and release it by applying deep compression with their thumb, fingers or elbow, and holding for 20-30 seconds.

What are the knots in my neck?

Muscle knots are those kinks in your back and the tight, ropy strands in your neck. Also known as trigger points, they are areas where your muscles have tensed up and refused to let go.

What does it feel like when a trigger point is released?

There are a muscle stiffness and a palpable hardening of a taut band of muscle fibers passing through the tender spot in a shortened muscle (like a string of a guitar), A local twitch response of the taut muscle and jump sign occur when the trigger point is stimulated.

What can a massage therapist tell about you?

A therapist can tell whether you stretch or exercise and what type of activities you participate in based on the length of your muscles or tensions you may have in certain areas. Whether you drink enough water. Dry skin and underlying tissue are indicators of lack of hydration.

Can you see muscle knots?

For a long time muscle knots could only be detected by feel, and even now it is difficult to confirm their existence with imaging, even when using advanced modalities like MRI or ultrasound. “When you look under ultrasound, you can sometimes see slight changes in the tissue in the area where the knot is,” explains Dr.

How do I massage my belly fat?

Massage your belly with the tips of your fingers starting at the bottom of your abdomen and working your way up. For this stomach massage, use a very firm pressing motion as you move your fingers up. Toward the top of your abdomen, try to reach as far under your rib cage as you can and massage this area.

Does massage break up fat?

Studies show that deep tissue massage contributes to improved metabolism and fat reduction. Receive massage in the area with excess fat accumulation and it will break up the fat stores, making it ready for absorption inside the body.