Massages are a popular way to relax and improve one's physical and mental well-being, but can they make you tired? The answer is yes, a massage can make you tired.
Massage therapy has a wide range of benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving blood circulation and reducing pain.
However, it can also have certain side effects, such as fatigue. In this article, we'll explore the various benefits and side effects of massage therapy, as well as how to maximize its positive effects while minimizing its negative ones.
So, if you've been considering getting a massage, read on to find out how it can help you, as well as what potential risks you should be aware of.
What are the Benefits of Massage?
Massage therapy has a wide range of benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved blood circulation, lower blood pressure, reduced pain and muscle spasms, increased lymphatic flow, and improved sleep. These benefits are due to the release of certain chemicals that activate certain responses in the body.
Let's take a closer look at each of these potential benefits.
1. Stress Relief - Research shows that massage therapy has many stress-reducing benefits, such as reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and improving mood.
2. Improved Blood Circulation - Massage helps increase blood flow and improve blood circulation, which can boost energy and reduce pain.
3. Reduced Pain - Massage has been shown to reduce the sensation of pain and increase pain tolerance, making it an effective treatment for chronic pain.
4. Improved Sleep - Massage has been shown to help with sleep, particularly insomnia, by reducing stress and increasing the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
5. Improved Immunity - Massage has been shown to help the immune system by increasing levels of immune-boosting antibodies in the blood.
6. Better Focus - Massage has been shown to help improve focus and reduce stress, which can make it easier to concentrate.
7. Increased Happiness - By reducing stress and improving mood, massage can make you happier.
What are the Side Effects of Massage?
While massage therapy has many benefits, it can also have certain side effects. For instance, it can reduce blood flow to the extremities, which can cause your hands and feet to feel cold. Additionally, certain massage techniques can cause the muscles to contract, which can lead to muscle spasms, especially in people who are at risk for this.
Massage is generally safe and side effects are uncommon. However, there are certain risks associated with massage therapy. These include infection, allergic reactions, and increased pain. Let's take a closer look at each of these potential side effects.
1. Infection - While massage is generally safe, there is a risk of infection, particularly if the therapist doesn't use proper hygiene. To minimize this risk, make sure to ask the therapist about their hygiene practices before getting a massage.
2. Allergic Reaction - Some people are allergic to massage oils and lotions, so make sure to let the therapist know if you have any allergies.
3. Increased Pain - Massage can temporarily increase pain in certain areas of the body if they are inflamed or injured, so make sure to talk to your therapist if you have pain after a massage.
4. Worsened Symptoms - Massage therapy can temporarily worsen symptoms like headaches, joint pain, and muscle spasms if you have underlying health conditions.
5. Headaches - If you have a headache, massage can actually make it worse by increasing the pressure in your head. If you have a headache, it's best to wait until it goes away before getting a massage.
Moreover, massage can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, so if you have high blood pressure, you should speak with your doctor before receiving a massage. Finally, massage can increase your levels of cortisol, which is a hormone that can increase anxiety and stress. Thus, if you are prone to anxiety or stress, you may want to avoid massage if possible.
Are You Tired After a Massage?
If you feel unusually tired after a massage, it may be because you have contracted muscles from the massage. In this case, your body is likely trying to release the tension in your muscles. This can take time, so give yourself a few hours or even a few days to recover.
Additionally, if you are stressed out, frustrated, or anxious, a massage may make you feel tired because it can activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is involved in the fight-or-flight response. Indeed, massage can lower blood pressure, which may make you feel sleepy and relaxed—so much so that in most massage parlors, you’re likely to fall asleep during your massage!
Is Self-Massage Good For Your?
If you feel fatigued after a massage, it might be due to your body trying to compensate for the increased blood flow. If you have a stiff neck or shoulder, massage can help loosen it and improve blood flow to that area, which may make you feel tired.
However, if your fatigue is unrelated to your stiff muscles, it might be a sign that you have a health condition, such as diabetes or anemia. To rule out these potential health issues, it is best to consult your doctor. If you are getting a massage regularly and still feel tired, it might be due to the massage tables being too low. Try asking the massage therapist to raise the table a bit to keep the blood flowing.
Can a Massage Make You Feel Tired the Next Day?
Depending on the type of massage you received, a massage can make you feel tired the next day. This may be caused by contracting muscles and releasing serotonin and other chemicals. If you feel unusually tired after a massage, try taking rest for a few hours. This will give your body time to relax and release the tension in your muscles.
Alternatively, you can try a soothing, warm bath to help you relax. Make sure to drink plenty of water, too, as dehydration may be to blame for your tiredness, as well as the increased cortisol levels that are often associated with massage.
If you feel very tired the day after a massage, it is also likely related to blood flow. As we've discussed above, massage helps increase blood flow and many people experience mild fatigue after a massage, as their muscles need more blood.
However, if you are feeling exceptionally tired the day after a massage, it may be a sign that the massage therapist applied too much pressure. If the massage is too intense, it may make you feel exhausted.
To avoid this, make sure to communicate with the massage therapist about the intensity of their touch, and let them know if something feels too strong. Massage therapists can use a variety of different massage techniques and modalities. While some types of massage may make you feel exhausted, others may help energize you.
Depending on the type of massage you receive, it may or may not make you feel tired the next day. For example, a Swedish massage usually makes people feel relaxed and tired, while a Thai massage can energize you.
Is It Normal to Be Tired After Massage?
Yes, it is normal to be tired after a massage. In fact, many people experience a sense of extreme relaxation and feel utterly tired after their massage. If you are feeling unusually tired after your massage, try relaxing in a warm bath or drinking plenty of water.
If you feel extremely tired after a massage, it may be due to the massage therapist applying too much pressure. If you feel excessively fatigued, make sure to communicate with the massage therapist and let them know where the pressure is too strong.
If you get a massage regularly and still find yourself feeling overly tired after each session, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition. It is important to speak to your doctor if you feel excessively tired after getting regular massages for a few weeks. It is normal to feel a bit tired after a massage, but feeling excessively tired may be a sign that something is wrong.
As we've discussed above, excessive fatigue after a massage may be a sign that the massage therapist applied too much pressure. It may also be a sign of an underlying health condition.
How to Get the Most Out of Massage Therapy?
If you’re planning on receiving a massage, keep in mind that you should choose a professional, licensed massage therapist. You can find local massage therapists by searching online, asking a friend for a recommendation, or by visiting your local health clinic or massage parlor.
- If you have high blood pressure, it may be a good idea to avoid massage therapy, since it can increase blood pressure.
- If you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, it’s also a good idea to check with your doctor before receiving a massage.
Before your massage, make sure to hydrate and eat a snack, since you may feel a little hungry or light-headed following your massage. You can also wear loose clothing, such as a t-shirt and sweatpants, to make receiving a massage more comfortable.
Make sure to communicate with your massage therapist if you feel uneasy at any point during your massage. You can also ask your massage therapist to adjust their technique if your massage is too rough or not relaxing enough. Following your massage, be sure to drink plenty of water to hydrate your body and flush out any toxins that may have built up during your massage.
Does Massage Cause Fatigue?
Yes, massage can cause fatigue, especially if your massage therapist applies too much pressure. In this case, your massage may feel more like a stressful event that makes you feel tired than a relaxing experience. As fatigue is one of the side effects of massage therapy, it is possible that massage therapy can cause fatigue, particularly if it is pressed too firmly and your muscles are too tense.
Make sure to speak up if your massage therapist is applying too much pressure, or ask them to reduce it if they are applying a comfortable amount of pressure.
If you’re receiving a full-body massage and feel tired afterward, this may be caused by the release of serotonin and other hormones and chemicals. In this case, it may help to drink plenty of water and try to relax in a comfortable setting.
Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine 3-4 hours before your massage, as these substances can make you feel more tired. Keep in mind that fatigue is often a sign of dehydration, so make sure to drink lots of water after your massage.
In general, a massage is likely to cause fatigue if it is pressing firmly on your muscles, particularly if they are tense. When receiving a massage, it is important to try to relax your muscles as much as possible and let the therapist do their job. If your muscles are tense and your therapist is pressing too firmly, this may cause you to feel tired after the massage.
Why Does a Massage Make You Feel Tired?
As discussed above, fatigue is one of the side effects of massage therapy, particularly foot massage, where it is observed in about 60% of patients. After a foot massage, fatigue is often accompanied by feelings of calm and relaxation.
However, it is important to remember that fatigue is not the same as drowsiness. When you are tired, you are unable to function on a normal level and need to rest, such as when driving or operating machinery.
On the other hand, drowsiness is caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain, which can lead to a reduction in alertness and focus. After a massage, fatigue is often caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain, which can occur when your muscles are tense.
How to Maximize Benefits and Minimize Side Effects
If you’re receiving a massage, try to be as relaxed as possible. This may help to maximize the benefits of massage, as well as reduce the risk of fatigue. If your massage therapist offers you a massage oil, try to use it, as oils can help to relax your muscles.
To get the most out of massage therapy, it is important to prepare well and choose the right therapist. Here are some tips to help you do so:
1. Choose the right massage therapy type - Different massage therapy types have different benefits. Choose the massage therapy type that best meets your needs and desired benefits.
2. Choose the right therapist - While it is important to choose someone that you feel comfortable with, it is also important to choose a therapist with the right qualifications. Make sure that your therapist has been trained and certified in massage therapy.
3. Prepare for your massage therapy session - Before your massage therapy session, make sure to be well hydrated, eat a light meal, and wear loose and comfortable clothing. Avoid eating a large meal before your massage, as this may increase the risk of feeling sick to your stomach as a result of pressure on your digestive system.
4. Set clear expectations with your therapist - Be sure to set clear expectations with your therapist before your session. Let them know where and how you would like them to apply pressure.
Moreover, make sure to greet your partner before the massage, and try to give them a comfortable amount of pressure. Try to avoid eye contact, as this can make your partner uncomfortable. Finally, make sure to respect your partner’s personal space and privacy, and don’t finish the massage too soon.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Massage
Before receiving a massage, make sure to hydrate and eat a snack. This can help to prevent feelings of fatigue following your massage.
If you’re receiving a foot massage, try to relax your feet and toes, and keep your massage therapist’s hands warm by placing a towel between your skin and your hands.
If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of massage, you may want to consider getting a massage regularly. However, if you've never received a massage before, you may not know what to expect.
To ensure that you get the most out of your massage, you may want to keep the following tips in mind:
1. Find a massage therapist you trust
2. Choose the type of massage that is most appropriate for you
3. Prepare for your massage by being mindful of your breathing
4. Stay hydrated after receiving a massage
5. Get enough sleep after your massage
6. Wear loose and comfortable clothing after receiving a massage
7. Avoid vigorous exercise after receiving a massage
8. Apply massage oils to your skin or wear loose-fitting clothing after receiving a massage
Try to communicate with your massage therapist if you feel uncomfortable or receive too much pressure, and don’t finish the massage too soon or too quickly. Finally, try to be as relaxed as possible during your massage, and make sure to drink plenty of water following your massage to flush out the toxins in your body.
Conclusion
A massage can be a great way to relax and improve your health, but it can also make you tired if you are not prepared for the effects.
A massage can make you tired for a variety of reasons, including increased levels of cortisol, blood pressure, and feeling overstimulated.
To get the most out of massage therapy, it is important to choose the right therapist, and massage therapy type and set clear expectations with your therapist. And remember, a massage is supposed to be enjoyable, so don't feel guilty about taking time for yourself.