Bruising After Deep Tissue Massage

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1 What Causes Bruising After Deep Tissue Massage?

2 Factors Contributing to Increased Bruising

Deep tissue massage is a popular therapy that realigns deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. While it is renowned for its effectiveness in relieving pain and restoring movement, bruising after deep tissue massage can sometimes occur. This can raise concerns for those new to this type of treatment. In this blog, we will explore why bruising can happen, how it can be managed, and when it might cause concern.

What Causes Bruising After Deep Tissue Massage?

Bruising occurs when small blood vessels, known as capillaries, near the surface of the skin break and cause red blood cells to leak and collect under the skin. This results in a noticeable discolouration ranging from light blue or dark purple to black. In the context of deep tissue massages, the intense pressure applied to release chronic muscle tension may inadvertently impact these capillaries.

Deep tissue massage involves various techniques that aim to increase blood flow and reduce tension in the muscle and connective tissue layers. However, this increased pressure can sometimes be too much for some blood vessels, particularly if the massage therapist uses excessive pressure or if the client has certain predispositions that make them bruise easily.

Factors Contributing to Increased Bruising

Understanding the various factors contributing to increased bruising can help you better prepare and mitigate some side effects when undergoing deep tissue massage. Here are more detailed insights into what may cause more pronounced bruising and how you might address these factors:

Technique and Expertise of Massage Therapists: The skill level and techniques employed by massage therapists can significantly influence the likelihood of bruising. Experienced therapists typically adjust their pressure and techniques according to the client’s body response. They are trained to notice when to ease off to prevent capillaries from breaking, thus reducing the chances of bruises occurring.
Presence of Fresh Blood and Stagnant Blood: The body’s circulation plays a crucial role in developing bruising. Enhanced blood flow, often a target of deep tissue massage, brings fresh blood to tissues, promoting healing but potentially increasing the risk of bruising if vessels are damaged during the process. Conversely, stagnant blood sticking in areas with poor circulation might contribute to more significant bruising, as these areas are more susceptible to injury from focused pressure.
Use of Blood Thinners: Clients who take blood thinners or other medications that affect blood clotting will have a higher tendency to bruise. These medications reduce the blood’s ability to clot, leading to more extensive and visible bruising, even from slight pressure. Clients must disclose such medication use to their massage therapists, who can modify their techniques accordingly.
History of Traumatic Injury: Areas of the body that have previously sustained traumatic injuries may exhibit different responses to pressure. Scar tissue and underlying structural changes from past injuries can affect how blood and lymphatic fluid circulate through these areas, potentially leading to more frequent or pronounced bruising.
Deep Breathing During Massage: Encouraging deep breathing during a massage can help in two ways. If the massage reaches deeper tissue layers, it can reduce the intensity of the pain, potentially making the experience more tolerable and preventing the body from tensing up, which can contribute to bruising. Additionally, deep breathing helps improve overall blood and lymph circulation, which can aid in preventing stagnant blood and reducing the severity of bruises.
Initial Hours Post-Massage: The first few hours after a massage are critical in determining the extent of bruising. Clients are advised to monitor their pain levels and look for signs of significant bruising. Applying ice to tender areas immediately after the massage can help reduce the blood flow, potentially minimising bruising. Additionally, avoiding strenuous activity for a few hours after the massage can prevent further stress on vulnerable capillaries.

Understanding these factors can greatly assist individuals in preparing for a deep tissue massage, setting realistic expectations, and taking proactive steps to minimise bruising. Open communication with your massage therapist before, during, and after the session is vital to ensure a safe and beneficial massage experience.

How to Avoid Bruising

While bruising can be a common side effect of deep tissue massage, you can take several strategies and precautions to minimise its occurrence and severity. Understanding how bruises occur and implementing these measures can help enhance your massage experience:

Open Communication: Discuss any concerns about bruising with your massage therapist. This conversation should include sharing details about your susceptibility to bruises, any medications you’re taking, and your previous experiences with massage. This allows the therapist to tailor their approach, opting for gentler techniques where necessary.
Pre-Massage Preparation: Preparing your body before a session can influence how your skin and muscles react to the massage. Ensure you are well-hydrated, as adequate hydration helps maintain the health of your red blood cells and reduces their likelihood of leaking under the skin during a massage. Avoiding alcohol and certain pain relievers that can increase bruising (like aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for at least 24 hours before your appointment can also be beneficial.
Technique Adjustment: Request that your massage therapist adjust the pressure and techniques used during the session. If you know you are prone to bruising, ask for a gradual increase in pressure, allowing your tissues to adapt without causing damage. Massage therapists can employ various techniques that minimise the risk of bruising. Techniques like trigger point massage can be effective as they focus on specific areas without necessarily applying broad pressure that impacts large capillary areas.
Protective Measures During Massage: Ensure the therapist uses ample massage oils or lotions during the massage. This helps provide a smooth glide over the skin and reduces the direct friction that can lead to capillary breaks and consequent bruising.
Post-Massage Care: After the session, it’s advisable to apply a cold compress to any area that feels particularly sensitive or where red blood cells may leak, forming a bruise. This can help constrict blood vessels, reduce blood flow to the area, and prevent a bruise from becoming more pronounced. Hydrating after your massage is also crucial as it helps flush out any toxins released from the muscles, supporting your body’s recovery.
Follow-Up Practices: Consider scheduling follow-up sessions that gradually increase in intensity. This can help your body adjust to the pressures of deep tissue massage without excessive bruising. Regular sessions can also enhance tissue elasticity and improve blood circulation, both of which can reduce bruising incidents.

By incorporating these strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing bruises from your deep tissue massage sessions and enjoy the full range of benefits this therapy offers without undue discomfort or extended recovery time.

Managing Bruising Post-Massage

If bruising occurs after your deep tissue massage, there are several steps you can take to manage and reduce the impact:

Cold and Heat Therapy: After noticing a bruise, applying a cold pack can help reduce blood flow to the area, minimising the severity of the bruise. After a few hours, switching to heat can help dissipate the blood that has accumulated under the skin.
Elevation: If possible, elevate the bruised area. This can help reduce the blood flow to the area, reducing the size and darkness of the bruise.
Arnica: Consider using topical treatments such as Arnica, a well-known homoeopathic remedy for bruises. Arnica can help speed up the healing process by facilitating the movement of blood and lymphatic fluid away from the bruised area.

When to See a Professional

While mild bruising is not usually a cause for concern, there are instances where it might be advisable to consult a healthcare provider:

The bruise does not improve within a few days or gets progressively worse.
You experience extreme pain, which is not typical of simple bruising.
Bruising occurs frequently and without significant pressure being applied.

Conclusion

Deep tissue massage is a beneficial therapeutic technique that can significantly enhance body benefits, particularly for chronic muscle tension. Understanding the reasons behind bruising after deep tissue massage and how to manage it can help you continue to benefit from these sessions without undue concern. If you’ve experienced bruising after a deep tissue massage or have concerns about how massage therapy might affect you, don’t hesitate to contact professionals who can guide you with expertise.

For personalised advice and to book your session, contact us at Wayne Massage:

Hunter Shop: (02) 8073 9376
Townhall Shop: (02) 8073 9382
Haymarket Shop: (02) 8073 8390

Whether adjusting techniques or exploring other massage modalities, we are here to ensure your health and satisfaction with every session.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4145795/

https://www.nuhs.edu/patients/health-information/articles/deep-tissue-massage/#:~:text=Deep%20tissue%20massage%20targets%20chronic,go%20across%20the%20muscle%20grain.

Bruising After Deep Tissue Massage: Understanding the Causes and How to Manage It