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Muscle knots, or muscle contusions, are bruises that occur in the muscle and can be caused by a direct blow or repeated blows by a blunt object. Deep tissue massages are a common treatment for muscle knots, but they can also cause bruising. This is because the pressure applied during the massage can break capillaries and cause tiny amounts of capillary damage to bleed, leading to the appearance of bruised skin. This is more likely to occur in individuals with thinner skin or those taking blood-thinning medications. Bruising from muscle knots or deep tissue massages is usually nothing to worry about and can be treated with ice, topical creams, or over-the-counter pain medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bruising after deep tissue massage | Rare but possible |
| Reasons for bruising | Increased pressure, broken capillaries, medication, improper techniques |
| Bruise appearance | Reddish, blue, dark purple |
| Bruise treatment | Cold compression, pain medication, elevation of the bruised area, ice, topical creams |
| Preventing bruising | Massaging towards the heart, aftercare advice, adjusting techniques |
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What You'll Learn
Deep tissue massage can cause bruising
Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that involves applying substantial pressure to alleviate knots and tension in the connective tissue. While it is a great way to relieve tension from muscles and their surrounding connective tissues, it can cause bruising in some cases.
Deep tissue massages are more intense than traditional Swedish massages, and they can cause some degree of discomfort, especially if it is your first time. You may experience soreness or tenderness in the treated area, which is normal. However, some people may also notice bruising after a deep tissue massage. This bruising is typically mild and appears under the surface of the skin. It occurs when a build-up of lymphatic fluid in the treated area is released, stimulating the body's lymphatic system and causing mild bruising, especially in sensitive areas like the back or thighs.
The increased pressure in deep tissue massage can lead to bruising, particularly if capillaries near the surface of the skin become damaged. The pressure applied during the massage can break capillaries and cause tiny amounts of capillary damage, resulting in bruising. This is more likely to occur in individuals with thinner skin who are more prone to bruising. Additionally, if you are taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or those that reduce blood clotting, you may be more prone to bruising during a deep tissue massage.
To reduce the possibility of bruising after a deep tissue massage, it is important to communicate with your massage therapist and inform them if you bruise easily. They can adjust their techniques and use less pressure to avoid bruising. Avoiding medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, before your massage can also help reduce the risk of bruising.
Using special treatments, such as ice or topical creams, can help reduce the severity and duration of bruising. Additionally, massaging towards the heart can improve blood flow to the treated area, reducing the risk of bruising. Following your therapist's aftercare advice, such as avoiding strenuous activities for a specific period, can also help prevent bruising from worsening.
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Bruising is caused by broken capillaries
Bruising can occur after a deep tissue massage, which targets muscle knots and tense areas. Deep tissue massages involve applying substantial pressure to alleviate knots and tension in the connective tissue. This pressure can break capillaries, causing tiny amounts of capillary damage and bleeding under the skin, which leads to bruising. This is more likely to occur in individuals with thinner skin who may be more prone to bruising.
Bruising occurs when capillaries under the skin break and red blood cells leak. The pressure applied during a deep tissue massage can compromise the blood's ability to clot, leading to red blood cells leaking and causing discolouration in the bruised area. This discolouration typically starts as reddish, then turns blue or dark purple within a few hours or days.
Deep tissue massages can be particularly beneficial for athletes in contact sports, as they are prone to muscle contusions (bruises). Muscle contusions are caused by a direct or repeated blow from a blunt object, which crushes muscle fibres and connective tissue without breaking the skin. This results in broken blood vessels, bleeding into the affected muscle, and bruising.
While bruising after a deep tissue massage is generally not a cause for concern, it is essential to be cautious if it occurs frequently. Most deep tissue massage bruising is nothing to worry about, and the appearance of bruises should reduce over time as your body gets used to the treatment. However, if you experience bruises from massage after every session, even gentler styles, it may be a cause for concern.
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Bruising is more likely if you bruise easily
While muscle knots themselves do not cause bruising, deep tissue massages, which are often used to treat muscle knots, can lead to bruising. This is because deep tissue massages involve applying substantial pressure to alleviate knots and tension in the connective tissue. The pressure applied during the massage can break capillaries and cause tiny amounts of capillary damage, leading to the appearance of bruised skin.
Additionally, if you are currently taking blood thinners or other medications that reduce blood clotting, you may be more prone to bruising during a deep tissue massage. It is important to inform your massage therapist about any medications you are taking so they can adjust their techniques to help avoid bruising or minimise discomfort.
It is worth noting that bruising after a deep tissue massage is typically nothing to worry about, and it is considered a surprise and less common side effect. Most deep tissue massage bruising is not a cause for concern, and any discomfort or tenderness in the treated area is usually normal. However, it is recommended to be vigilant and seek medical advice if necessary.
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Bruising can be caused by medication
While muscle knots can cause bruising, especially after deep tissue massages targeting these areas, medication can also be a cause. Certain medications can cause bruising as a side effect, and this is something that should not be overlooked. For example, NSAIDs, a type of medication often combined with other blood thinners, can cause easy bruising and bleeding because they affect how well platelets work. SSRIs, a type of antidepressant, can also lead to easy bruising, especially when combined with NSAIDs.
Additionally, some supplements can interact with medications and increase the likelihood of bruising. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before adding any supplements to your daily routine. Thinning skin due to ageing or collagen damage caused by certain medications can also make bruising more likely, as the skin can't protect blood vessels as effectively.
If you are taking blood-thinning medications or medications that reduce blood clotting, you may be more prone to bruising during deep tissue massages. This is because the pressure applied during these massages can break capillaries and cause minor bleeding, resulting in bruising.
Bruising can be a cause for concern and may indicate a more serious underlying health condition. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if you notice excessive or frequent bruising without an apparent cause. They will be able to advise you on any necessary precautions or adjustments to your medication.
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Bruising can be treated with ice or topical creams
While muscle knots can cause bruising, this bruising can be treated with ice or topical creams.
Deep tissue massages are meant to relieve tension from muscles and their surrounding connective tissues. They can also speed up recovery time for injuries and leave you feeling rejuvenated and more flexible. However, they can also cause bruising, especially if it is your first time getting one. This is because the pressure applied during the massage can break capillaries and cause tiny amounts of capillary damage to bleed, leading to the appearance of bruised skin.
Bruising can be treated with ice. Applying ice immediately after an injury can reduce blood flow around the area. This can prevent the bruise from being as apparent and reduce swelling. It is important to note that you should not put ice directly on your bruise. Instead, wrap the ice in a washcloth or paper towel and apply it for 10 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Topical creams can also be used to treat bruising. Arnica ointment or gel, for example, can be applied a few times per day to reduce inflammation and swelling. Vitamin K cream has also been shown to reduce the severity of bruising, and aloe vera can be applied topically to reduce pain and inflammation.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle knots, also known as myofascial trigger points, are tight, ropelike bands of muscle that can cause pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body.
Deep tissue massage is a common treatment for muscle knots. Bruising is a rare but possible side effect of deep tissue massage, especially if it is your first time receiving one. Bruising can occur when capillaries under the skin break and red blood cells leak.
Most deep tissue massage bruising is nothing to worry about. Applying ice or a cold compression to the bruised area can help reduce the bruising's severity and duration. Fresh blood flow is another key element in preventing bruising. Massaging towards the heart can facilitate the circulation of fresh blood to the treated area, reducing the risk of bruising.
