Pain & side effects of connective tissue massage
Honest answers about what you may feel during and after a deep connective tissue massage — from tenderness and redness to the occasional bruise. General information that does not replace medical advice.
Book a free consultationWhat do you feel?
Is a connective tissue massage painful?
A connective tissue massage goes deeper than a relaxation massage and can feel more intense on sensitive areas. Below we honestly answer the questions we are asked most often about pain, sensitivity and side effects. The answers are general in nature and do not replace medical advice; if in doubt, always consult your GP. BodyFix has specialised in connective-tissue and fascia techniques since 2008, treating women only in a private practice.
Is a connective tissue massage painful?
A connective tissue massage goes deeper than a relaxation massage and can feel more intense on sensitive areas. It may be firm, but the pressure is always adjusted to what is comfortable and bearable for you — do let your therapist know during the treatment. We do not work to a "no pain, no gain" philosophy. This is general information and does not replace medical care; if in doubt, consult your GP.
Why can a connective tissue massage feel sensitive?
Because the technique works more deeply on the connective tissue and fascia and is aimed at releasing adhesions, this can feel more sensitive than a superficial massage. How you experience this differs from person to person. If you would like to know more about the tissue we work with, read our explanation of what fascia is. This is general information and does not replace medical care.
Does it have to hurt to work?
No. How much pain you can tolerate does not determine how well the treatment suits you; the pressure is adjusted to what you can bear and to what is comfortable for you. A more intense treatment is therefore not a requirement. Results and experiences differ from person to person. This is supportive and does not replace medical care; if in doubt, consult your GP.
Bruising & skin
Bruising, redness & the skin
Because of the deep technique, the skin can sometimes react. Below we honestly explain what may occur and when it usually fades. Please bear in mind that this differs from person to person and that these answers do not replace medical advice.
Will you bruise from a connective tissue massage?
Because of the deep technique, some people may experience mild tenderness or the occasional bruise; this is usually temporary and differs from person to person. If you bruise easily or use blood thinners, please mention this during the consultation. This is general information and does not replace medical care.
How long do bruises last?
A bruise usually fades on its own within a few days to about two weeks; this differs from person to person. With persistent, unusual or worsening symptoms, contact your GP. This answer is general in nature and does not replace medical advice.
Is redness or a warm feeling after the massage normal?
Mild redness or a warm feeling on the treated areas can occur due to the increased circulation and usually fades within a few hours. How your skin responds differs from person to person. If in doubt, or with symptoms that do not fade, consult your GP. This is general information and does not replace medical care.
After the treatment
How might you feel afterwards?
Some people notice a response from the body after an intensive treatment. We are deliberately honest about this. The answers below are general in nature, differ from person to person and do not replace medical advice.
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Can you feel tired or fluey after a connective tissue massage?
Some people feel briefly tired or a little under the weather after an intensive treatment; this differs from person to person and is usually temporary. As general wellbeing advice, it can help to drink enough water and take some rest. With persistent symptoms, consult your GP. This answer is general in nature and does not replace medical advice.
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Can I get a headache after the treatment?
A mild headache can occur in some people. Drinking enough and taking rest can help. This differs from person to person. With a persistent or severe headache, consult your GP. This is general information and does not replace medical care.
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Is muscle soreness or tenderness the next day normal?
A feeling of after-effects or tenderness the day after a deep treatment can occur and usually fades within one to a few days. This differs from person to person. If symptoms persist, get in touch with your GP. This answer is general in nature and does not replace medical advice.
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What can I do to reduce discomfort after the treatment?
As general wellbeing advice: drink enough water, take rest and take it a little easier with strenuous exercise on the first day. These are not medical treatment recommendations. With unusual or persistent symptoms, consult your GP. How you feel after a treatment differs from person to person.
Safety first
Blood thinners & when to consult a doctor
For some situations, extra caution or consultation with a doctor is important. We always discuss this first during the consultation. These answers do not replace medical advice.
May I have a connective tissue massage if I take blood thinners?
Blood thinners can increase the risk of bruises and bruising. For this reason, always mention the use of blood thinners during the consultation and, if in doubt, discuss with your GP or treating specialist whether the treatment is suitable for you. This answer does not replace medical advice. Also see our page on contraindications for situations where extra caution or consultation is needed.
When should I be concerned about a side effect?
With unusual, severe or persistent symptoms — such as strong pain, increasing swelling, fever or signs of inflammation — contact your GP. This answer is general in nature and does not replace medical advice; if in doubt, always choose to consult a doctor.
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Amsterdam's longest-running specialised connective tissue practice, since 2008
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Medically trained therapists with a physiotherapy background and 2,500+ hours of training
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Read on
Explore the treatment further
Would you like to know more about the technique, the tissue and when a treatment is suitable? These pages will help you further.
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Connective tissue massage in Amsterdam — the technique and our approach explained
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The BodyFix Method — deep manual massage with device-assisted lymphatic drainage
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The treatment — what to expect during a session
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Contraindications — when extra caution or consultation is needed
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All frequently asked questions — back to the overview
Not sure whether a treatment suits you? Ask your question during the free consultation
Every new client starts with a free 20-minute consultation, with no obligation. We discuss your situation, any medication such as blood thinners and whether a treatment is suitable — diagnosis-first, via a Bodyreading. This is supportive and does not replace medical care. BodyFix is a private practice and is not reimbursed by insurance.
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