Is it normal to get bruises from a deep tissue massage?

[Tina]

I am undergoing treatment for a dislocated shoulder and I always feel like I have been run over by a truck afterwords is this normal?

 

[Dia]

Bruises aren't good. Tell your therapist to be more careful. To help with the soreness, take a tylenol or two and then a hot shower after the massage. Drink at least a gallon in the day after the massage, that's the full 64 ounces you're supposed to get anyways. Water is vital after a massage to help flush muscles and your urinary system after they work the lactic acid and calcium remnants out of your muscles. Biofreeze, IcyHot and/or Tiger Balm all help with soreness, I suggest using it right after the massage and then take the shower. Remember, your massage therapist most likely went to school for what they do, I know I did, and they know what they're doing; however, if its hurting you, it's absolutely your call for them to ease up on the pressure and the intensity of their work. It's like ordering a meal in a restaurant. The chef is a professional, but you decide if you like what they serve you. Don't let them act like you have to just shut up and deal.

 

[Ellie Marieee :)]

Bruises? No. Feeling like you have been run over by a truck? Maybe.

 

[Richard C]

Tina, the answer is no. If you are getting bruising that is a sign that blood vessels are being broken. The intensity of the massage strokes are too much. After a massage you should feel relaxed and perhaps fatigued but never as if you were run over. The question for you is why the massage? What you need to work on is stabilization of the anterior, front, muscles of the shoulder. These are the muscles that will tighten up the shoulder and prevent it from dislocating. Is this massage part of a program or is it a stand alone treatment?