Is Diarrhea After a Massage Normal? Here's All You Need to Know

Diarrhea after massage

Are you thinking about treating yourself to a spa and wondering if experiencing diarrhea after a massage is a common occurrence?

You’re not alone. Many people wonder the same thing. Well, let’s get to the bottom of it.

Treating your body to a massage can be a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day.

Whether you are visiting a licensed massage therapist or using a massage tool, this form of bodywork involves manipulating muscle fibers and connective tissues deep within your body for a range of benefits.

Benefits that come with massage therapy include improved blood circulation, relief of muscle tension, and improved posture.

Although massage therapy can be extremely beneficial, it's possible to experience a range of side effects that can make you feel uncomfortable.

So, can massage cause diarrhea?

The answer is yes; it’s possible to experience diarrhea after an intense massage.

Massage therapists and experts attribute this to the release of toxins from the body.

How this happens is what we’ll be exploring in this article. You'll learn just why people experience diarrhea after a massage, what signs to look out for, as well as how you can treat and prevent this condition.

Why You May Experience Diarrhea After a Massage

Getting to the root of why people experience diarrhea after a massage is key to understanding how to prevent it. There are several potential causes for this effect. And some of them may surprise you.

Let's explore a few of the possible causes of diarrhea after a massage.

Drained lymphatic system

One of the major reasons people experience diarrhea after a massage therapy session is due to a drained lymphatic system.

Made up of a network of lymph nodes and vessels, this system is responsible for helping our body remove toxins and waste from the cells. It involves a layer of vessels that collect the waste and carry it to different parts of the body.

When this system becomes clogged, it can lead to a medical condition called lymphatic stasis. This is when toxins and waste become trapped in your body's tissues.

Massage therapy works by helping to release these toxins from the muscles and into the bloodstream, where they are then filtered out of the body through the digestive tract.

This can lead to diarrhea as your body attempts to flush out the toxins and waste through your digestive system. What's more, it can also cause you to experience other symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Dehydration

Another potential cause of diarrhea after a massage is dehydration.

Water is a necessary element in our bodies. It helps us maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes, and it also helps keep our organs functioning properly.

A massage can cause you to become dehydrated due to the amount of sweating that occurs during the session. This can lead to diarrhea if your body does not have extra water available for proper digestion.

Excessive pressure

One of the main reasons people experience diarrhea after a massage is due to excessive pressure applied during the session.

It's important for massage therapists to be mindful of how much pressure they use in order to avoid any potential damage to your body. Too much pressure can cause trauma to your muscles, which can then irritate the digestive system and lead to diarrhea.

Also, some massage techniques, such as deep tissue massage, can be too intense for some people. This can cause a disruption to the digestive system, resulting in diarrhea.

Food intolerances

Certain people also experience diarrhea after a massage due to food intolerances.

If you have an intolerance to certain types of foods, then it's possible that your body may react negatively when you have them in your system.

This can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea and other uncomfortable symptoms. It's important to listen to your body and pay attention to any potential food intolerances that may be causing the issue.

Pre-existing digestive issues

Pre-existing digestive issues can also be a factor when it comes to experiencing diarrhea after an intense massage.

Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and food allergies can all cause your body to have difficulty digesting food and other substances. These conditions can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, and gas.

Stress

Are you always one to get stressed out easily?

Stress has a major impact on our digestive system, as it can cause us to produce more hormones that affect our digestive health.

While massage therapy can be a great way to relax and reduce stress, it can also lead to increased levels of stress hormones in the body. One hormone that's known to cause diarrhea is cortisol.

High cortisol levels can lead to the body releasing more water into the intestines, which can cause diarrhea.

Now that you have an idea of why people tend to experience diarrhea after a massage, let’s explore what signs to look out for and how you can prevent having this uncomfortable experience.

Signs of Diarrhea After a Massage

Dealing with diarrhea after a massage can be quite unpleasant and uncomfortable. Here's a list of some common signs that you may experience:

Abdominal cramping and pain

Experiencing abdominal cramps and chronic pain is a common way you can tell if you're having diarrhea after regular massage.

Abdominal cramps can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by bouts of an upset stomach, bloating, and gas. The discomfort is typically felt in the lower abdomen and can last for several hours at a time.

It is important to pay attention to any abdominal discomfort that you feel, as it could be an indication that something is wrong.

Bloating or gas

Another common sign of diarrhea after a massage is bloating or gas.

This may be due to the body releasing more water into the intestines, which can cause gases to build up in the stomach and intestines. Additionally, certain foods can also cause bloating and gas, so it's important to pay attention to any foods that you eat prior to your massage.

Nausea

Do you often feel an urge to vomit after a massage?

Nausea is another common sign that you may be experiencing side effects of massage therapy. In some cases, the nausea may lead to actual vomiting. If you feel nauseous, it's important to rest and not eat or drink anything until you feel better.

Fever and chills

Fever and chills are another symptom of diarrhea after a massage.

This may be caused by your body trying to fight off the infection or bacteria that is causing the diarrhea. Dehydration is also a common cause of fever and chills, so it's important to make sure you stay hydrated.

You can check your temperature with a thermometer to make sure that your fever is not too high. If it is, it's important to seek medical attention right away.

Fatigue

Dealing with diarrhea can be a draining experience, and it's not uncommon to feel tired afterward. The fatigue may be due to your body having to work harder to fight off the infection or bacteria.

It's important to rest as much as possible and make sure you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Also, make sure you get plenty of sleep and try to avoid physical activity for the first few hours after your massage.

Experiencing diarrhea after massage therapy can be uncomfortable, but it's important to pay attention to the symptoms so that you can get massage treatment if necessary.

If you experience any of the symptoms we've listed above, keep reading as we explore what steps you can take to feel better.

Treating Diarrhea After a Massage

If you do experience diarrhea after a massage, there are a few things that you can do to help your body recover. Some of them include the following:

Drink water

Hydrate for recovery

Drinking water is essential when dealing with diarrhea, as it helps to keep your body hydrated and reduces the risk of dehydration.

It's important to avoid sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages, as they can make the symptoms worse. Instead, opt for clear liquids such as water or diluted juices. You should also drink at least 8 glasses of drinking water per day to keep your body hydrated.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol

When dealing with diarrhea after a massage, it is important to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can worsen the symptoms.

Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and energy drinks, can cause dehydration, while alcohol can increase the risk of dehydration. Additionally, caffeinated beverages can also irritate the digestive system, which may lead to further discomfort.

It is best to stick to water or diluted juices when trying to recover from diarrhea after a massage, as we've mentioned above.

Stay away from foods that may irritate your stomach

One way to help your body recover from diarrhea is to avoid any foods that may be difficult for you to digest or irritate your stomach.

Certain foods, such as dairy, fatty or fried foods, and spicy dishes, can be hard for your body to digest and can cause further abdominal discomfort. Try opting for lighter meals like steamed vegetables and lean proteins until the symptoms have subsided.

Take over-the-counter medications for relief

If you're looking to quicken the process of relieving your abdominal discomfort, over-the-counter medications can be helpful in managing the symptoms.

For diarrhea, Imodium and Pepto-Bismol are two popular choices. Just make sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions on how much to take.

Taking too much of these medications can cause unpleasant side effects and make your diarrhea worse.

Rest and allow your body to recover

Treating your body to a massage can be an invigorating experience, but it's important to remember to take it easy after your massage.

Your body needs time to fight off any infection or bacteria that may be causing the symptoms. Get plenty of rest and avoid physical activity for the first few hours after your massage. This will give your body time to heal and recover from the massage session.

How to Avoid Diarrhea After a Massage

Experiencing diarrhea after a massage session can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing.

To reduce the risk of it happening, there are several steps that you can take to prevent it. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Drink water before and after the massage

As we've already discussed, dehydration can be a major cause of diarrhea after a massage.

To help prevent this from happening, it's important to make sure that you drink plenty of fluids before and after your session.

Water helps flush out toxins, waste, and bacteria from our bodies. It also helps to keep us hydrated and energized. So make sure to drink at least 7-8 glasses of water a day to ensure that your body is getting enough fluids!

Eat a light, easily digestible meal before your massage session

Eating a light, easily digestible meal before your regular massage session can help prevent diarrhea after the session.

Such meals are typically low in fat and fiber and contain easily digestible carbohydrates, such as white rice or potatoes. This will help reduce the amount of toxins and waste that enter the digestive tract during the massage session, thus reducing the risk of diarrhea afterwards.

Additionally, eating a light meal before your massage session can help reduce the risk of nausea and other uncomfortable symptoms that can occur during a long massage session.

Consider getting a lighter-pressure massage

safe percussion massage gun

 

While a deep-tissue massage is great for releasing tension and relieving muscle soreness, it can also be too intense for some people.

If you're prone to experiencing diarrhea after a massage, then it's best to consider getting a light massage instead. This will help reduce the amount of toxins released into the bloodstream during the massage session, thus reducing the risk of diarrhea afterwards.

This way, you can still enjoy the relaxation benefits of massage therapy without the uncomfortable side effects.

Take time to rest and relax after your massage

Taking time to rest and relax after your massage can help reduce the risk of experiencing diarrhea.

After a massage, your body is likely to be quite tired and in need of recovery.

Therefore, it's important to take the time to rest and allow your body to recover properly. During this time, try to take deep breaths and focus on relaxing your body and mind.

This will help reduce the amount of stress hormones in your body, thus reducing the risk of diarrhea.

Avoid a session or discuss any digestive issues with your massage therapist

Are you suffering from any digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease, before your massage session?

If so, then it's best to avoid the session or discuss your digestive issues with your massage therapist. In some cases, a massage session can aggravate existing digestive symptoms due to the direct pressure placed on certain areas of the body.

Therefore, if you have any digestive issues, it's best to discuss this with your massage therapist in advance so that they can adjust their techniques accordingly.

Whether you are new to massage therapy or experienced in receiving it, it's always important to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of experiencing diarrhea after a massage. Following the tips listed above can help ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about why people experience diarrhea after a massage.

We've compiled this list to help you better understand why it might be happening and what can be done to prevent it.

Are there any specific types of techniques that can cause diarrhea after massage?

Yes, there are certain types of massage techniques that can cause diarrhea after a massage.

These include deep tissue massage, which is when the therapist applies deep pressure to the targeted area to release tension and tight muscles. This type of massage can be too intense for some people, resulting in the release of toxins into the bloodstream, which can cause diarrhea afterwards.

Other techniques such as sports massage, trigger point therapy, and Swedish massage can also cause similar effects.

How long does experiencing diarrhea after a massage last?

The duration of experiencing diarrhea after a massage will vary depending on what type of massage you had and how intense it was.

In most cases, the diarrhea should subside within a few days as your body flushes out the toxins that were released during the session. However, if symptoms persist longer than expected or worsen into chronic diarrhea symptoms, it's best to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.

When should I seek medical help if I experience diarrhea after a massage?

If you experience diarrhea after a massage that lasts longer than expected or worsens, it's best to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.

This is especially important if the diarrhea is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, fever, or vomiting. It's also a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have any pre-existing digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease.

Besides diarrhea, are there any other side effects I should be aware of after a massage?

Besides diarrhea, there are a few other common side effects that you should be aware of after a massage.

These include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Additionally, some people may experience sore muscles, joint pain, or bruising as a result of the massage techniques used.

It is also possible to experience an allergic reaction to certain products and oils used during the session.

Lastly, some people may also experience emotional responses such as feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious. Just ensure to communicate any discomfort or negative feelings you experience with your massage therapist.

Conclusion

Experiencing diarrhea after a massage is a fairly common problem that affects fitness enthusiasts and those who receive massages regularly.

Possible causes of this health condition can range from the type of massage technique used to dehydration, stress, food intolerances, and pre-existing digestive issues. If you experience symptoms of diarrhea after a massage, it's best to manage the condition and then take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Common preventative measures include drinking plenty of water, using proper massage techniques, eating a balanced diet, and discussing digestive issues with your massage therapist in advance.

If symptoms persist longer than expected or worsen, it's important to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can help reduce the risk of experiencing diarrhea after a massage and make sure that your massage session is as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. Reach out to Fusion Recovery if you have any additional questions about massage and diarrhea.

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