According to the Mayo Clinic, deep tissue massage involves using slower, more forceful massage strokes to target the muscles and connective tissues that lie deep under the skin. This type of massage is used on people who have suffered severe injuries from sports or accidents or who have problems with their muscles tightening and causing conditions such as migraines. Massage is essentially safe, but deep tissue massage has some possible negative effects.
Bruising and Discomfort
Bruising is a big risk during deep tissue massage, especially for people with sensitive skin or skin that bruises easily. Some people may feel a degree of discomfort and suffer some bruising due to the forcefulness used during the treatment. Bruises might not be evident just after the massage treatment, but they will become more noticeable about 24 hours later. Sometimes, a person may only feel the bruising; other times, he will actually see evidence of bruising on the skin. Everest University reports that deep tissue massage can sometimes be uncomfortable because pressure is so focused and intense. The discomfort should not necessarily be painful; if it is, a person should communicate with her therapist so pressure adjustments can be made.
Bleeding and Injury
Massage should not be done on any part of the body that may have blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections or weakened bones, states the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The increased pressure used in deep tissue massage can cause the release of blood clots or injury to tissue that may cause internal bleeding. This is especially true for people who take medication such as Coumadin (warfarin) or other blood thinners. The increased pressure can do additional damage to already fragile bones or body parts that have suffered a previous injury. A physician and massage therapist should know about any health problems, injuries or ailments before a person undergoes this type of treatment.
Blood Sugar Levels
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people with diabetes should be aware of the dangers of deep tissue massage. Massage can help control blood sugar levels; however, deep tissue massage can cause blood sugar levels to become dangerously low. A massage can also cause increased absorption of diabetic medications. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises diabetes patients who have frequent massages to check their blood sugar levels frequently so they can track any changes.
