While it may not be entirely normal to cry during massage, it is not unexpected. Many people experience strong emotional or physical reactions to massage sessions, and massage therapists are usually prepared for different situations. People should certainly not be embarrassed if they start to cry during a massage, as the massage therapist has undoubtedly seen it before.
In the case of crying because of pain, crying while getting a massage is definitely not normal, and the massage therapist should be alerted. Pain during a massage session is very counterproductive, as it causes the muscles to tense, often erasing the work of the massage therapist and making the session somewhat pointless. If a massage is hitting a tender spot or the therapist is going too deep, this should be communicated, so that the massage can be adjusted.
Some people experience tears during massage with no emotion linked to them, while others may experience a wave of sadness or happiness which triggers crying. The massage therapist may stop to provide a tissue and ask if the client wants to take a break, or he or she may keep working until directed otherwise. When people cry during massage, it usually indicates a significant emotional release, and after the crying is over, people often feel much better. Especially for emotionally tense individuals, the cathartic release of crying, even for no obvious reason, can be very beneficial.
In addition to crying, other reactions may appear during a massage session. Some people burst into laughter, for example, especially if a therapist is working on a ticklish spot. Farting and abdominal grumblings are also not unknown, especially in deep tissue massage, where the organs may move around a bit as the massage therapist works. Farting is especially common in massage styles which involve stretching, and it also crops up in yoga classes. Sometimes physical arousal also occurs during massage, in which case it is generally polite for the client to ask for a brief break to relax, settle down, and drink some water, though the reason need not be specified.
If you know that you cry during massage, it can be a good idea to warn a new massage therapist, so that he or she is prepared for it if it happens. You can also express a desire for what you want the massage therapist to do if you begin to cry. Most therapists appreciate the warning and the advance directions so they know what to do if a new client does cry during massage.
Why Does Massage Release Emotion?
The exact reason massage releases emotion is unknown, but logically, it makes sense. Throughout life, people experience stress, trauma, and significant emotional events. These, in turn, stimulate normal human functions and responses like fear, anxiety, and sadness.
The energy and chemicals created at these times are stored throughout the body if it is not appropriately released and dispersed after the event. Most people will routinely store this energy in the same places, such as the shoulders and neck until they become tense and stiff.
During a massage, the muscles release tension. Blood and oxygen are encouraged to move freely to and from the area. This movement can result in emotions, energy, and biochemicals being carried away with that released tension.
Although there is limited scientific research on this subject, massage therapists generally agree that emotional release during massage is common enough not to be a coincidence. Many consider it a critical part of therapy and helping clients reconnect body and mind.
When Is a Client Most Likely to Cry During a Massage?
Every person is different. There is no arguing, however, that most people carry stress around the same areas of the body. Below are some of the most common body parts in which stress and trauma are stored.
Neck and Jaw
Having a stiff neck is one of the most common modern complaints regarding muscle pain. Poor posture and a lack of physical activity can significantly contribute to having a stiff neck. Most of the time, stretching and physical exercise can alleviate this pain. Other times, this stress runs deeper than simply bad habits.
If a client experiences chronic stiffness in the neck or jaw, this is often the result of untreated stress. At times this stress is so persistent that it carries over into a client's sleep and results in rigid neck muscles and jaw clenching overnight. Failure to address these issues could lead to more severe problems like TMJ.
Shoulders and Upper Back
Where there is neck pain, there will likely also be shoulder pain. For similar reasons, such as poor posture, the shoulders carry a lot of tension. Shoulder tension is significant, however, because failure to treat it can result in further emotional distress and lack of confidence.
As the population sits more often, hunched over to look at screens, a tense, weak upper back follows. Not only does this feel terrible, it usually leaves the sufferer dissatisfied with their appearance. It can leave them looking and feeling shorter. Plus, the abdominal muscles which should be supporting the spine become weak, resulting in a bulging abdomen.
There is also an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, which in themselves can create feelings of stress. Being hunched over means constantly restricting blood flow from the heart to other body areas. Therefore, the heart and lungs must work harder to accommodate this poor circulation.
Hips, Glutes, and Lower Back
The hips, glutes, and lower back are distinctly connected. If one is tight or weak, the others will inevitably be affected. Because these muscle groups are so crucial for movement, it is no surprise that they are common points for pain and muscle tension.
A sedentary lifestyle contributes significantly to this issue. The hips are two of the largest joints in the body and must be flexed and exercised regularly to stay in top condition. Because so much stress occurs at work and while people are sitting down, it follows that tension would be stored in these muscles.
Many clients are surprised by their massage therapist asking if they want work done on these sensitive areas. Although many will choose to forgo it, people shouldn't neglect these muscles. Regular stretching, like with yoga, can help relieve stiff hips and a sore lower back.
How To Avoid Crying During a Massage
In general, clients are encouraged to deal with an emotional release in whatever way feels most comfortable to them. Many people, however, would prefer to avoid it altogether. If a client is concerned that they might cry during a massage, there are a few steps they can take to help prevent this reaction.
The most important thing they can do is to be prepared. By being aware that an emotional release is possible, it's easier to acknowledge overwhelming feelings and regulate them. A client can also work on managing stress before a massage and talk to a trained professional about dealing with past trauma.
A massage therapist can also let their client know that not everyone experiences an emotional release. In fact, most clients feel a sense of peace and relaxation.
