What Is Released When You Get a Deep Tissue Massage? Insights from The Mark of Massage

At The Mark of Massage in Castle Rock, Colorado, deep tissue massage is a core therapeutic technique I’ve used since 2004 to target deeper muscle layers, release chronic tension, break down adhesions (tight bands where muscle fibers stick together), and address trigger points (those sensitive “knots” that cause local and referred pain). During and after a session, several things are “released” from the tissues—though the popular idea of flushing out “toxins” is more myth than proven fact.

Here’s what actually happens physiologically, based on how deep tissue works:

1. Release of Muscle Tension, Adhesions, and Trigger Points

The primary “release” in deep tissue massage is mechanical:

•  Adhesions and scar tissue in the muscle and fascia (connective tissue) are broken down or loosened through sustained firm pressure. This restores better muscle glide, flexibility, and range of motion (ROM).

•  Trigger points (hyper-irritable spots in muscle bands) are deactivated—reducing local pain, referred pain (e.g., a knot in your shoulder causing headaches), and muscle tightness.

This is the main therapeutic goal: freeing restricted tissues so they function normally again.

2. Metabolic Byproducts and Waste Products (Like Lactic Acid)

Deep tissue stimulates blood flow and lymphatic circulation, helping move out accumulated metabolic waste from overworked or tense muscles:

•  Lactic acid (lactate) — A byproduct of muscle activity (especially during intense exercise or prolonged tension). It contributes to soreness and fatigue. Massage helps disperse it into the bloodstream for natural processing by the liver and kidneys.

•  Other minor byproducts like uric acid, creatinine, or histamines may be mobilized in small amounts.

Note: While many wellness sources mention “releasing lactic acid,” scientific evidence shows massage doesn’t dramatically speed up its removal beyond what rest and normal circulation do. The soreness you feel post-massage is more often from micro-trauma to muscle fibers (similar to DOMS after a workout) than from “toxins.”

3. Hormones and Neurotransmitters (The “Feel-Good” Release)

Massage triggers the body’s relaxation response, leading to:

•  Endorphins — Natural painkillers and mood boosters released from the brain and nervous system, creating that euphoric, pain-relieving feeling after a session.

•  Reduced cortisol (stress hormone) and adrenaline, promoting calm and lower overall stress.

•  In some cases, increased serotonin and dopamine for better mood and relaxation.

These chemical shifts explain why you often feel lighter, more relaxed, and even sleepy afterward.

4. The “Toxins” Myth Clarified

The common claim that deep tissue “releases toxins” (like heavy metals, environmental pollutants, or vague harmful substances) into the bloodstream is largely a myth with little scientific backing. There’s no strong evidence that massage squeezes out stored toxins from muscles—your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system handle true detoxification naturally. What people often call “toxins” are really normal metabolic waste (like lactic acid) or the temporary effects of increased circulation and tissue manipulation.

If you feel a bit “off” (headache, fatigue, or mild nausea) after an intense session, it’s usually due to:

•  Dehydration

•  Sudden shift in blood flow

•  Minor muscle breakdown products (rare with proper technique)

Drinking water, resting, and light movement help resolve this quickly.

In my practice—whether in-home mobile (within ~30 minutes of my home office at 216 Douglas Fir Ave, 80104) or in the private lower-level space (fully secluded sessions, with occasional family sounds from upstairs outside the room)—I focus on safe, effective release of tension and trigger points, with clear communication to minimize discomfort.

The real “release” is freedom from chronic tightness, better mobility, and that post-session glow from endorphins and reduced stress. Ready to experience it? Book a deep tissue session today—let’s target what your body needs!

Sources for Verification (based on 2025–2026 health, wellness, and scientific resources):

•  AMTA Massage Therapy Journal: No scientific evidence for “toxin release” myth; massage improves circulation but doesn’t squeeze out toxins (https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/myths-in-massage-research/)

•  Healthline & WebMD: Lactic acid dispersal, endorphin release, adhesion breakdown; soreness from micro-trauma, not toxins (https://www.healthline.com/health/deep-tissue-massage; https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/is-deep-tissue-good-for-you)

•  PMC/NIH Studies: Deep tissue stimulates neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine), reduces inflammation, releases trigger points/adhesions (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12140169/)

•  Various therapist & wellness sites (e.g., Spa Theory, Kaizen Health): Metabolic waste like lactic acid mobilized; endorphins and stress hormone reduction (2025 articles)

Your body will thank you—hope to help you feel that release soon at The Mark of Massage! 😊