Why Do Knots “Pop” When Massaged? An Explanation from The Mark of Massage

At The Mark of Massage in Castle Rock, Colorado, clients often describe a satisfying “pop,” “crack,” “crunch,” or “bubble wrap” sensation when I work on stubborn muscle knots (myofascial trigger points or adhesions) during deep tissue, trigger point therapy, or sports massage sessions. This is a common experience—especially around the shoulders, neck, upper back, or shoulder blade area—and it’s usually harmless and even a positive sign of release. But what exactly causes that popping sound or feeling?

The “pop” during massage is not the knot itself literally bursting or breaking like a balloon. Muscle knots (tight, contracted bands of fibers) don’t contain gas bubbles or joints that snap. Instead, the sensation or audible pop typically comes from one (or a combination) of these physiological processes:

1. Soft Tissue or Fascial Release (Most Common in Muscle Work)

When applying sustained pressure to a tight knot or adhesion:

•  Tight fascia (connective tissue surrounding muscles) or muscle fibers that have been “stuck” together can suddenly glide or stretch.

•  This quick shift creates a subtle “snap,” “click,” or “pop” feeling—like a tight rubber band releasing or tissue “unsticking.”

•  Some clients feel it as bubble wrap popping under the skin; therapists often sense (and sometimes hear) it as a crunchy or crackling release.

•  It’s modulated by your nervous system: As the hyper-contracted area finally relaxes, the sudden change in tension can produce a small flick, click, or vibration.

This is a good thing—it often coincides with immediate relief, warmth, or looseness as blood flow returns and the trigger point deactivates.

2. Nearby Joint Cavitation (When Working Close to Joints/Bones)

If the knot is near a joint (e.g., shoulder blade, spine, or ribs):

•  Pressure can cause slight movement in the joint capsule or surrounding structures.

•  This stretches the synovial fluid capsule, releasing tiny gas bubbles (cavitation)—similar to cracking your knuckles.

•  The pop is gentle and harmless (not like chiropractic adjustments), and it happens because relaxed muscles allow freer joint motion.

3. Tendons or Muscles Snapping Over Bones

In areas like the upper shoulder blade (e.g., levator scapula tendon) or tight muscles gliding over bony prominences:

•  A tight tendon or muscle band can “snap” or rub over bone when released, creating a popping or crackling sensation (like strumming a guitar string).

•  This is common with chronic tension and often feels like a knot “releasing.”

Important Notes: It’s Not Always Necessary (or a Guarantee of Success)

•  Not every knot produces a pop—many release silently with gradual pressure.

•  The absence of sound doesn’t mean the treatment failed; effectiveness comes from improved blood flow, reduced pain, better mobility, and lasting softness—not the pop itself.

•  Excessive chasing for pops (too much force) can irritate tissues or cause guarding—good therapists focus on feel and your feedback, not sound.

In my sessions—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, occasional family sounds from upstairs outside the room)—I target knots safely, communicate pressure, and aim for that “good hurt” release without forcing anything. If you feel pops during work on your shoulders or back, it’s usually your body letting go of built-up tension—often with instant relief!

Experiencing this yourself? Book a session today—let’s safely address those knots and get you feeling looser and more mobile.

Sources for Verification (based on 2025–2026 therapist insights, wellness articles, and community discussions):

•  Park Lane Wellness (2025): Pops from gas movement in soft tissues, nervous system release, or fascia changes—harmless and normal (https://parklanewellness.co.uk/why-knots-pop-during-a-massage-the-science-behind-muscle-release/)

•  Reddit r/massage threads (2021–2025): Consensus on “bubble wrap” or snap from tight muscles/tendons releasing around bones, not literal knot popping

•  Ashiatsu Massage London & Kailo Massage: Crunching/popping from built-up tension breaking up, tissue stretching, or gas release

•  Quora & therapist blogs: Often joint cavitation near knots or tendon snapping over bone

Your comfort and real relief are my priority—hope this clears up the mystery! 😊