dizzy after massage?

For the second time in about 9 months, I have gotten VERY dizzy immediately after having a deep tissue massage.  I felt fine when I got off the table but as soon as I started to get dressed, a huge wave of dizziness came over me and I dropped into the chair in order to keep from falling.  It took only a short period of time (a minute, maybe?) for the dizziness to pass, but I felt unsteady and a little mentally unfocused for about 15 minutes.  I had eaten a light snack of cheese and almonds before I went, so I don't think it was blood sugar (and it passed without me eating (although my massage therapist did bring me some water)).  He did not know what it might be. (It had not happened in 4 years of seeing this massage therapist until that first incident last fall.)

Has anyone else had this happen? Anyone know what might cause it?

Lora

Only after getting the happy ending! LOL

Seriously though, since the deep tissue massage brings more blood into the muscle tissue it could be your body just wasn't at s point of equilibrium that was ready for the change in position and blood flow. I know I can get dizzy going from standing to sitting. Or it may have something to do with your recent medical issues. Given the problems you have had recently it may be worth a call to your doctor.

Hope things start working out got you.

Drop in blood pressure d/t intense relaxation, sudden position change and activity??

....just a random usless opinion from an OB nurse 

I used to do this after seeing the chiropractor. He said it had something to do with toxins in the blood.  He would have me lay still for 15 before standing up. Maybe you can try that the next time.

Normally I can tie any dizziness to low blood pressure and mine was getting pretty low there for a while.  The doctor (MD) I go to for acupuncture told me that it's usually a fluid/volume issue - when you're laying down the fluids in your body are pretty consistently spread out, but when you stand up, they all go to your feet and away from your heart.   She recommends drinking a lot of fluids.  

My daughter is a massage therapist and I know she & others over the past have warned me to be careful standing up after a massage because of potential dizziness, so I guess it's pretty common. 

I often notice a similar sensation after I get a massage; although I get reflexology, not deep tissue. It passes within about 5-10 mins, but I do notice it. It's just a general sense of lightheadedness for me, not so much dizziness. Perhaps it is due to the lowered blood pressure?

Has nothing to do with toxins in the blood, but with deep relaxation, lying flat, and massaging various lymph channels that change fluid status...opens them up. I have always been told to hydrate well prior to massage. Massage can also stimulate different hormone levels to change, many that can also influence blood pressure, or fluid levels. Ever get a psychological reaction to deep tissue massage? That's partly why.

 It has everything to do with toxins.  You need to hydrate very VERY well prior to the massage as the toxins held in the muclsculo skeletal system are released.  Your lymphatic system is also flushed.  These toxins can cause many immediate issues such as dizziness.  Like someone else said, lay still for 10 to 15 mins after your massage to give the toxins a chance to move into your bladder where they will be released next time you pee.  It also gives your muscles some time to adjust to the relaxation and you will keep that feeling of relaxation a lot longer than if you just get up shortly after the massage.

I know it's hard to allow yourself to lie there, but do it.  Massage therapists have several rooms for that purpose alone.  So... next time, allow the toxins to move and your muscles to wallow in the feeling of relaxation.  Take your time :)  

My massage therapist makes sure we drink before and after. It is common to get dizzy after one. She will help me sit up and I will take about 5 minutes sitting up before I get down from the table. She has a bottle of water waiting for me when I get out to push fluids.

 My massage therapist always had me hydrate before AND after the massage due to blood pressure, fluid changes and "toxins" (though I'm not sure how much stock I put in that idea). I agree that maybe the medical issues you've been experiencing lately could have something to do with why this has come on so suddenly.