It happens regularly in my practice: someone is lying on the table, the tension starts to release, and then the tears come out of nowhere. An apology usually follows right away. Sorry, I don’t know where this is coming from. I don’t need to do anything special at that point. It’s actually very normal.

Why a body starts crying during a treatment

Tension you’ve held onto for a long time doesn’t just disappear when you relax on the table for a bit. Your body stores it, in raised shoulders, a tight jaw, a stomach that never fully softens. During massage I make contact with exactly those spots, and sometimes there’s more there than muscle tension alone.

Emotions and physical tension are closely linked. Sadness, tiredness or unrest that never got space can settle in the same places as physical tension. When that spot is finally allowed to let go, the emotion that belonged with it sometimes comes along.

What I do when it happens

I don’t get thrown by it and I’m not going to try to fix or discuss it right away. I usually just keep working calmly, maybe with a bit less pressure, and give whatever space is needed in that moment. For most women that’s exactly enough, being seen without anything being asked of them.

Afterwards we only talk about it if you want to. For some women it’s a relief, for others mostly a surprise. Both are fine.

Why this isn’t a reason to avoid a treatment

Some women put off a first appointment out of fear they’ll cry or lose control. I understand that, but in practice it’s often a sign that your body is finally getting the chance to release something that had been waiting in place for a long time. Nothing needs to be explained or justified.

Want to experience, in a calm and safe way, what your body might be ready to release? Read more about tension in the neck, shoulders and back or make an appointment.