Why Am I Sore After a Massage?

So, you decided to treat yourself to massage therapy in Bend to relax and unwind, only to wake up the next morning feeling sore. Now you’re wondering, “Is it normal to feel sore after a massage? Absolutely, especially after a deep tissue massage. However, your discomfort should subside within a few days. Keep reading to learn why you feel sore, how to ease your current discomfort, and the trick for reducing soreness after your future massage appointments.

Massage therapy works to treat and heal soft tissues, like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Healthy muscles should be smooth and flexible, but many of us experience stress and tension that leave our muscles feeling rigid. This rigidity leads to limited flexibility and mobility, along with discomfort.

The massage therapists in Bend use stretching techniques and various levels of pressure to ease muscle tension, bring blood and nutrients into the muscles, and remove toxins. Some of the techniques used during deep tissue massage, including cross-fiber friction, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release, can result in inflammation and soreness. In this case, inflammation is a good thing that triggers affected areas to begin or restart the healing process. However, that inflammation may also be the source of your discomfort.

As they work out these knots, it results in micro tears, comparable to a strenuous workout. So, just like you feel sore after a hard gym session, you may feel the same sensations after your massage.

You are also more likely to feel sore after your massage when you’re dehydrated because your muscles are not hydrated enough to be flexible. That’s part of the reason your therapist always recommends drinking water after your appointment.

4 ways to ease soreness after a massage

1. Drink more water — As mentioned, dehydration is a sure-fire way to feel sore after your session. Drinking water before and after encourages healthy muscles and flushes out toxins, making the treatment easier on your body. Aim to drink 8 glasses each day, or more if you can!

2. Do gentle stretches — If you can pinpoint the areas of soreness, try to do some gentle stretches to release tension in the affected muscles. Don’t overdo it, as it can have the opposite effect.

3. Take a warm bath — Continue your relaxation therapy with a warm soak for 20-40 minutes. You can add a bit of Epsom salt to fill your body with magnesium that reduces inflammation and encourages muscle relaxation.

4. Make massage part of your routine — If it’s been a long time since your last massage or you’ve never had one, you will certainly feel it in the morning. As your body becomes used to this form of treatment, you will feel less sore after your appointments. Make massage a bi-weekly or monthly part of your wellness routine to keep your muscles healthy and discomfort at a minimum.

While a little soreness is normal after massage therapy for pain, your muscles and joints should not feel worse than they did when you went in. Always communicate with the best massage therapists in Bend during your session so that they can reduce pressure or change techniques. You can also opt for massage with lighter pressure, like Swedish massage, which involves long, light strokes toward the heart that boosts circulation and relaxes superficial muscles.

The benefits of massage

Don’t let the idea of a little soreness stop you from booking and reaping all the benefits associated with massage therapy. This form of treatment is just one component of maintaining overall mental and physical wellness.

Your 60-minute session can offer:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Mood boost
• Quicker and more complete healing of injuries
• Increased blood circulation
• Improved flexibility
• Pain relief and maintenance
• Detoxification
• Strengthened immune system
• Correct posture

You should hop off the table feeling relaxed and better than you did before. Schedule an appointment at Total Body Chiropractic, Massage & Acupuncture in Bend to treat yourself to relaxation.