Why am I sore after a massage?!?!

This post was originally written in 2022, and it reflects questions I still hear regularly in my practice.

Not many feelings can beat those you feel just after a massage. A good quality massage leaves you feeling warm and relaxed, while at the same time rejuvenated and full of life. You may even experience one of the best nights of sleep you have ever had. On the following morning, however it can be a different story. The muscle aches and soreness you feel as you get ready for you day are reminiscent of a full body workout rather than a full body massage. At this point, it is all too easy to begin panicking and assume something is wrong. It is more likely, however, that the massage has done exactly what your massage therapist intended.

 Even without secondary health issues, a massage puts the muscles through a much more vigorous workout than most people realize. A massage therapist works to find all the kinks in the muscles that build up through daily stress and either lack of exercise or a tendency to over train. The act of massaging the muscles stretches them, encourages the blood to flow more efficiently through them and stimulates them to work at their optimum level over the long term. However, this is hard work for the muscles, and they are bound to rebel at some point, particularly if sessions are too intensive, too close to each other or too long.

There are a number of ways to minimize the unwanted side effects of a good massage. Here are just a few things you may want to consider:

• Understand the need to look after your body and mind

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water after your session

• Take it easy after your massage; relax and find your balance naturally

• Communicate honestly with your therapist, particularly about your general health and mental well being

• Try different massage techniques

• Change the length or intensity of sessions

In most cases, experiencing some muscle soreness after a massage is completely normal. However, if this lasts more than a couple of days, or incapacitates you in any way, then it needs to be addressed. As has been explored, there are a range of very simple explanations for this phenomenon. All of them are easily remedied, and all begin with an open, honest conversation with yourself, followed by one with your therapist.