Pain after massage? Why it happens and what to do | Massage experts

Massage therapy offers a number of benefits, including promoting relaxation and improving problem areas that may be causing pain and discomfort. While most massage therapists experience great relief after a massage, some may experience mild pain after a massage.

In this article, we will begin to uncover why this soreness even exists and what to do if it happens to you. While it may be completely normal to feel some discomfort after a massage, especially if your certified masseur used a strong amount of pressure, we always recommend that you contact your masseur and/or healthcare professional for more information if you have any concerns.

Why is there pain after a massage?

First, it's important to emphasize that pain after a massage does not equal effectiveness. It's a common myth that for a massage to be considered "working," it must cause pain afterward. This is completely untrue, and it all depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of pressure the masseur is applying and the type of massage you're getting.

Soreness after a massage is more common if you are getting a deep tissue massage. During the treatment, the masseur stretches your muscles to release any knots, tension, and pain. This in itself can cause some discomfort afterwards, depending on the intensity of the pain you went into the massage with.

If you don't get massages consistently, you may be prone to soreness after a massage, mainly because your muscles are not used to some of the massage techniques the masseur uses. While those who get massages consistently may notice that the tension, pain, or tightness in your muscles dissipates over time.

Similar to exercise, massage involves working out the muscles. If you undergo a type of massage that involves deep pressure into the muscles to help treat pain or tension, this can potentially lead to microscopic tears. This is a very similar phenomenon to those who exercise, as this is done to help the muscles gain strength, repair themselves, and promote healing.

Muscles should be in a smooth, consistent state, and if any type of stiffness occurs, they can be very stiff. When a muscle is manipulated during a massage, a type of healing process occurs. While muscle tearing is not a guarantee for those who receive a massage, it may help explain why some massage recipients experience soreness afterward.

Tips for aftercare after a massage

Before we get to some of the things you can do after your massage to minimize any soreness, it's important to note that any time you experience any extreme pain during your massage, you should immediately bring it to the attention of your massage therapist. A massage isn't meant to make you feel any more pain than you came in with, so communication about what works and what doesn't is key. The same goes for after your massage; if your muscles are sore beyond what's normal, let your RMT know so they can better guide you through your next treatment.

STAY HYDRATED: Whether you feel sore or not after a massage, it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated. Water helps fuel your muscles, which helps balance things like electrolyte levels so your muscles can function at their optimal level. Water also helps keep your joints lubricated; the synovial fluid that surrounds your joints is what keeps them moving smoothly, but in those who are dehydrated, there is less of this fluid and it helps protect your joints. Since muscles are made up mostly of water, staying hydrated after stretching your muscles from a massage can be very helpful, especially after a massage.

STRETCH GENTLELY: Keeping the area(s) that were massaged moving can help with any soreness. Gentle stretching can help to increase blood flow to the areas that were massaged and keep the muscles relaxed. However, it is best to avoid any strenuous activities after the massage, as the muscles should have a chance to relax and heal from the massage you received.

BATH: A bath can be a great way to soak your muscles and can help keep your body relaxed. Adding Epsom salts to your bath can also help keep inflammation down and increase circulation - all good for preventing and/or managing the soreness that can occur after a massage.

USE A COLD PACK: If you feel soreness in certain parts of your body after a massage, a cold pack may help, especially if you notice any swelling. Use a cold ice pack wrapped in a cloth to ice the area(s) that you feel is sore for about ten minutes, then take it off for another ten minutes.

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP: Sleep is one of the best ways your body repairs itself. Since massage can help improve sleep, the combination of massage and sleep may be exactly what your body needs to truly reap the benefits of massage. If possible, it’s a good idea to schedule your massage at a time when you can take some time to relax afterward. The goal is to prolong the relaxation of your muscles after a massage for as long as possible, so having some time to relax after a massage can be very helpful.

SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT: Consistent massage treatments help you achieve the greatest improvement in your body. Imagine a muscle that starts out tight and sore, but is stretched by massage. Over time, that muscle will begin to return to a tight and sore state if it is not stretched again. However, if the muscle is given regular attention and is treated consistently, it will begin to remain in that state for longer periods of time thanks to muscle memory.

Our massage experts are ready to answer all your questions to help you prepare for your next massage with us. Contact a location near you to book an appointment today.