Have you ever had the experience where you get off the massage table feeling relaxed and loose only to wake up the next morning feeling sore and perhaps a bit more fatigued than usual? This is actually a completely normal response by the body and even a healthy sign that you’ve had a really good massage.
Receiving bodywork is in some ways like starting a new workout regimen. If your body isn’t used to being worked in a particular way, you will likely experience soreness. In massage just like in exercise, muscles are stretched and there is an increase of blood flow to the tissues. Also like a new workout regimen that becomes easier over time, our body can become more acclimated to bodywork and experience less soreness in subsequent massage sessions.
Some research being done into post-massage soreness proposes a theory of neurological sensitivity. Experts suggest that post-massage soreness may come from the increase of information being sent to the central nervous system. If we receive bodywork on a day when our central nervous system is already feeling a bit overwhelmed, we might be more likely to feel some soreness after the session.
What are some things you can do to help minimize soreness after a massage session? Remember to drink plenty of water over the next 48 hours in order to rehydrate tissues and help flush out toxins. Take it easy the rest of the night after you’ve received a massage. A light walk can be okay, but you really should let your body adjust and settle into the new openings that have been made. Stretching over the next couple of days can also help with soreness. Ask your massage therapist to show you stretches that will be particularly helpful to you.
Also think about getting regular massage in order to minimize soreness. Soreness can be a sign that more work needs to be done so consider making massage a regular part of your health routine.
Most importantly, remember that you are always in control of your massage session! If you feel your therapist is working too deeply, remember to speak up. Your therapist wants you to be comfortable at all times. If you are unsure as to what is too much pressure, ask your therapist to explain how the massage should feel. Your therapist is a great resource to aid in your comfort so feel free to ask questions!