Why does a muscle hurt more after a massage?

We associate massage with relaxation, rest, and pain relief, but sometimes our muscles actually hurt more after a massage. Muscles that have been tense and sore for a long time may react with pain when we try to relax them through massage. However , post-massage soreness is a desired effect, as it indicates that the muscles have responded properly to the treatment.

Pain After a Massage – Causes

Massage classic, therapeutic, sports and other types of massage intended to relieve pain require the use of appropriate techniques—kneading, rubbing, tapping, and vibration. Unlike relaxation massage, these types of massage use stronger pressure and reach deeper layers and tissues. A massage therapist’s work on muscles and points where stress and various types of strain accumulate results in side effects similar to those experienced after physical exertion, which is why we may feel soreness the day after a massage. However, soreness following a classic massage should last only a few days.

When should muscle soreness after a massage be a cause for concern?

Pain after a massage should last up to a few days. If it persists longer than that, it may mean that the massage was too intense, that we didn’t allow enough time between sessions, or that we decided to do a strenuous workout after the treatment.

How can you avoid pain after a massage?

If we want to feel good and minimize muscle soreness after a massage, we should drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous physical activity. We should report any discomfort or pain during the massage to the massage therapist so that the intensity and frequency can be adjusted to our body’s needs. If we experience pain after a massage, we should also consider spacing out our visits to the massage therapist.

Muscle soreness after a massage

As we’ve already mentioned, pain after a massage isn’t a bad sign; it indicates that the muscles have been massaged properly, and the tension and pain will subside after a while. However, pain after a massage may not be limited to the muscles.

Pain after a spinal massage

If we’re looking for rest and relaxation, we should opt for a relaxation massage; however, if we want to relieve pain, it’s best to choose a classic or therapeutic massage. It’s important to know that this may be accompanied by some discomfort, especially after the massage. Back pain after a massage is a normal bodily reaction that results from the relaxation of tense muscles. The pain after a back massage can be compared to muscle soreness after a workout, which usually goes away 1–2 days after the treatment. This happens because the massage therapist works on the deep muscles during the session.

Is it normal to experience pain and bruising after a massage?

Muscle soreness after a massage is a normal symptom that indicates the treatment was performed properly; the opposite is true in the case of bruising. The appearance of bruises after a massage may indicate a lack of knowledge, skill, and competence on the part of the massage therapist. However, there is a group of people whose bodies are prone to bruising.

See also: What is myofascial massage?