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Why Do I Get Soreness After A Massage And Is It Normal?

Written by Chris Corrales

September 4, 2022

A massage is a great way to relax and soothe your muscles, but sometimes you may experience some soreness after a massage. This is normal, and there are several reasons why it may happen. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of post-massage soreness, and what you can do to prevent or alleviate it.

The 4 Causes of Post-Massage Soreness

  • First, let’s start with the most common cause of post-massage soreness: muscle fatigue. When your muscles are worked hard during a massage, they can become fatigued and sore. This is especially true if the massage was deep tissue or focused on specific areas of tension. To prevent this type of soreness, be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your massage, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
  • Another common cause of post-massage soreness is trigger points. These are knots in your muscles that can be painful when pressed on. Massaging these areas can release the knots and help alleviate pain, but it can also leave you feeling a bit sore afterwards. To prevent trigger point soreness, be sure to communicate with your massage therapist about any areas of pain or tension before the massage. That way, they can avoid these areas or use a lighter touch.
  • Another common cause of post-massage soreness is DOMS, or delayed onset muscle soreness. This is the kind of soreness you feel a day or two after a particularly strenuous workout. It is caused by microscopic tears in your muscles, and is perfectly normal. The best way to prevent DOMS is to warm up thoroughly before your massage and cool down afterwards. You should also drink plenty of water and get adequate rest for the next few days.
  • Finally, another common cause of post-massage soreness is simply not being used to the feeling of a massage. If you are new to massage, your muscles may not be accustomed to the sensation and may become sore as a result. This is perfectly normal and will go away with time. To prevent this type of soreness, start with shorter massages and work up to longer ones over time.

So there you have it: the top four causes of post-massage soreness. Remember, these are all normal reactions to massage, and there is no need to worry unless the pain is severe or lasts for more than a day or two. If you are ever concerned about your post-massage soreness, be sure to consult with your doctor or massage therapist. They will be able to help you figure out the cause and provide tips for preventing or alleviating it.

5 Steps to Prevent or Alleviate Post-Massage Soreness

So, without further ado, here are the five steps to prevent or alleviate post-massage soreness:

1. Drink plenty of water before and after your massage: This helps to keep your muscles hydrated and less likely to experience discomfort after being worked on.

2. Stretch before and after your massage: Stretching helps to loosen up your muscles and can also help reduce post-massage soreness.

3. Avoid alcohol before and after your massage: Alcohol can dehydrate your muscles and make them more susceptible to soreness.

4. Eat a healthy meal before your massage: A nutritious meal provides the energy that your body needs to heal itself. Eating before a massage also helps you avoid feeling lightheaded during or after the session.

5. Listen to your body: If you feel pain during a massage, be sure to communicate this to your therapist. Also, if you experience soreness after a massage, take it easy for the rest of the day and give your body time to recover.

Following these five simple steps should help you prevent or alleviate post-massage soreness. So next time you book a session, keep them in mind and enjoy your massage!

So, if you experience soreness after a massage, it’s likely normal. However, there are some things you can do to help prevent or alleviate the pain. We’ve outlined five simple steps for you below. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to enjoying all the benefits of massage without any of the post-massage soreness.

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