Reasons why you feel sore after a massage We feel sore after massages for the same reason we feel sore after a good workout, Bodner explains. “It forces blood into your muscles and helps bring in nutrients. This process can temporarily increase inflammation in areas that the body feels need attention.”
Massage sets a process in motion that continues after the session is over. Too much massage in one area can cause congestion, inflammation, and tightening of the muscles. A therapist should not work more than about ten minutes on one specific area.
If you're experiencing muscle soreness after a massage it is because the soft tissues have been manipulated to break down adhesions, knots and holding patterns to restore muscle condition to a functional state.
Hydrating and resting can help alleviate these symptoms. After a massage, mild detox symptoms can occur as the body eliminates toxins. Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle soreness, and headaches due to the release of lactic acid and other waste products.
There is a possibility you may feel sore for 24-48 hrs after the massage but that will ease and eventually disappear in the next 24-48 hours.
Massage relaxes the muscles, separating and loosening muscles fibres. The muscles are elongated and stretched which releases tension and allows more movement. Massage reduces tightness by applying pressure to knots and breaking adhesions. Pressure points can be used to force out knots in the muscle.
Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.
It's gentle and rhythmic, you might even feel like you're underwater or floating during the session. We tend to underestimate lymphatic work because it is so relaxing and subtle, but it's very powerful.
Endorphins. While technically not a toxin, the release of endorphins during a massage is a significant benefit. These "feel-good" hormones naturally boost mood and relieve pain.
Deep tissue massage can make some people feel mentally or physically fatigued. It is thought that this is due to the massage releasing tension, stress, and generally relaxing the person. Some experts actually recommend that people lean into this fatigue as a way of alleviating other side effects.
These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.
Yes, massage therapists are trained to identify muscle tension through touch and experience. They use their knowledge of anatomy to pinpoint problem areas effectively. The frequency depends on your activity level and tension severity.
The physiological changes like increased blood flow and reduced heart rate, combined with the psychological relief from stress, create an environment where the body feels more at ease but also more tired. Understanding these factors can help you better prepare for and manage post-massage fatigue.
If your muscles were particularly tense or knotted before the massage, the manipulation could lead to soreness as those knots are worked out. Individual sensitivity. Everyone's body reacts differently to massage. Some people might be more sensitive and experience soreness even with a gentle massage.
1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.
Yes, lymphatic massage can help tighten skin. By removing excess fluid and waste products from the body, lymphatic massage can reduce puffiness and swelling, helping to tighten and firm the skin.
Muscle knots don't contain toxins. But some people claim that deep tissue massage can lead to lymphatic drainage and the release of toxins. While the lymphatic system does work to remove waste products from your body, there's limited research on lymphatic drainage treatment in general.
Your urine may become darker and smelly due to the stimulation of the kidneys. Your urination frequency may also increase throughout the day because your body is ridding itself of all the excess toxins. Lastly, you may feel sore and fatigued following your session.
In conclusion, it is not uncommon to notice a smell on your skin after receiving a massage. Factors such as the type of oil used, sweating during the session, and poor hygiene practices can all contribute to any odors present.
Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.
A massage therapist uses lymphatic drainage techniques to move lymph from your tissues to your lymph nodes, which eases the swelling.
Poor Communication and Boundary Setting. A professional massage therapist should communicate clearly about the massage process and respect your boundaries. Be wary of therapists who are vague or pushy about undressing. As Mikki noted, “If they're trying to brush past anything or be very quick, that's a red flag.
This sudden increase in circulation can sometimes lead to feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, or nausea as the body adjusts to the changes. It is important to stay hydrated before and after a massage session to help support proper circulation and prevent these symptoms.
Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.