Are you left wondering why your body feels so sore after a massage? Well this is quite normal. Post massage tenderness can even linger for a few days. This can happen with after any session where your therapist works on a problem-area using more pressure to alleviate knots and tightness. Due to the buildup of metabolic waste in the muscle tissue, when deep tissue massages are performed, those toxins leach into the soft tissues and bloodstream and produce the soreness felt after a massage. This is not uncommon and should subside between 24-72 hours, however there are ways to help combat this occurrence.
With the variety of massage types out there, everyone has their own preferences that fit their specific and unique body. Some massage types focus on relaxation or stretching, some are geared towards injury rehabilitation or relieving muscle tension. Deep tissue massage and sports massage are the most popular and highly requested modalities for that very reason. These massages are great for alleviating tension and regaining mobility, but can leave a client’s muscles feeling quite tender afterwards.
What Types of Massage can make me feel sore
Deep tissue massage is a modality that focuses on sustained firm pressure to relax the top layer of muscles in order to reach deeper layers of muscle tissue. This allows the practitioner to work on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and the myofascial layers. Some people believe deep tissue has to hurt in order to work, but this is not always the case. Clients can reach relaxation during a deep tissue massage, it just depends on your preference and injuries.
Sports massage is ideal for treating injuries, as well as preventative treatment dealing with the health of muscle and connective tissue, range of motion, tone, symmetry, balance of muscle, and quality of posture. This massage involves your therapist manipulating your soft tissue, muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue to achieve the desired effect.
Illness, injury, or prolonged immobility can cause fascia to become stiff, or attach to adjacent structures. With combined knowledge of the body’s soft tissues and structure, your therapist will apply intentional deep pressure on these areas. You may feel discomfort during some parts of the massage when your therapist is addressing these trouble spots. If at any point during your massage you feel pain, it is important to let your therapist know immediately so they can reduce pressure.
How to reduce muscle soreness after a massage
Drink Plenty of Water
Before your massage, make sure to drink water and keep your muscles hydrated, allowing for great blood flow and inflammation reduction. It goes without saying that water will assist in flushing those toxins out of your system post-massage. After your massage we recommend you hydrate your body enough to use the restroom at least 4 times before going to bed.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol after your massage
Due to the elimination of any waste products in the soft tissue, it is suggested not to indulge in any alcoholic or caffeinated beverages after your massage. These substances tend to dehydrate the body, hindering the recovery process.
Take an Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt is made up of the compound magnesium sulfate. These two substances, magnesium and sulfate, play different roles in the body. Magnesium regulates enzyme activity in the body and helps to keep it functioning properly. It also helps open the pathways that lead toxins out of the body. Sulfate assists in strengthening joint proteins and brain tissue, as well as boosting the walls of the digestive tract to help release toxins. Together, these two raise the amount of digestive enzymes in the pancreas, helping to detoxify the body of heavy metals. When absorbed through the skin in a bath, this helps purify the system, release muscle tension, sedate the central nervous system (CNS), and exfoliate the skin. Perfect for after a massage.
We recommend 1 cup of epsom salt for every 100 pounds you weigh. Add to warm bath water and let salts dissolve before getting in. Soak for at least ten minutes to receive the full effects. It is advised not to use hot bath soaks if you have a history of heart problems, varicose veins, high blood pressure, or if you are diabetic or pregnant. Make sure to check with your doctor before using Epsom salt.
Relax
After your massage, take time to relax and unwind after having your muscles worked on. Try not to schedule anything that will require a lot of exertion from you. Pure Knead Massage makes your job easier by coming right to you! This means you no longer have to suffer through that long drive home from a massage when all you want to do is relax. You can hop off our table feeling renewed and refreshed and then spend the rest of your time relaxing in your own space!
