Will I Be Sore After a Remedial Massage?
If you’ve never experienced a remedial massage before, you may be wondering if you can expect to feel sore or achy afterward. Unlike a typical relaxation massage that utilizes lighter, soothing techniques, remedial massage is a more intensive therapeutic approach. By applying deeper targeted pressure, the therapist works to release restrictions and rebalance the musculoskeletal system. This vigorous process can potentially lead to some level of muscle soreness following the treatment.
Why Remedial Massage May Cause Soreness
There are a few key reasons why you might experience dull muscle soreness or achiness for a day or two after a remedial massage:
Deep Tissue Manipulation
Remedial therapists use firm, concentrated pressure and friction to breakdown adhesions, scar tissue, and knots within the muscle fibers and connective tissues. This aggressive manipulation can leave the treated muscles feeling tender and stiff temporarily.
Release of Metabolic Waste
The deep massage strokes cause metabolic waste products like lactic acid to be released from the muscles into the bloodstream. Until these waste byproducts are fully flushed out, the muscles may feel fatigued and achy.
Remodeling of Muscle Fibers
Through the facilitated stretching and cross-muscle fiber friction of remedial techniques, the muscle fibers are essentially remodeled into a more optimal position. This realignment process can cause residual soreness similar to delayedonset muscle soreness felt after a rigorous workout.
Increased Blood Flow
Remedial massage improves circulation by bringing more oxygenated blood to the muscle tissues. This increased blood flow can contribute to feelings of heaviness, achiness or inflammation in the area.
Not Everyone Gets Sore
It’s important to note that muscle soreness is not an automatic outcome after every remedial massage. The degree of soreness depends on several factors like the area treated, the condition being addressed, the amount of pressure used, and your personal pain tolerance. Many people experience no soreness at all.
Preventing and Managing Soreness
To minimize post-massage soreness, be sure to:
- Drink plenty of water before and after to flush metabolic wastes
- Apply ice to the area to reduce inflammation
- Take an OTC anti-inflammatory medication if needed
- Get up and move around later in the day
- Consider an Epsom salt bath to relax the muscles
Trust that any soreness you do feel is typically mild and will subside within 1-2 days as your body recovers from the therapeutic massage work. If soreness persists or worsens, let your therapist know. Otherwise, the minor temporary aches are often an indication that the remedial massage is doing its job to release restrictions and rebalance the musculoskeletal system.