There is nothing more relaxing than a good massage. But sometimes, the aftermath of a massage can leave you feeling achy and in pain. While this is not a common occurrence, it is possible to experience pain after a massage. Pain after a massage is not necessarily a bad thing. It is important to understand that pain is a sign that the body is trying to heal itself. It is natural for the body to feel it after an injury or trauma.
In most cases, the pain you feel after a massage is normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, if it’s severe or lasts longer than a day or two, be sure to contact your massage therapist or doctor.
There are a few things you can do to help ease the pain after a massage. First, drink plenty of water. You can also take a hot bath or shower, which will help relax your muscles and ease the pain. Get some rest, your body will need time to recover from the massage, so take it easy for the rest of the day. If the pain is severe, you may need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
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Why Am I in Pain After a Massage?
There are a few possible reasons why you may be experiencing severe pain after massage. It is important to remember that massage is meant to relax the muscles and help relieve pain, not cause it. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it is always best to consult with your doctor before booking a massage.
One possible reason for pain after a massage is that the massage therapist may have used too much pressure. If the pressure was too deep, it could have caused bruising or inflammation of the muscles.
Another possibility is that you have a muscle that is already in pain, and the massage has aggravated it. This is more likely if you have knots or trigger points in your muscles. The massage can help to release the knots, but it may also cause pain in the process.
You may have pulled a muscle. This can happen if you tense up during the massage or if the therapist applies too much pressure.
It is also possible that you are experiencing pain because of muscle soreness. This is common after a deep tissue massage or another type of massage that targets the deep muscles.
Is Pain Normal After Massages?
A massage can do wonders for your body and your mind. But sometimes, the aftermath of it can be a bit uncomfortable. It’s not unusual to feel some pain or soreness after this procedure, especially if the massage was deep and targeted a lot of knots.
After a massage, it is normal to feel some pain. This pain is usually caused by the release of tension in the muscles. It is also normal to feel a bit sore after a massage, just like you would after a workout.
This is especially true if the massage was deep tissue or if the person is not used to receiving massages. The soreness should go away within a day or two. If it persists, it is important to consult with a doctor to rule out any other possible causes.
There are different types of pain that can be experienced after this procedure. The most common is referred pain, which is when the therapist applies pressure to a trigger point, and the pain is felt in another area of the body. This is often due to the release of tension in the muscles.
Another type of pain that can be experienced is sore from deep tissue massage. This is usually felt when the therapist is working on knots or tight muscles. It is important to communicate with the therapist if this type of pain is experienced so that they can adjust their pressure accordingly.
How To Relieve Pain After Massage
A massage can work wonders on your body and mind, but sometimes the aftermath can be less than ideal. It’s not uncommon to sore 3 days after massage, especially if the therapist worked deep into your muscles. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to relieve this pain and get the most out of your massage.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is key for overall health, and it can also help to reduce pain after this procedure. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider adding some electrolytes if you’re feeling really sore. This will help to flush out toxins that may have been released during the massage. It will also help to keep your body hydrated, which can ease pain.
Apply ice or heat
If your pain is localized, you can try applying ice or heat to the area.
Stretch
Stretching before and after your massage will help to keep your muscles loose and prevent cramping. It’s also a good way to work out any kinks that may have been caused by the massage. It is important to stretch slowly and gently. You should not force the stretching. If you do, you may end up causing more pain. Here are a few stretches that you can do after this procedure:
- Neck stretches. Gently tilt your head to the side and then to the other side. You can also try looking up and down.
- Shoulder stretches. Shrug your shoulders and then roll them forward and back.
- Arm stretches. Reach up above your head and then down to your sides.
- Back stretches. Gently arch your back and then round your back.
- Leg stretches. Straighten one leg in front of you and then bend your knee and pull your leg towards your chest. Repeat with the other leg.
- Doing these stretches after a massage will help to relieve any pain or tension that you may be feeling in your muscles.
Apply a Topical Treatment
Another of the most effective ways to relieve ache after massage is to apply a topical treatment. This can be a lotion, cream, or gel that contains ingredients like menthol or capsaicin. These ingredients work by temporarily numbing the pain receptors in your skin.
Drink herbal teas
There are many different herbal teas that can help with pain relief. Some of our favorites include ginger tea, chamomile tea, and lavender tea. Simply steep a teaspoon of the herb in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes and drink.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to relieve muscle pain after massage. Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils for pain relief. It has a calming and relaxing effect on the body, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Peppermint oil is another great option for pain relief. It has a cooling and refreshing effect on the skin, which can help to soothe pain and reduce inflammation.
Rest
Finally, it is important to get plenty of rest. This will allow your body to heal and repair any damage that was done during the massage. Try to avoid activities that will aggravate the pain. This includes things like exercise, standing for long periods of time, and lifting heavy objects.
Avoid alcohol
It may seem like a good idea to relax with a glass of wine after this procedure, but alcohol can actually make you feel more sore.
If you’re feeling pain after a massage, try one of these relief methods and see how you feel. And remember, if the pain persists or gets worse, be sure to follow up with your massage therapist or doctor.
FAQ
How many days can pain last after massage?
The answer to this question may depend on the type of massage you receive and the intensity of the massage. The duration of pain after this procedure can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience only minor discomfort for a day or two after their massage, while others may have more significant pain that lasts for several days.
Why did muscle pain increase after massage?
There are a few possible explanations for why muscle pain may increase after massage. It is possible that the massage was too deep or too vigorous, causing microtrauma to the muscles. It is also possible that the person was not properly hydrated before the massage, which can lead to increased muscle pain afterwards. Finally, it is possible that the person’s muscles were already in a state of inflammation before the massage, and the massage may have exacerbated the condition.
Is heat good for sore muscles after massage?
Yes, heat can be good for sore muscles after a massage. It can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Heat can also help to increase blood flow to the area, which can aid in healing.
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Conclusion
If you find that your sore 5 days after massage is not improving with these methods, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are both effective at reducing pain and inflammation. However, be sure to follow the directions on the package before taking any medication.
In most cases, the pain you experience after a massage will improve with time. However, if the pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help to determine the cause of the pain and recommend further treatment.
References:
- Trigger Points: Diagnosis and Management (by DAVID J. ALVAREZ, D.O., AND PAMELA G. ROCKWELL, D.O.)
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2002/0215/p653.html - Feel the Stretch (by Joe Muscolino)
https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/feel-the-stretch/ - Over-the-counter pain relievers
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002123.htm