How Long Is It Normal to Be Sore After a Massage?

Feeling pain after a massage is not something you want to experience. A massage is supposed to relax the muscles and leave you feeling refreshed. For the most part, people who have a massage will feel relaxed after, more energetic and relief from any pain. However, in some cases, you can feel sore. It is important to learn more about the feeling of soreness you are experiencing and what you should do about it.

Deep Tissue Massage

One reason you may feel sore after your massage is because the therapist applied a deep tissue technique. If your muscles and tissues aren't used to being worked in this manner, you can feel sore the day after or even days after the massage. With more pressure, it creates soreness in the area where the technique is applied. If you prefer a more relaxing massage, ask for a Swedish treatment so deep tissue pressure won’t be used by the massage therapist. Our masage therapists can help select the right treatment for you.

Unable to Relax

If you are getting a massage for the first time, you may feel uncomfortable and unable to relax fully. Feeling this way is common for first-timers. If you are unable to relax the body during the massage, you will be tensing up muscles and tendons, which can lead to soreness. During the course of a massage, focus your energy on relaxing your body, so you can truly benefit from the treatment.

Dehydration

It’s recommended that you drink water before your treatment and after. During a massage, the water will keep you hydrated. Muscles that are properly hydrated will be more flexible which makes the massage more beneficial. After your massage, drinking more water is recommended to help flush away any toxins that were released during the treatment. With proper hydration, you will not feel as sore after the massage, which helps you to remain relaxed and enjoy the treatment.

Treating the Soreness

If you find that you are sore after your massage, take a warm bath. Use Epsom salts and soak in the warm water for 20 to 40 minutes. The bath will help your body to relax further and reduce any inflammation of the muscles. The Epsom salts also have magnesium which will be absorbed into the skin and help you to feel even better.

You can also take over the counter pain relievers for any soreness you are having. Talk to your massage therapist about what they recommend if you are feeling sore after your appointment.

Prevent or Reduce the Soreness

During the massage, if you feel too much pressure due to the treatment, speak to your massage therapist. Let them know that they are using too much pressure and that is causing you pain. The area they are working on may be sensitive or require a different, more relaxed method.

If you are looking to enjoy a quality massage from trained therapists, contact Academy Massage. Our massage therapists will be able to provide you with essential treatments that will be of benefit to your body and relaxation needs.

Should You Eat Before A Massage?

If you have never had a massage, you may be curious as to what you should do to prepare for your appointment. For most people, a massage is scheduled so that you can relax.  Many people will plan a full day of relaxation or “self-care” with spa treatments, perhaps a hair appointment, a nice meal, and a relaxing massage.  What many first-timers – and even some experienced massage goers – don’t realize is that eating before a massage has a direct impact on your experience.

No Eating

A big no-no when scheduling a massage is to eat beforehand. At Academy Massage, we recommend you do not eat for at least 90 minutes before your treatment. Your body needs time to be able to digest the food you eat before you receive your massage. The process of digestion moves the blood flow from the peripheral tissues and concentrates it to the digestive tract. With massage, the blood flow is drawn to the tissues that are being worked on, removing blood from the digestive tract and stalling the digestive process. This leads to poor digestion and can create an uncomfortable, heavy feeling in the stomach.

Plan Your Day

When you schedule a massage, plan your day accordingly. Try to plan your massage around meals so you will not be hungry and can enjoy your treatment without a full stomach. If possible, plan for an early morning massage; you’ll feel relaxed and refreshed for the rest of the day, and can enjoy your meals without worrying about them impacting your treatment.  You may also see some of the benefits massage can have on your digestive health.

This is just one of many tips you can use to enjoy your massage treatment better. Speak to the massage therapists at Academy Massage to learn more about how to prepare for your appointment. Book yours now by contacting us today!