Are you sometimes sore after working out? Do your arms ache a bit? Are your legs tender to the touch? Well, a similar effect occurs during your massage therapy session that can result in residual soreness. Like working out, a person can get more from their massage therapy sessions by staying hydrated, and receiving regular care.
The word ‘sore’ in this post is defined as the residual soreness experienced after a massage therapy session in the areas that were treated. The word ‘tender’ is defined as the soreness experienced during a treatment when pressure is applied to a given area. The amount of tenderness during a treatment is associated with the amount of soreness a person may experience after a massage.
During a massage, blood is being pushed through the muscle tissue. This is similar to when you go jogging: an increase of circulation is brought to the muscle fibers. After the initial surge of circulation, the massage therapist may stretch, pull or push on muscles and tendons to create desired effects. The massage therapy techniques may ‘work out’ the muscles in ways they are not accustomed which can lead to soreness.
If an area is tender during the treatment, then the affected area a) has never received massage before or b) needs massage treatment. The more tender an area during treatment, the increased likelihood a person will experience soreness. Tender areas are decreased with better hydration, self care and regular massage treatment.
How does regular massage treatment decrease tenderness and therefore soreness after a massage? In the same way that one workout may leave you extremely sore the first time, but hardly sore at all after the fifth time, every massage is different depending on your level of experience and any complaints you have for that day. Your therapist may use a variety of techniques to help you achieve your goals but there will be more about different massage techniques in later posts.
Soreness lasting more than 2-3 days indicates a different approach at your next session so tell your therapist. It is important to remember to stay hydrated before and after your massage therapy appointments. You wouldn’t go for a run without water would you? Also, keep in mind healthy tissue doesn’t hurt! So get regular massage sessions, exercise frequently and keep your body healthy enough to take on the business of living!
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