Massage is a very old type of therapeutic treatment involving applied physical force that has been used in various cultures for centuries. People all over the world practice massage in order to help increase relaxation and improve general health. Due to the amount of force required to provide an effective massage, many clients sometimes experience extreme soreness shortly after massage. This is especially true of deep-tissue massages. Soreness or pain can last one or two days, but any longer than that may be a cause for concern. There are a few methods clients may try in order to alleviate soreness after a massage, if they are particularly concerned about it.
One of the main contributing factors of soreness after a massage is the type of massage performed on the client. There are certain types of massage that has the impact of a intense workout on one’s body, even if one is lying perfectly still and relaxed. Deep tissue massage and shiatsu, for example, require tremendous manipulation of one’s muscles, which readily leads to soreness shortly after the massage since the body is unaccustomed to the intensity. Another kind of message that can lead to soreness is Thai massage, since the body will be stretched and flexed. Should you be worried about soreness after a massage, you can ask your massage therapist to not apply as much pressure on your muscles.
Types of massage that are less likely to produce soreness are pregnancy massage, Swedish massage, Lomi Lomi, and accupuncture. This is because the aforementioned massages tend to be gentle and non-invasive. As a result of this, these massages tend to be performed on individuals who have disabilities as their body may be too sensitive to handle rough massages, and they need soothing massage that can relax their bodies. With that said, these massages still provide the benefits of promoting circulation, loosening muscle knots, and making one feel healthier. People with compromised health may not want to experience soreness after a massage, so gentle bodywork like the aforementioned massages are suitable.
Another benefit of a good massage is that it can help flush out toxins from one’s muscles. This is one factor that can lead to soreness in muscles. Consuming plenty of fluids prior and immediately after a bodywork session can be beneficial in reducing the feeling of soreness. With that said, drinking plenty of fluids reguarly is a good habit to have regardless, as water is needed to maintain good health. It is also a good idea to practice proper posture and deep stretching, especially if one lives a sedentary lifestyle, so as to reduce the likelihood or severity of muscle knots.
It is important for you and the massage therapist to be communicating to ensure that the massage is going smoothly. For example, you may want to let the massage therapist know if you are in immense pain, instead of trying to hold it in for fear of embarassment. If experiencing soreness is a big issue for you, let the massage therapist know so that he or she can try to avoid techniques that may cause too much of that. In general, if you experience pain during your massage, you can be sure that you will experience soreness in that same area later. Communication is key to maximizing the effectiveness of the massage, as the massage therapist will not know how you are feeling unless you are providing good feedback.
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