Pain after massage - Causes and treatment

Post-massage pain is often due to muscle strain in the targeted area, mass release of toxins from the muscles, dehydration, and more. There is often nothing to worry about and there are a variety of ways to treat the pain. 

While massage treatments are mainly aimed at combating muscle pain and promoting relaxation, there are also some techniques such as the deep tissue massage, which may make you feel pain after the massage.

Usually, pain after massage occurs after the first 24 hours that the patient received the treatment.

In some cases there is severe pain in the area where the therapist worked. This means that the treatment had a positive effect and the therapist achieved his goal. 

In any case, if you feel pain after a massage session, it is advisable to contact your therapist and he will provide the solution to your problem, after first examining the cause of your pain.

Causes of pain after massage

In the majority, pain after a massage is a normal phenomenon and the causes for this pain are usually due to the massage technique chosen by the recipient of the treatment. The causes that may have led to pain after treatment are as follows:

1. Muscle pain:

Deep tissue massage or intense pressure can lead to muscle pain, especially if the muscles were tight or knotted. This pain is often temporary and goes away within a day or two.

2. Release of toxins:

Massage can stimulate the release of toxins stored in the muscles. After a massage, the body may need time to process and eliminate these toxins, possibly causing temporary discomfort. Release of toxins in order to eliminate them we can achieve through a lymphatic massage. 

3. Dehydration:

Massage can increase blood circulation and if you are not well hydrated, it can lead to dehydration. Dehydrated muscles are more prone to soreness.

4. Inflammation:

In some cases, massage can temporarily increase inflammation in the body. This is usually part of the natural healing process, but may cause pain or discomfort.

5. Pre-existing Conditions:

People with certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia or chronic pain disorders, may be more sensitive to touch and pressure. In such cases, even a gentle massage can cause discomfort.

6. Communication with the therapist:

If there is a lack of communication between the client and the massage therapist regarding pressure preferences, the therapist may apply too much pressure, causing discomfort. It is a good idea to communicate your requests to the therapist before and during the treatment. 

7. Postural imbalances:

If a person has postural problems or muscle imbalances, a massage can temporarily accentuate these issues, leading to discomfort as the body adjusts.

8. Medical conditions:

Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis, can make people more sensitive to pain after massage. It is important to inform the massage therapist of any existing medical conditions.

9. Trauma or existing trauma:

If there is an undiagnosed injury or trauma in the area being massaged, handling the tissues may cause pain. It is important to disclose any recent injuries or affected areas to the massage therapist.

10. Allergic reaction:

In some cases, people may experience an allergic reaction to massage oils, lotions or other products used during massage, leading to skin irritation or discomfort.

11. Tension and stress:

High levels of tension or stress before a massage can make the body more sensitive to touch, potentially causing discomfort during or after the session.

12. Incorrect technique:

If the massage therapist uses improper techniques or applies too much pressure, it can lead to discomfort or pain. Communication about pressure preferences is essential.

13. Hypermobility or joint problems:

People with hypermobility or joint problems may feel discomfort if the massage involves movements that exceed their comfortable range of motion.

It is vital for people receiving massage therapy to communicate openly with their therapist, providing information about their health history, preferences and any specific concerns. This helps the therapist tailor the massage to the individual's needs, minimizing the risk of post-massage discomfort.

If discomfort persists or worsens, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

In which areas can pain occur after a massage?

The areas where a person may feel pain after a massage can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of massage or massage techniques used, the health of the person and their concerns. However, some common areas where people may experience discomfort after a massage include:

• Muscle groups:
  If the massage was focused on specific muscle groups or targeted areas with tension or knots, those muscles may be sore afterwards.

• Deep tissue massage :
  After a deep tissue massage, it is common to feel soreness in the treated muscles. Deep tissue massage involves the application of intense pressure to release chronic muscle tension.
  
• Neck and Shoulders:
  Tension in the neck and shoulders is a common reason people choose to get massage therapy. However, deep work in these areas can lead to pain after the massage.
  
• Lower back:
  The muscles of the back, especially the lower back, may feel sore after a massage, particularly if there were points of tension or if the massage involved deep pressure.
  
• Legs and buttocks:
  Massage techniques that target the legs and buttocks such as cellulite massage. lymphatic massage, pressotherapy and maderotherapy, can lead to pain, especially if there is tightness or tension in these areas.

• Joints:
  In some cases, the joints may be a little sore, especially if the massage involved movement and stretching. This is more common in massages that include elements of stretching or joint mobilization.
  
• Pressure Points:
  Certain pressure points on the body, such as those targeted by acupuncture or reflexology, can lead to severe pain.
  
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ):
  For those receiving massages that involve work on the face or jaw, there may be some discomfort around the TMJ.

It is important to note that post-massage discomfort is often temporary and many people experience relief and improved mobility after the initial pain subsides. 

Pain after massage – Treatment

There are many solutions to treating post-massage pain and most offer relief in a natural way. Often, the pain after a massage subsides within two days of the day of the session, of course. If the pain persists or is unbearable, try one of the following:

Hydration

Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins that may have been released during the massage. Proper hydration can also prevent muscle stiffness.

Hot bath or shower

A warm bath or shower can help relax your muscles and ease any aches and pains. Adding Epsom salts to the bath can further aid in muscle relaxation.

Gentle stretches

Engage in gentle stretches to relieve muscle tension. Focus on the areas where you feel pain, but be careful not to stretch too much so as not to make the pain worse.

Rest

Give your body time to rest and recover. Avoid vigorous activities that may strain the muscles worked during the massage.

Ice or heat treatment

Applying ice or cold using a cold towel to the affected areas can help reduce inflammation and numb the area. Alternatively, heat therapy, such as a warm compress, can help relax the muscles.

Over the counter pain relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage mild to moderate pain. Follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing conditions.

Contact the massage therapist

If the pain is more than expected or if you have concerns about the massage, consider contacting your therapist. They may offer solutions, alternative treatments for future sessions, or recommendations for self-care.

Follow up massage

In some cases, a follow-up massage with lighter pressure or different techniques can help address any discomfort. Discuss your experience with your massage therapist before scheduling another session.

Medical evaluation

If the pain persists or is severe, it is advisable to consult a health professional. They can assess if there are underlying issues contributing to the discomfort.

In conclusion, pain after a massage is a normal side effect that should not worry you. In most people, the pain disappears within 2 days, without the need to see a specialist. The intense muscle pressures applied in various massage techniques such as deep tissue massage (sports massage), the lymphatic massage, or maderotherapy etc., may cause the appearance of pain or discomfort after the session. 

It is wise to communicate your concerns and preferences with your massage therapist in order to receive personalized treatment based on your own needs and preferences. The massaged areas are naturally sore after the session and you can treat the pain naturally from your home or consult your therapist. In rare cases where the pain does not subside, it is necessary to contact a health professional.