Have you ever experienced soreness after massage?
Ironically, many whom of which are not aware of the basics of massage therapy will believe that a massage session may leave you feeling fully energized and rejuvenated immediately after the massage therapy, mainly if it is a Deep-tissue.
Well, let me pop the bubble here and say, that feeling energized and rejuvenated is not always the case in every massage session.
Depending upon your body type as well as the kind of massage you may be receiving, Post-massage Soreness and Malaise can be experienced following a massage therapy session.
What is Post-Massage Soreness and Malaise?
In the most basic of words, PMSM or Post-massage Soreness and Malaise are similar to the basic of DOMS or Delayed onset of Muscle Soreness.
DOMS or Delayed onset of Muscle Soreness is typically experienced by those that have carried out an uncharacteristically, sudden intense workout which the body may otherwise not have been prepared for or used to.
Those suffering from the Delayed onset of Muscle Soreness may be subject to muscle pains depending upon the intensity of the workout, or may even experience weakness.
Just like the Delayed onset of Muscle Soreness, Post-massage onset of Soreness and Malaise is categorized as the coping mechanism of the anatomy by which it heals the process of sudden physical disruption that may have taken place via the delivery of an intense massage therapy session.
As the body heals, those suffering from Post-massage Soreness and Malaise may be subject to feeling tired or highly sore a day after receiving oil-based massage therapy.
Oil-based massages, in particular, have been known to most commonly bring about Post-massage onset of Soreness and Malaise since they utilize the technique of gliding massage motions which as a result enhance the rate by which fluids are being pushed within the nerves of the anatomy; therefore, creating a relatively high-pressure system within the tissues.
The muscles, as well as their connective tissues as a result of the enhancement in fluid pressure, face a sudden disruption.
If you are accustomed to the lifestyle of receiving massages; yet, at the same time do not wish to experience the Post-massage onset of Soreness and Malaise then keep on reading.
I will further list down basic; yet effective techniques by which discomfort caused by Post-massage onset of Soreness and Malaise can be decreased if not fully eradicated.
Communication With Your Therapist
The first and foremost step always quoted to preventing the discomfort or soreness caused as a result of a massage therapy session is to communicate it with your masseuse. If you feel as though your massage treatments are leaving you more frequently in pain and discomfort than doing much good, then be sure to consult this with your therapist.
Depending on the severity of the pain being felt, the masseuse will adjust the massage motions, pressure as well as patterns utilized within the therapy for delivery of optimal relaxation. More relaxed and subtle motions will be used to normalize the anatomy and get it used for massages.
For this particular remedy, one must be sure to have hired only the most experienced of professionals, those without sufficient experience may further aggravate the situation or the pain being felt by clients by continuing with deep and intense massage motions.
Post-Massage Stretching
Stretching is known as the process of extending one’s body parts for the enhancement of blood flow as well as to increase flexibility.
Stretching within massage therapy has been incorporated for decades to be better able to loosen strained or tight muscles within the anatomy.
It is advised that in case of those suffering from Post-massage onset of Soreness and Malaise, gradual stretching of the body can aid with regularizing the sudden increase in blood flow which may have caused the muscles or nerves disruption.
Stretching can also significantly aid in loosening up any tensed muscles within the targeted massage area that may have become sore as a result of compressed nerves and pressure buildup.
Loosening of nerves or arteries, as a result, can regularize the blood flow; therefore, reducing discomfort being felt.
Thai Massage Instead of Deep Tissue Massage
It is said that Thai massage is among the few types of massages which do not result in clients suffering from Post-massage onset of Soreness and Malaise. One of the core reasons behind why this is the case is due to the variation in massage motions and techniques used.
A Thai massage incorporates the process of sinking pressure into the muscle tissues rather than sliding it into the muscle tissues. Although, the Thai massage does enhance blood circulation and flow; however, it does not do so at a high pace; therefore, sudden pressure build-up within muscles is prevented.
With a minimal level of pressure buildup within muscles, the client is very unlikely to experience soreness or discomfort following the massage therapy session when compared to a deep-tissue or oil-based massage.
Getting the Body Accustomed to Massages
Those relatively new to the world of receiving massages most commonly face severe cases of Post massage onset of Soreness and Malaise due to the reason that their anatomy is not used to the sudden placement of pressure via massage motions.
To reduce the chances of being subject to discomfort post-massage, one must start off with massage therapy sessions at a slow pace, that too incorporate movements that are rather subtle than intense or deep.
Once the body begins to get accustomed to the massage motions as well as the pressure being placed on core acupuncture points. The frequency of the massages being received as well as their duration can be increased.
Rest
Last but not the least, one of the most commonly advised ways of reducing the effects of the Post-massage onset of Soreness and Malaise is to rest it out.
The discomfort and soreness caused most widely only lasts for a day or two; it is essential to not exhaust the anatomy by taking upon physical labor or increase physical activity.
Take a day off, and rest in bed until you feel better.