Yes. Mild soreness or tenderness for a day or two after a massage is common, especially after deep tissue or sports massage or if it has been a while since your last one. It usually feels like the ache after a hard workout and fades on its own.
Why it happens
Firm pressure on tight muscles is a physical load, much like exercise. Areas that were tense or had not been worked on for a long time tend to feel it most. A lighter relaxation massage is much less likely to leave you sore.
What helps
- Gentle movement, such as an easy walk, instead of sitting still
- Light stretching of the area if it feels good
- A warm shower or bath
- Normal eating, drinking and a good night’s sleep
- Holding off on your hardest workout until the soreness eases
How to avoid it next time
- Tell your therapist during the session if the pressure is too much. You can ask for a change at any time.
- Mention how you felt after your last visit so the next one can be adjusted
- Book regular, moderate sessions instead of rare, very deep ones
- Avoid scheduling deep work right before a game, race or heavy training day
What is not normal
Contact your therapist if soreness lasts more than a few days, if you have significant bruising, or if your original pain is clearly worse. See a doctor promptly for new numbness, tingling or weakness, a severe headache, or pain that keeps building.
Go to emergency for a hot, swollen, painful calf, chest pain or shortness of breath.
Tell your therapist before treatment if you
- Take blood thinners or bruise easily
- Have a recent injury, surgery or skin problem in the area
- Are pregnant
- Have a health condition or take medication that affects sensation or healing
More about what we offer is on the registered massage therapy page.
Questions about how you felt after a session?