A massage is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, in many cases, you’ll find yourself feeling sore afterwards and may even wonder if it was all worth it. Of course, this only happens if the massage has been done properly.
After all, the aim of a massage, regardless of what type, is to relieve the stress in your muscles and help to correct posture issues. It’s impossible to do this effectively without manipulating those muscles and that’s going to leave them sore.
In short, if you’ve used a reputable massage specialist, such as visiting this physio Alexandria, then you’ll feel sore. But that’s a sign it is helping!
Soreness Period
Most people will find they are sore for between one and three days. There are several factors that influence the length and severity of your soreness.
However, it is important to note that soreness is simply part of the healing process, in the same way, that you feel sore after intense exercise. It comes from the manipulation of muscle, encouraging a higher level of blood and, therefore, nutrients to the area. In short, your muscle can de-stress, relax, and return to the state it should be in.
What Effects How Long You’re Sore For
There are several factors that have an impact on how long you are sore for. But, remember that everyone is different, it’s okay to be sire for longer than your friends.
Your stress level
The more stressed you are the tenser your muscles are likely to be. That means, if you’ve had an effective deep-tissue massage, you’re likely to be sore for longer. It’s a result of the stress being released and this takes plenty of muscle manipulation.
How long you have had bad posture
Many people get a massage to help with poor posture. When your stance isn’t correct you are constantly placing extra strain on your body. This stresses most of the muscles and particularly the ones that do most of the supporting work.
The longer you’ve had bad posture the more stressed your muscles will be and the longer you’re likely to be sore for.
Whether you’re a regular visitor
If you regularly get massages then your body is more accustomed to them and your muscles are less likely to be deeply stressed. That makes it easier for the massage to be effective and less likely that you’ll feel sore afterwards.
If it’s your first time you’re likely to feel sore for several days.
Injuries
Anyone who has pulled a muscle will know how painful it is. Part of this is the tear in muscle tissue, the other part is the stress it places on, surrounding muscles and tendons.
A massage can help to relieve this stress. But, as you already have an injured and sensitive muscle, you are likely to feel sore for longer.
Hydration levels
Finally, if you’re not adequately hydrated then your muscles will be stiffer. Every cell in your body needs water to aid nutrition entering and toxins leaving. If you’re not properly hydrated your muscles won’t have all the nutrients they need. This is likely to make them sorer after a massage and they’ll take longer to repair.
You should aim to drink eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.