After effects of sports massage therapy.

[Calceolaria]

Gosh, I'm sore after my session last night. I could tell she was getting to all the right spots but how long before it settles down?

[teadrinker]

Depends on you! I tend to struggle with all kinds of massage as it activates my trigger points. Have found that slapping on a heat pack as soon as possible after the massage helps.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Hidden]

How's it going?

Settling down depends on your bodies reactions. Mine's a bad reactor so it's a couple of days. But the more your body gets used to it, the less it reacts.

Muscles that have been tense for months, even years, don't like being relaxed to normal tone. It's a constant battle in the early days, but the more it is challenged the less likely it is to return to the abnormal state.

As teadrinker says, keeping the muscles warm helps, as does doing any exercises you were given to do.

[Calceolaria]

Thanks Tea and Zee! I have been very sore since second session, sleep was problematic that night and I also felt a bit nauseous. Was slightly dizzy for a short while after leaving the masseuse but I can't say she was heavy handed.

[earthwitch in reply to Calceolaria]

dizziness and nausea isn't good and shouldn't be expected after a massage. Its not just about "releasing toxins" - a too firm massage if you already have spinal problems could actually be dangerous, especially if you have osteophytes or disc damage already, as that can put extra pressure on the spinal nerves and spinal cord. Report your reaction to your GP and see if they want to do any further investigations, as well as asking their advice about continuing with the massage.

[Kimster]

It sounds like you didn't drink enough water after your massage. The massage released trapped toxins and that was her job. Your job is to pee those toxins out. If you don't you will become very sore. Epsom salt baths will help as well. Once you have trained your muscle memory to be relaxed instead of constantly contracted your massages will get more pleasurable. Sleeping with a heating pad on low is soothing. Good luck with your next session. Don't forget to drink extra water.

[Calceolaria in reply to Kimster]

Thanks Kimster. She did talk about toxin release. I'm a devil for not drinking water unless added to - tea, coffee, red wine! Must remember to do that!

[Kimster]

Try adding a little lemon to your water. It not only adds flavor but helps with the detox process. The others that you mentioned will just dehydrate you. Do give the Epsom salts bath a try for next day soreness. It really works.

[Hidden in reply to Kimster]

Hi, I've tried the lemon in water (very nice), but the Epsom salts bath won't do any good when not got a bath so will have to find another way, but it's a good idea for those who do have a bath

[Kimster in reply to Hidden]

Try taking a long shower with comfortably warm water and then sleeping with a heating pad on low or a hot water bottle.

[Calceolaria]

I have Epsom salts but I also have magnesium oil spray which is a similar principle and the same mineral but without the comforting hot bath. Thanks for all suggestions.