Why does the body feel sore or uncomfortable after a deep tissue massage, especially for those who don’t get massages regularly?
Massage helps release muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and flush out metabolic waste, which can cause temporary soreness. It’s similar to the initial muscle soreness experienced when starting a new workout routine as your body adjusts and begins healing. The reasons include:
- Muscle Tissue Response: Deep tissue massage applies pressure to muscles and connective tissues, stimulating blood flow and promoting waste elimination. This can lead to temporary discomfort and soreness.
- Lactic Acid Accumulation: During the massage, muscles may release lactic acid, a common byproduct of muscle activity, which can result in soreness.
- Inflammatory Response: The body might trigger a natural inflammatory reaction to repair tissue, causing short-term discomfort.
- Nervous System Adjustment: Deep massage can stimulate the nervous system, potentially causing a stress response that leads to fatigue and soreness.
