Sore 3 Days After Massage? (here’s What It Means and What to Do!)

If you’re feeling sore 3 days after a massage, it’s important to understand that this is not normal and could be a sign that something isn’t right.

While it’s common to feel a little sore after a massage, especially if it was a deep tissue or sports massage, this soreness should resolve within a day or two.

If you’re still feeling sore 3 days after your massage, it’s a good idea to speak to your massage therapist or healthcare provider for further guidance.

Is it Normal to be Sore After a Massage?

It’s normal to feel a little sore after a massage, especially if it was a deep tissue or sports massage.

Massage can cause inflammation in the muscles, which can lead to soreness. This is usually temporary and should resolve on its own within a few days.

If you’re experiencing chronic pain or discomfort after a massage, it’s important to discuss this with your therapist and see what they say.

They can help to determine the cause of the pain and suggest appropriate treatment options.

I’m not trying to scare you, I’m sure it’s something simple like the fact that it’s your first massage in a while or the therapist was a bit heavy-handed.

However, it’s always best to get any pain checked out before it gets worse.

Related – Here’s why you might have a sore throat or a sore neck after massage therapy.

How Long Should You Be Sore After a Massage?

If you’re feeling sore after a massage, it’s generally a good idea to give your body time to rest and recover.

This usually means taking it easy for a few hours or the rest of the day, depending on the intensity of the massage and your individual tolerance for activity.

If you’re feeling sore a day or two after your massage, it’s generally not a cause for concern if it’s your first massage in a while.

This is a normal part of the recovery process and should resolve on its own within a few days.

However, if you’re still feeling sore 3 days after your massage, it’s a good idea to speak to your massage therapist or healthcare provider for further guidance. This could be a sign that something isn’t right and you may need further treatment or care.

Some Post-Massage Care Tips

To help your body recover and reduce soreness after a massage, there are a few things you can do:

• Drink plenty of water: Massage can cause your body to release toxins and excess fluid, and drinking water can help to flush these out of your system. Aim for at least 4-6 cups of water per day, and try to drink a glass of water before and after your massage to help replenish any fluids lost during the massage.
• Take a warm bath or shower: Warm water can help to relax sore muscles and promote blood flow. Try adding Epsom salt or essential oils to your bath or shower to enhance the soothing effects.
• Apply heat to the affected area: Heat can help to relax sore muscles and improve circulation. Try using a heating pad, warm compress, or hot water bottle to apply heat to the affected area.
• Get plenty of rest: It’s important to give your body time to rest and recover after a massage. Try to get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activity for a few days after your massage.

Is it Normal to be Sore a Week After a Massage?

It’s not normal to be sore a week after a massage, no.

If you’re still feeling sore a week after your massage, you should speak with your massage therapist or doctor.

This could be a sign that something isn’t right and you may need further treatment or care.

It’s also important to note that if your symptoms worsen or don’t improve over time, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition and you should seek professional medical advice.

Don’t panic though, I’m sure it’s just tissue damage or soreness from the massage that will resolve in a few days.

At any rate, it’s always best to get any pain checked out before it gets worse.

Related – Here’s what to expect a day after a deep tissue massage!

How Long Does it Take for Muscles to Recover After a Massage?

It typically takes a few days for muscles to recover after a massage at worst and you should feel better each day.

If you’re feeling sore a day or two after your massage, it’s generally not a cause for concern if it’s your first massage in a while.

This is a normal part of the recovery process and should resolve on its own within a few days.

However, if you’re still feeling sore 3 or more days after your massage, as already discussed I’d seek professional advice to err on the side of caution.

Image credits – Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash