So, you just had a massage. You’re expecting to feel like you’re floating on a cloud, but instead, you wake up the next morning feeling… sore? What gives? Isn’t a massage supposed to make you feel better, not like you just finished an intense workout?

Think of your muscles like a tangled-up bunch of earbuds. When they’re tight and knotted, they restrict blood flow and movement. A massage works through these tight areas, smoothing out adhesions (aka “knots”) and breaking up tension.

But here’s the catch—working out knots doesn’t just make them vanish immediately. The process of releasing them can cause temporary inflation, which is what leads to that soreness. This is especially true for deep tissue massages or if you had a lot of built-up tension.

In simple terms, your muscles are adjusting to their new, looser state. That temporary discomfort is your body saying, “Hey, something’s different here!”—and that’s a good thing.

This isn’t a mistake. It’s actually a sign that your body is responding exactly the way it should. Let’s break down why this happens and why a little soreness can actually mean big benefits for your muscles. Imagine you’re making bread (stick with me here). If the dough is stiff and tight, you have to knead it to loosen it up. Your muscles work the same way.

When you get a deep tissue massage, your therapist is working through layers of tension, knots, and built-up stress. That’s great for mobility and relaxation, but it also disrupts those tight spots, which can cause temporary soreness.

It’s like your muscles just had their own mini workout – and just like after the gym, they need a little recovery time.

Here’s a little biology for you: when muscles are tight, they restrict blood flow. A good massage gets everything moving again, but in doing so, it releases toxins and built up waste (yes, your muscles hold onto stuff they don’t need).

That flushing out process can cause mild inflammation, just like when you stretch a muscle that hasn’t been used in a while. It’s temporary and actually signals that your body is healing and adapting.

Next time you feel sore after a massage, don’t panic – it’s a sign of progress. Your muscles are unwinding, your blood is flowing better, and your body is doing its thing to recover.

So embrace the soreness. It means you’re getting looser, healthier, and on your way to less stress and better movement.

And if you ever feel like your massage left you feeling a little too sore, just let your therapist know! They can adjust the pressure next time so you get all the benefits without the extra ouch.

Ready to book your next session? Your muscles will thank you.