Massage Soreness — What’s Normal & What Helps At Willow & Sage, we want you to feel great after your session — but sometimes your body reacts in ways that are normal and temporary. Here’s what you can expect. Is it normal to feel sore after a massage? Yes. Feeling mild to moderate muscle soreness or tightness after a massage is common, especially if: It’s your first massage in a while You had deeper work (like deep tissue or focused therapeutic bodywork) Your muscles were very tight or stressed before the session This soreness can feel similar to how your body feels the day after a workout — tender, achy, a bit stiff — and is part of the body releasing tension and beginning the healing process. Cleveland Clinic +1 Why does this happen? After we work on muscle tissue, your body increases blood flow and brings nutrients into the area. That process can create temporary inflammation and sensitivity — similar to delayed onset muscle soreness after exercise. Cleveland Clinic Common contributors: Muscle manipulation during the massage Inflammatory response as tissues reset Dehydration Pre‑existing tightness or knots in muscles Individual variation in how bodies respond to touch Cleveland Clinic What can help reduce soreness? Here are simple, effective ways to support your body after a session: 💧 Hydrate Well Water before and after your massage helps your muscles recover and supports circulation. Cleveland Clinic 🌿 Gentle Movement Light stretching, walking, or gentle yoga can help ease muscles and keep them limber. Livestrong 🛁 Warm Bath or Shower Warmth relaxes muscles and increases circulation — perfect for post‑massage recovery. Cleveland Clinic 🔥 Heat or ❄️ Cold Therapy Heat can soothe stiffness; cold can reduce inflammation if needed. Cleveland Clinic 💤 Rest Your body integrates the work during rest, so avoid rigorous activity the day of or after your session. Cleveland Clinic When should I be concerned? Most soreness will lessen within 24–48 hours and shouldn’t keep you from daily activity. However, reach out if you notice: Soreness that lasts more than a couple of days Pain that increases instead of eases Numbness, sharp pain, bruising, or swelling Discomfort that keeps you from normal movement Severe or persistent pain isn’t typical — and your therapist can help adjust future sessions to better suit your body. Cleveland Clinic +1 Communication is key If anything during your massage felt too intense, or if you’re unsure what kind of pressure or technique is right for you, let your therapist know. We adjust pressure, modalities, and focus areas to fit your comfort and goals. Cleveland Clinic Bottom Line Feeling a bit sore after a massage — especially deeper or therapeutic work — is normal and temporary. Treat your body gently, hydrate, move lightly, and give it some rest, and you’ll support the benefits of your session. If you have questions or concerns, we’re always here to help you get the most out of your massag