Stiffness in lower back after massage

[iLoveMusic!!]

Hi there

I had a very good massage on Thursday from a friend who massages me regularly. Since then I've noticed some stiffness in my lower back, which isn't something that is too unusual for me as it's a weak area for me anyway. But I just wanted to ask, is it normal to feel discomfort after a massage? It wasn't a particulary deep one but it has obviously had quite an effect on the muscles of my lower back. Whenever I have a massage it's always very sensitive around the sacrum area and this was the same when I was having chiropractic treatment in the past. Look forward to your comments.

 

[Gitane Demone]

Hi Siobhan[/align][/align]There is no typical response to massage as everyone is different and will respond to treatments differently, saying that if we do too much then the area will go into defence mode and lock up but if we do too little it just highlights the area without sorting it, this will not particularly leave it any worse than what it was but it will be come more evident to the recipient because it has been brought to their attention.[/align]

 

[nestprop]

Hi Siobhan,

I agree with Paul,my own twopennorth is:

When weare busy and overwork our muscles, we get to the point where we ignore the niggly feelings in our rush to 'get on with it'.
Eventually, tension builds up in all the other muscles around it which are trying to take some of its load and let it have a rest. We go for a massage and the generally tight muscles feel relief and let go. The originally tight, potentially damaged, muscle then doesn't have its support team taking the load, so it aches again to get noticed.
Get another massage, quick!

 

[MarkWercencat]

Everyone does respond differently to massage, and it's not uncommon to feel stiff afterwards. If you're still sore, try taking an epsom salt bath, and drinking lots of water. When you have knots in your muscles, lactic acid builds up in them, then it is released when you have a massage. It'll also help to stretch your lower back, by sitting in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, and trying to touch the floor in front of you. And yes, get another massage!

 

[atghngsw]

Great replies, many thanks guys! I hadn't had a massage for ages prior to this one and I do think I need to have them more often. Last night I did some yoga stretches and also did a little reflexology on myself (our TV viewing of Dog Borstal was punctuated with lots of OUCHes, much to my husband's amusement!), and today it does feel loads better. Might be worth stocking up on Epsom salts for a rainy day though