Why Feeling Worse After a Massage Can Be a Good Thing
Massages are known to boost your immune system, improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and restore balance between body and mind. But what if you don’t feel better right away? Massage therapist Michiel Kaemingk of Tension Tamers explains that it’s not uncommon to experience side effects after a massage—and that these effects often serve a purpose.
Michiel frequently hears from clients twice after a massage. The first call is to report complaints like headaches or fatigue. The second call is full of enthusiasm, once the positive effects of the massage become clear. So, what’s behind this delay? Michiel explains the most common post-massage side effects, why they happen, and how to manage them effectively.
Why Do We Sometimes Feel Worse Before We Feel Better?
"While the benefits of massage are well-known, people are often surprised by the temporary discomfort that can follow a session," Michiel explains. "These side effects are the body’s natural way of processing the treatment and ultimately lead to positive results. Here’s what you might experience and how to handle it."
1. Headaches
The most common complaint after a massage is a headache. This is often due to dehydration. During a massage, heat is released, blood vessels dilate, and fluids are redirected to your organs—including your kidneys and intestines—to help flush out toxins.
"If you’re already not drinking enough water (which is common for many people), the fluid loss can affect your well-being and lead to headaches," Michiel says.
How to Manage It
Stay hydrated before and after your massage to support the detoxification process.
Remember that water is essential for your brain, which is 75% water—keeping it hydrated can help prevent post-massage headaches.
2. Fatigue
Feeling tired after a massage is another common reaction. This happens because your body is hard at work repairing itself.
"A massage stimulates blood circulation and activates the lymphatic system to filter out waste products," Michiel explains. "This process requires energy and can leave you feeling fatigued."
In some cases, the massage simply brings your existing exhaustion to the forefront. It’s similar to the feeling you get at the start of a vacation: your body finally has the chance to relax, so you become aware of how tired you really are.
How to Manage It
Allow yourself time to rest after your massage. Your body is doing a lot of internal work, so give it space to recover.
Embrace the fatigue as a sign that your self-healing processes are being activated.
3. Sore Muscles
Massage can create micro-tears in muscle tissue, especially in areas of tension. This is similar to what happens after a workout, where your muscles feel sore as they repair themselves.
"The soreness is comparable to muscle pain after exercise," Michiel says. "The good news is that massages also increase blood flow to the muscles, speeding up recovery and enhancing cell metabolism."
How to Manage It
Think of post-massage soreness as a sign that your body is healing and regenerating.
The discomfort is temporary and usually resolves quickly thanks to improved circulation.
4. Emotional Responses
It’s not uncommon to feel more emotional after a massage.
"Massages reconnect you with your body, which can make you aware of feelings and sensations you might have been ignoring," Michiel notes. "Touch can also release unprocessed emotions, bringing old memories or stress to the surface."
This emotional release is part of the healing process. By addressing and processing these emotions, you create space for greater mental clarity and balance.
How to Manage It
Take some quiet time after your massage to process your emotions.
Avoid pushing feelings away; instead, let them flow naturally and find a healthy outlet, such as journaling or talking to someone you trust.
Side Effects with a Purpose
Post-massage side effects may not always be pleasant, but they serve a purpose. Michiel explains:
"These reactions are your body’s way of processing the changes brought about by the massage. The more you listen to your body, the better you’ll understand its signals and ultimately experience the positive benefits of the treatment."
Tips for a Better Post-Massage Experience
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and after your massage to support detoxification and prevent dehydration-related headaches.
Communicate: Let your masseur know if you prefer a lighter or firmer touch, so the pressure feels comfortable for you.
Rest: Take it easy after your massage to allow your body the time and energy to recover.
Reflect: Tune into how the massage has affected you physically and emotionally. Recognizing these changes can help you better appreciate the benefits of the treatment.
The Takeaway
Feeling worse before feeling better is a natural part of the healing process after a massage. Whether it’s a headache, fatigue, muscle soreness, or an emotional release, these side effects are signs that your body is working to restore balance and well-being.
By staying hydrated, resting, and embracing the process, you can make the most of your massage and experience its long-term benefits.
At Tension Tamers, we’re here to guide you through every step of your wellness journey. Book your next massage with us and discover how good it feels to truly take care of yourself!
