What are myoses and how are they treated?

Sore, tired or with a headache after a massage – is it normal?

You've come home from a massage. Your body should feel light and relaxed – but instead you notice a nagging soreness in your muscles, a little tiredness, maybe even a slight headache. What's going on?

The short answer: it's completely normal. Many people experience a reaction from their bodies in the first 24-48 hours after a massage. Here we explain why, what you can do about it – and when you should contact your therapist.

Why are you sore after a massage?

Massage works directly with your muscles and connective tissues. When a therapist works on tense muscles, myoses (muscle knots) and tight structures, a form of mechanical impact on the tissues actually occurs.

This can cause a temporary soreness similar to that you experience after a good workout. The body responds to the stimulation by sending more blood and nutrients to the area – and it may feel a little sore while it’s happening.

Soreness after massage is typically:

Most pronounced 12-24 hours after treatment
Largest in the muscles that have been worked most intensively
Usually gone within 2-3 days

Is it normal to get a headache after a massage?

Yes, it can happen – and it is usually due to one of these reasons:

Tensions are softened: When neck and shoulder muscles that have been tense for a long time begin to release, it can trigger a short-term reaction headache.
Circulation is activated: Massage increases blood flow. For some, it may cause a temporary feeling of heaviness in the head.
Dehydration: Massage stimulates the body's metabolism and the release of waste products from the muscles. If you don't drink enough water after the treatment, it can contribute to headaches.

Advice: Drink a few large glasses of water in the hours after your massage – it helps your body recover.

Nausea or dizziness – when does it happen?

Some people experience brief nausea or light dizziness after a massage, especially after a deep or intensive treatment. This is typically due to:

That the massage significantly increases blood circulation and stimulates the exchange of metabolic by-products in the tissue
That the circulation is adjusted – blood is sent to muscles and tissues, and blood pressure may briefly drop
The nervous system switches from 'fight-or-flight' mode to calm – which for some feels a bit overwhelming at first

It usually goes away within a few minutes if you sit down calmly, drink water and take it easy for the rest of the day.

What can you do yourself after a massage?

You can support your body well on its way with these simple tips:

Drink plenty of water – preferably 1-2 liters over the next few hours.
Avoid intensive training on the same day – let your body recover
Take it easy – a light walk is fine, but avoid strenuous exercise.
Use a heating pad on sore areas – it increases blood circulation and eases discomfort
Sleep well – many people experience particularly good sleep the night after a treatment

When should you contact your therapist?

Most reactions are mild and short-lived. However, contact your healthcare provider or doctor if:

The soreness has not gone away after 3-4 days
You experience severe pain – not just soreness
The headache is severe or different than usual
You have a fever or general feeling of illness

Regular massage leads to fewer reactions

It is not uncommon for the first few massages to be a little more reactive than the subsequent ones. The more often you come for a massage, the better the therapist knows your body – and the more your body can adapt.

Many who choose a tour card and come for massage regularly say that the reactions decrease over time, and that the body instead just calms down after the treatment.