Is It Normal to be Sore After a Thai Massage?

Thai massage sometimes gets a bad reputation because some who have experienced getting one say that they feel sore afterward, although the overall treatment felt beneficial. We understand why this could be an issue for some– because they are getting a massage to float in a euphoric state of relaxation and enjoy relief from muscle tension, pains, or discomfort.

In this article, we will investigate if Thai massage should make you feel sore and dive deeper into Thai massage techniques to gain an insight as to why they sometimes make people feel sore after the session.

Soreness After a Thai Massage

If you’re thinking of trying out Thai massage and are wondering if it is normal to feel sore after the session, the short answer is it depends on the type of treatment that you’re getting. At ThaiMassage-NYC, the Thai massage practitioners take a personalized approach to cater to the individual needs of each client.

This means the experience of an elderly person will be different from a strong and active athlete, for instance. We take the time to get to know your specific goals and recommend the best type of Thai massage treatment.

When the goal of getting a Thai massage is to elevate your mood and boost your overall sense of well-being, there shouldn’t be any soreness afterward as a result. So a fragile elderly person will be provided with a relaxing massage that would relieve them from the body and joint pains brought about by their old age. 

On the other hand, a strong athlete with adhesions or chronic stagnancy bound up inside of them will be given a vigorous treatment that might leave them feeling sore in specific target areas. However, it is important to note that the soreness should only last for 24 hours or less. 

Understanding Thai Massage Techniques

In order to comprehend why it is normal to feel sore after getting a Thai massage, it is important to understand Thai massage techniques.

Generally, Thai massage practitioners use their hands, feet, and other parts of their body to apply pressure to your body. The main goal here is to help you release the tension in contracted muscle tissues, which lead to blockages in your circulation.

By applying firm pressure to these tight muscles, the blood will be able to flow more freely and transport nutrients and oxygen throughout your body. Stagnancy will also be alleviated and said increases in circulation will also carry these properties away to the kidneys and liver where they can be eliminated from your body forever. When you have contracted muscles, the nutrients that can address your pain will be blocked.

Your Thai massage practitioner will use compressions, stretching, and other methods to reduce the tone of these tight muscles. And because of these interventions, you will sometimes experience soreness after.

Know Your Limits and Communicate with Your Practitioner

Nobody else knows your body’s limitations better than yourself. So the key to getting a beneficial Thai massage experience is to know your limits and communicate this to your Thai massage practitioner.

Instead of just enduring the pain and then not going back for another session, it would be much better if you can tell your Thai massage therapist what you’re aiming for and your personal preferences.

During the session, if the Thai massage techniques being implemented are too much for you, don’t hesitate to tell the practitioner right away. The best amount of pressure or stretch is “right before too much”.

Traditional Thai massage may involve deep pressure and extreme stretching techniques, and it is normal to expect to feel some soreness after this. However, there are other Thai massage techniques that are softer and developed to facilitate relaxation of the body and mind.

If you prefer these more relaxed Thai massage sessions that are gentler than the traditional approach, you can ask for available options. These typically involve rocking motions and the integration of yogic principles. There are also some that focus on breathing techniques, smooth flowing motions, and achieving higher awareness. 

You may be interested in the herbal heat application, Luk Pra Kob, in which a heated herbal poultice is used to make the compressions. When your tissues are warm they are more pliable which makes it more comfortable for you to receive deeper massage work. The main focus of this technique is to awaken your energy flow, uplift your spirit, and promote mind and body healing.

Final Thoughts

Each client gets a unique treatment intended to meet your individual health goals. So the question of whether it is normal to feel sore after a Thai massage is that it depends on what you need and your individual health goals. You can always communicate what you want with your Thai massage practitioner, and a reliable one should be able to adjust the technique accordingly.

If you’re looking for a seasoned Thai massage expert with extensive knowledge and skills in various approaches, you should consider ThaiMassage-NYC. From intense and challenging Thai massage all the way down to an easy-going relaxation session we’ve got you covered. 

Visit our website or get in touch with us today so we can help you explore your options!