I often tell my clients to give any type of bodywork treatment, a couple of days to “land.” For 2-3 days after a session, your body will continue to release and repair.

As a massage therapist, I don’t like to plant seeds in my client’s mind, that indeed the pain WILL get worse before it gets better. Because most of the time, it doesn’t play out that way. But in some cases, it does, and I want people to be prepared. It is important to note that your symptoms may temporarily increase while participating in therapy. Or rather, you become hyper-aware of the sensations. Any discomfort is generally greater in the beginning and lessens as the therapy continues. 

Post-treatment you may:

  • Feel achy or sense the increased blood flow
  • Sense muscle weakness or fatigue
  • Notice your nervous system discharging, twitching, unwinding, or having spasms
  • Feel unsettled, as your bones are adjusting to being in a newly found position
  • Feel like you had an intense workout
  • Have a bruised-like sensation for a couple of days afterward (though rarely does bodywork actually cause any visible marks, with the exceptions of a few therapies – such as cupping)
  • Have past memories surface or thoughts that you haven’t had in a long time
  • Realize that you are still a little affected by your past injury (even things you thought you had dealt with already)
  • Find yourself speaking up, expressing and honoring your own personal truths (less guarded filters)

Sometimes, as our bones and soft tissues begin to align correctly, in turn, we begin to get clarity about things that are NOT in alignment with your core values and purpose. We may realize it is time to release something that is no longer serving us and begin to do an inventory of our energy expenditures.

Maybe, the symptom that is expressing itself, currently in your body, can be traced back to an old wound, trauma, or holding pattern. Something in your psyche, that is working itself out. It could be that it’s time you begin to care for your body and soul, discontinuing its abuse or neglect.  

In your recovery, you may feel the need to initiate major life changes, in an attempt to find balance. You might tap into deep reservoirs of personal power, and discover you need to hold better boundaries.

All or none of these things are possible when bodywork is utilized. It ultimately depends on what is inside of you, wanting to emerge. Regardless, always give a bodywork session Two Days to settle in. Just like with getting in shape and eating healthy, the forming of new habits is the beginning of a new chapter that isn’t familiar, predictable, or always comfortable. Habits aren’t easily broken or rehabilitated without effort and consistency. 

How does one go about benefiting from bodywork’s application? If you’re curious and want to explore this topic, read along on other blogs

Shalene Zarate, LMT, NMT, CST
Beyond being a massage therapist, Shalene’s calling is to help deepen the relationship people have with their own nature, by helping them re-establish a close relationship with their bodies, and with the foods and lifestyles that nourish them.