So sore after massage, is this normal?

[Dovesflyhigh]

I went for a back massage yesterday as I’ve been having some issues with a slipped disc. The lady was Thai but had excellent English and I explained all about the issue.

No problem, she said she’d do a 30 minute general massage. She started on my lower back and said she could immediately feel knots etc. She proceeded to really work on my back from top to bottom, all down my arms and also said my neck was tight.

At times it was verging on painful and she said that was normal but it would be worth it (no pain no gain). She would use her elbows, forearms, applying a lot of pressure and really digging in to the muscles.

All day yesterday I felt a bit achy but today, after sleeping (where I could hardly turn over in bed) I feel battered! All the soft tissues in my back are hot and sore, I’ve had to take ibuprofen! Is this normal or has she been too rough?

Ive never had this before so not sure what to expect, I feel like I’ve done 10 rounds in the boxing gym!

That sounds like the opposite of what it should be like! I've got two slipped discs and have avoided massage because of the fear of them being triggered. I'm not sure what you can realistically do now except treat yourself with ibuprofen and heat or ice or whatever.

I had a massage a couple of weeks ago and felt like this afterwards. At the time it felt painful but I knew there were knots so let her carry on. I took pain relief the day after as otherwise I couldn't even wear my bra but after that it's felt so good. My normal shoulder twinges have gone and I feel like my posture is better.

Goodness, that doesn't sound normal. Sorry, OP. I hope you feel better soon.

I will never ever go for a Thai massage again.

I grabbed the side of the bed and she said ‘ why you grab the bed? You scared?’ And started laughing. It was awful. But I’ve also had acupuncture and when he took the needles out he gave me a massage and punched the bottom of my back and put it in to spasm. Had to have a week of work. Pain was shocking and worse than labour . Also had a sports therapist put my neck in spasm.

Nightmare

That’s completely normal with a Thai massage . They tend to be very deep tissue massages. I am usually sore for 48 hours particularly if I haven’t had a massage for a while. I generally feel much better afterwards though.

Thai massage is very different to "normal" massage - it's much more intense and powerful.

I have had similar and wanted to cry and run within the first minute, wasn't relaxing at all, I was tense the whole time.
Stupidly she persuaded me to book an other one as I would get used to it and took a deposit, I cancelled the appointment as the thought of going terrified me.

It was £10 deposit and I am still annoyed she has that money when I need it, asked for it back and was told no it could only be used towards a treatment. Maybe I will try reflexology.

If the pain persists see a chiropractor or an osteopath.
When you have back problems you need someone to help realign your body and to gently get the muscles working properly as they will be tense from guarding the injury.
I have chronic back problems and avoid massage from anyone without qualifications in back injuries.

Both my hips are like this and my shoulders too. Surely that’s not right?

I don’t like Thai massage. Even when they use ‘light-medium’ pressure, it’s too hard and I always end up bruised.

Whoa! Actual bruising. I'd send her the photos and explain how you're feeling. Maybe a bit achy if it was deep tissue but not bruised!

Mine were ten times worse! I was bruised for weeks. Did help though 🤷‍♀️

I’ve also had bruising from Thai Massage . Still feels much better afterwards though so I go back. I do ask her to ease off a bit though.
Horses for courses. Don’t go back if not for you.