So much pain! Is this normal?!

[NewYoiker]

I'm on my feet for 15 hours a day 10 hours of it at work but most of it is standing still as I work in surgical theatres and I'm usually sterile so I can't move much (relevant)

I've been struggling with my back clicking and being really tight and sore so today on my day off I got a sports massage from a physio. He spent an hour working on my back, calves, bum and neck but mainly my lower back and he said it was insanely tight.

It was fairly painful during the massage but not unbearable until he got to my calf on the left hand side wow that hurt!

Anyway! I'm in agony now. My back feels so much worse than usual it feels bruised almost? Is this normal? I can hardly move 😭 what can I do to ease the pain? I've taken pain killers which feels a bit overkill tbh but I don't think I could do my job tomorrow (thank god for 1 day of annual leave)!

I get massage for pain relief and they are not present at all, nearly hit the roof while some areas are being done, often bruised and sore that evening and next day - my illness affects blood circulation so she gets blood moving to surface. For weeks after it is so much better though. Drink loads of water and magnesium (Epsom salts) in bath really helps. Next time ask him to go easier on that area

I'm actually not a fan of hard massage because it never actually makes me feel any better, just puts me in lots of short term pain!

Do you get much chance to do exercise like Pilates or swimming? Both of these things will work your body in gentle but strengthening ways. Yoga is good too although Pilates will build your core strength better. Reformer Pilates is even better (but classes are pricey).

In the mean time, voltarol gel or deep heat on the sore patches!

That sounds really difficult, OP. I'm sorry to hear you're in so much pain. IME it's normal after a really deep massage or physio treatment. Painkillers, warm bath, gentle stretches. Did you ask your physio what to do if it was sore afterwards?

In future I'd suggest yoga - good for stretching and loosening tight muscles and for making you more flexible.

Standing still for 10 hours a day doesn't sound doable in the long run. People are not designed to stand still without moving, and that will have contributed to your muscles being so tight.

How many breaks do you get? Can you build some more breaks into your day? Talk to HR about it. And you may need ongoing physio for a while.

Update my back is bruised after yesterday is that normal?

Normal is a very broad spectrum OP. Yes for some people that will be normal. Pressure on muscle and skin results in a bruise oftentimes, a massage is no different.

Is this an NHS physio or private? Unless you suspect a serious injury has occured I would utilise Epsom salt baths, arabica for the bruising and discuss with the physio that this happened next time and work towards a more appropriate plan.

My two pence as someone with a connective tissue disorder and a musculoskeletal disorder is that I always find this with massage. Sports massage is notoriously unpleasant and nerve pain and muscular pain are very very sore if pressed. It is whether there is a long term benefit to you or not, which is up to you to weigh up- or seek a second opinion. I was advised by my GP to take a painkiller ahead of a session to reduce discomfort and swelling as I am sensitive to both due to said illness. Painkillers are not overkill if they are being used to prevent or treat pain.

Tbh I'd see a GP about your back, I wouldn't want a physio doing heavy handed massage before any other conditions were ruled out via scans/ x ray.

Update my back is bruised after yesterday is that normal?

I had bruising after an excruciating shiatsu massage once but a couple of days later, I felt like I was walking on air. Fingers crossed this happens for you

Tbh I'd see a GP about your back, I wouldn't want a physio doing heavy handed massage before any other conditions were ruled out via scans/ x ray.

I'm not sure OP can wait that long

Yes that’s normal, I’ve may be helpful. Your job is going to continue to be rough on your back. Manual therapy will help short term but you need to find a good exercise rehab person and commit to strengthening weak areas long term or it will only get worse.

Ps I would be amazed if you were offered x ray or scan with only the symptoms mentioned here.

Haha! The bruising is quite impressive but my back does feel a bit better now. The bruising is from my arse crack to my bra strap 😳

Would you be able to bend your knees slightly while standing? When I was studying therapy it is something we were advised to do while working on a patient as it helps the back. It might look a bit odd but it does help.

I also work in theatres, long hard days. Loads of standing, manual handling, twisting, walking and very little rest. I also get a monthly sports massage to help my back, do you exercise? My body is much happier now that I do a decent weights routine three times a week. Bruising is quite common after a deep tissue massage. You should be able to get referred to physio through work, definitely worth a look on your Trusts intranet.

It's hard to explain but when I or dh have had scraping or cupping done then that makes the skin red/blue/purple like bruising. The guy explains that its rhe blood coming to the surface and the darker it is the worse that area is for knotted muscles etc

Usually for a day or 2 I will be sore and then it feels better... no pain no gain.... but the bruising thing stays for a good week.

Keep the area warm and drink plenty of water

I'm also a scrub nurse, it's hard going! Especially assisting. Massage does help but the best help for me has been strength building with weight sessions at the gym. I do seem to suffer considerably less than my non-active colleagues.

Poor OP
I also agree that swimming and core exercise are what’s needed the most for you
Take the painkillers and Epsom bath as advised .

Oh god theatres is my next placement and my back is fuuhhhhked.
That hadn't crossed my mind!

@wontletmelogin brilliant thank you I will start doing something I think