You’re in pain, you’ve booked in for an osteopathy or massage appointment to see someone and now they’re saying to you “You may be sore post-treatment” We understand that can be the last thing you want to hear!

What does post-treatment soreness actually mean?

Post-treatment soreness is often a normal response to treatment.

There are a few reasons why you might feel a little worse after your appointment. The important thing to remember is a little bit worse is ok, a lot worse is not. Your practitioner will discuss with you what the limits of post-treatment soreness are compared to an actual worsening of your condition.

New symptoms and pain should be discussed with your Osteopath or Massage Therapist.

Diagnostic tests are designed to provoke your specific pain.

Diagnostic tests and the assessment process helps your practitioner to ascertain what the root cause of your problem is. Above all, reproducing your pain means we have found the sore spot. This helps us to work out what is wrong, what we can do to assist and create a plan to get you back to your best.

Repeatedly performing an aggravating movement can make the pain feel a little worse, however this should be temporary.

Soft tissue treatment (such as massage) can cause some discomfort.

Just like a tough workout, massage can create micro-trauma in the muscle itself, which increases blood flow to the area. The positive effect of this is that increased blood flow speeds up healing and clearing of inflammatory substances (swelling).

It should only last 24-48 hours after your treatment.

Soreness after treatment usually resolves in one to two days.

By this time, you should be experiencing some of the positive effects of treatment, including increased range of motion and freedom of movement. For this reason, we recommend the use of short term self-help strategies to help you get through this pain.

Self-help strategies are similar to what you would normally do for your problem.

Looking after yourself after treatment is similar to what we would advise for anyone experiencing muscle or joint pain. Therefore using heat packs or a hot shower for muscle soreness can be beneficial. In addition doing your prescribed exercises or going for a gentle walk is a great idea.

We recommend being well hydrated prior to and after your appointment. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water appears to be helpful.

Key points to remember about post-treatment pain:

• Discomfort is short-lived (24-48 hrs).

• This can be a normal response.

• It is directly related to assessment and treatment.
• The advice from your practitioner will help you relieve it.

Your practitioner cares!

We love to hear from our patients. If you’re feeling a bit sore after your treatment, don’t be afraid to reach out to your practitioner.

If you have any concerns or questions about your management, or your symptoms get worse, don’t be afraid to contact us.

Certainly give us a call or send us an email. We want to assist you if you are sore post-treatment and get you feeling better as soon as possible following your osteopathy or massage appointment.