There are a few possibilities. Sometimes some clients do have soreness or tenderness or even feel bruised following a session but usually not until some time later. Drinking lots of water can help flush out the metabolic wastes that are “released” by massage. But I don’t think that was your complaint.

You have muscles that attach to your spine on the BACK side of your body and also on the FRONT side. The front muscles are accessed through the abdomen and at the top of the thigh. If the therapist only worked on the back muscles and did not also release or relax or treat the front muscles (iliopsoas) then possibly it created a little muscle instability–the back muscles were relaxed but not the front of the back. I’ve seen this before. It is possible that the tight short muscles in the front of your body led up to your discotomy. If they were never treated prior or since, they may have been waiting for the opportunity to cause pain again.

Sometimes massage therapists work do “spot” work, treating symptom areas or (hopefully) areas that cause symptoms. Sometimes we do a more general massage. It all depends on what is going on with the client and the skill and training of the therapist.

I might contact the spa again and offer this explanation for the possible cause of your pain if it seems correct to you. The spa, in turn, may offer to have you return and work on your iliopsoas muscles at no cost (assuming the therapist knows how to do this release). I would suggest that to them.

There is also the possibility it could have been a random event following the massage (I’ve seen that, too.)

I hope this helps. Oh, in the future, please pay rapt attention to the pressure of your massage and feel free to direct the massage therapist. You know your body best and how it responds.

Best,

Kathryn

Thank you for your comments. Yes, better late than never. I also enjoy “hanging out.” It helps make space in the joints.

Best to you,

Kathryn

I had a massage February 12 2010 (only second massage in my life) When I left I felt pretty good, however by the next day I could not move. I waited a few days to see if the pain (low back pain) would subside and when it didn’t I decided to make an appointment with my family doctor Feb 19, the result of which was pain and anti-inflammatory drugs and phsyiotherapy. I contacted the SPA (therapist was registered) to complain and they insist because I felt alright when I left it’s not their problem.

What are your thoughts ?

I think Therapist was over zealous with the kneading elbows, considering I brought to her attention a L4-L5 discotomy in 2002.

We have a lot of work to do teach, educating and guiding people to a healthier natural drug free approach to health.

May you Always have Health to Spare, Friends that Care and Love to Share.

Dr. Carlos M. Gonzalez

My goal is to have as many people become pain-free as I can possibly reach. While I know that I cannot help everyone, I can make a difference with all of the people who want to take responsibility for their own well-being.

Yes, the photograph of the river is very soothing, isn’t it.

Kathryn Merrow
The Pain Relief Coach

Love your website! You’ve got a lot of great information here for people to check out. Good luck creating an almost-pain-free world! (Almost because of course if we don’t know what pain feels like, then how can we possibly experience the thrill when it goes away? I would love to take a walk on that path by the river one day very soon!