Why Does Pressing on Sore Muscles Feel Good?

- Cloud Massage Brand Team

When you are under stress, whether mental or physical, your body can react in a myriad of ways. Many people suffer from muscle spasms due to being on your feet all day or regularly deal with muscle pain and strain due to intense workouts. If you struggle with muscle soreness, you are probably looking for the perfect solution. Massaging sore muscles and using products like massage guns and foot massagers can help bring balance back to your body, alleviating the pain and even preventing future muscle strain.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, ‘why does pressing on sore muscles feel good?’, this guide will help you to understand the complexities of muscle strain, as well as how to self-massage for optimal recovery and provide ultimate stress relief.  

What Causes Muscle Soreness?

Muscle soreness is a frustrating, painful condition that can be caused by several things. Here are some common causes of muscle soreness:

• Exercise or a new routine in the gym.
• Medical conditions like chronic muscle fatigue or fibromyalgia. 
• Infections such as Lyme's disease.
• Injuries or traumatic events such as car accidents can cause muscle soreness.

While it’s important to get immediate medical care if your muscle soreness causes you extreme discomfort or prevents you from doing your usual activities, muscle soreness can be relieved with some gentle stretching and a muscle massage. You don't have to book a spa trip to take care of this - you can self-massage at home. Not only does pressing on sore muscles feel good, but it can help alleviate muscle strain in your legs and feet, which serve to promote earlier recovery, getting you back to your gym routine faster. 

So, Why Does Pressing on Sore Muscles Feel Good?

You might be wondering how and why does pressing on sore muscles feel so good? Massaging sore muscles helps to release endorphins, according to the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage, which can serve as a mood booster for your entire body. The longer you massage sore muscles, the more endorphins are released, and gradually, your stress hormones, known as cortisol and adrenaline, begin to decrease. After a good self-massage session, you should feel relaxed and at ease. Your muscles might still be sore, but the strain and tension should be greatly reduced.

Does Massaging Sore Muscles Help the Pain?

At one point in time, massages were considered to be a luxury, or an indulgence to be enjoyed once or twice a year. These days, however, experts recommend massage therapy every few weeks or once a month as a good course of treatment for muscle soreness. The frequency of massages’ entirely depends on how much physical activity you’re getting and what’s causing the muscle soreness. According to a report by Harvard Health Publishing, massages help relieve the pain of sore muscles by "closing the pain gate" by stimulating competing nerve fibers and impeding pain messages to and from the brain.

It is important to note that while massages are known to help pain, the type of massage that people find enjoyable and relaxing varies from person to person. Some people might find deep-tissue massage to be painful, so it is important to experiment with pressure - especially if you are new to the world of self-massage. Once you’ve found your sweet spot with pressure in your massage, pressing on those sore muscles will feel good!

A recommended addition into your self-massage sessions, is a Shiatsu foot and leg massager machine. This muscle massager is designed to.. relieve muscle strain! With various intensity levels and deep-kneading action it makes it easy for you to sit back and relax. This massaging device will enhance your massage, easing the tension in your muscles and providing you with a spa-worthy experience without the lofty price tag right at home!

5 Best Tips for Massaging Sore Muscles

If you want to start self-massage at home to relieve sore legs and other aching muscles, here are some things to keep in mind. 

1. Don't neglect your face, neck, and shoulders.

Your face might not be the first place that you think of when it comes to muscle soreness. However, there are around 40 muscles in your face, and beginning each self-massage session with a gentle face and neck massage is a great way to experience complete relaxation. Try creating soft yet firm circles around your face using the tips of your fingers. You should gradually feel the muscles in your face start to relax, as your fingers move over the planes of your face. When you reach your neck and shoulders, you can generally use more pressure, since the skin is thicker than the skin on your face- but experiment with what feels right for you and adjust if you feel it is necessary. A percussion massage gun is perfect for sore shoulders and arms!

2. Utilize an essential oil.

Essential oils are a great way to create a spa-like experience at home. You can buy essential oils at almost any supermarket or store. Oils like eucalyptus and lavender tend to be better for relaxation, while oils such as peppermint are good for invigorating and refreshing your senses. Try dabbing a small amount of essential oil on your pressure points, such as your wrists, and massage it gently into the skin. Essential oil is especially good for those who suffer from chronic foot pain, as it can help to soften the skin and promote overall relaxation. 

3. Set the scene for relaxation.

Having the right location for your massage session can make a big difference in the way you feel afterward. Whether you opt for relaxing music and dim lighting in your bedroom or settle in on your couch with your favorite show on Netflix, make sure that you are able to relax and unwind while you massage your sore muscles. Make sure to drink a lot of water after your massage session, to promote hydration and overall wellness.

4. Incorporate a leg and foot massager.

One of the best things that you can do for your massage routine is to incorporate a muscle massager. The Premium Percussion Massage Gun from Cloud Massage, provides intense muscle relief with features such as 3,200 strokes per minute and four different massage heads for ultimate customization. The pulsating action of this massage gun helps to break up muscle tension and can remove aches and pains with ease. Find relaxation and soothing relief with a foot and leg massager too. Not only does it upgrade your self-massage but provides pain relief to sore muscles.

5. Listen to your body.

Finally, listen to your body when you are doing muscle strain massage on yourself. If something really hurts, take note of it and don't apply any more pressure to that area. While massaging sore muscles does generally help with overall soreness, if you push yourself too hard or use too much rough pressure, it can backfire and cause that area to hurt for a longer period of time. 

Takeaway

Making self-massages a part of your muscle recovery routine can improve your life and help your stress level immensely. Whether you deal with foot pain from being on your feet all day or regularly struggle with muscle soreness, massaging and pressing on sore muscles feels good while increasing lymphatic flow and promoting healthy endorphin levels. Cloud Massage's line of high-quality products can help you reach your goals and make your recovery plan pain-free and relaxing. Check out our website to learn more about our Shiatsu foot massagers, massage guns, and other premium massage tools. Visit our blog to discover more about the benefits of massages for muscle recovery.