What to Expect After Bodywork: Understanding the Healing Response
Have you ever Ever feel sore, emotional, or just… different after bodywork?
That’s not a fluke. That’s your healing response.
Whether you’ve just had a slow, focused massage, an energetic Reiki session, or a deep myofascial release, your body may go through a short period of recalibration afterward. This is your system shifting from stress to restoration—and it’s a good thing.
Here’s what you might experience after bodywork:
✨ Deep Relaxation
You may feel like you’ve just woken from the best nap of your life—or like you want to go home and take one. Your body has moved into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, and that sleepy calm is your nervous system saying thank you.
💧 Mild Soreness or Aches
Especially after focused or therapeutic work, you might feel sore in the same way you do after a good workout. Muscles and fascia have been moved, pressure points activated, and tension patterns shifted.
💫 Emotional Release
Some people feel more emotional after a session—and that’s okay. You might cry, feel sentimental, or have vivid dreams. Bodywork helps us let go of what we’ve been carrying, including unprocessed emotions stored in the body.
🌿 Increased Awareness
You may suddenly notice your posture, breath, or tension patterns more clearly. This is an opportunity to tune in and move through life with more awareness.
💦 Detox-Like Symptoms
After your lymphatic system gets stimulated, it’s common to feel thirsty, slightly headachy, or need to pee more often. Drink water, rest, and support your body as it clears out what no longer serves you.
So what should you do after a session?
Drink water. Hydration helps flush out what’s been released.
Rest if you can. Allow your body to absorb the benefits.
Be gentle with yourself. Avoid overexertion and give your system space to heal.
Notice what comes up. You might feel more emotionally open or reflective—let it flow.
At Sol Massage, sessions are never just physical. They’re intuitive, integrative, and centered on you. Whether it’s your first time receiving Reiki, or you're coming in for deep tissue and myofascial work, trust that your body will guide the way.
Let your next session be the beginning—not the end—of your healing process.
Curious about how your body might respond to massage or Reiki? Book a session at Sol Massage and experience the shift for yourself.
