Should I be sore after a massage? This query often plagues many individuals who delight in the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy. As one indulges in a session aimed at alleviating tension and stress, is it normal to experience discomfort in the aftermath? What might cause this soreness? Could it be a sign of the body’s adjustment to the manipulation of muscle fibers? After all, when pressure is applied, it may lead to micro-tears in muscle tissue, inciting an inflammatory response. Yet, is a degree of sensitivity inevitable, or does it indicate that the massage was overly aggressive? How do the techniques employed by the practitioner influence post-massage feelings? Is there a distinction between the soothing release of tension and the unwelcome ache that sometimes follows? Finally, what are the best practices to minimize this potential soreness, while still reaping the myriad benefits of such an ancient healing art?