Find out why post-adjustment soreness happens and what it means for your recovery.
Yes — feeling a bit sore after a chiropractic session is totally normal, especially if it’s your first time or you haven’t had any manual therapy in a while.
Here’s why:
- Your body is adjusting. If your joints were stiff or misaligned, an adjustment reintroduces proper motion. That sudden change can leave muscles and tissues feeling tender, like they’ve just done a new workout.
- Muscles are waking up. Chiropractic work often activates stabilizing muscles that may have been underused. Just like hitting the gym after a break, that activation can trigger post-treatment soreness.
- Inflammation might be part of healing. In some cases, your body kicks off a small inflammatory response as it starts to repair and reset. That’s part of the healing process, not a red flag.
How Long Should Soreness Last?
Usually, 24 to 48 hours. The soreness should be mild — more like the ache after a workout than sharp or severe pain. If it sticks around longer or gets worse, definitely talk to your chiropractor.
What You Can Do
- Stay hydrated
- Apply heat or ice, depending on what feels better
- Do some gentle movement (like walking or stretching)
- Avoid super intense exercise immediately after treatment
Bottom Line
Some post-treatment soreness? Normal. Sharp pain or worsening symptoms? Not normal — and worth checking in with your chiro. At YFS, we always aim to work with your body, not against it, and that includes giving you a heads-up about what to expect after treatment.
Got questions or unusual soreness? We’d rather hear about it early and help you adjust your care plan than have you tough it out in silence.
