Why are the effects from massages so fleeting?

I had a deep tissue massage once that was so intense I was seeing actual images – like snippets of time of all sorts of random things – as my muscles were being kneaded. The experience was so intense that it affected the way I now understand memory and where it all gets stored/triggered. I think regular massage can help relax and heal your body but it is part of a context. You might say the same thing about a workout- fleeting but still good for you.

I get a fantastic massage once or twice a month – I have bone spurs on the inward-facing edge of my middle spine, so my muscles feel perpetually tweaked in that area.

Exercise helps, massage helps. I wish there was a permanent fix, but I’ll take momentary relief over nothing.

I have fibromyalgia, and used to back when I had more disposable income get massages regularly. It felt great for a few hours afterwards, then I’d feel like hell for the night. Next day, I’d wake up refreshed and relaxed. Generally it left me feeling better for a week or two. I also equated it to a workout. A little pain for a lot of gain! This Q reminds me, I have a gift certificate for a massage! Must use that ASAP.