Adaptation reactions: why things may feel “unusual” at first

Many people notice that the first days or weeks of daily sessions on MasterPlus or sleeping on the Wellness Mat sometimes bring new sensations — the back pulls, there is a twinge in the leg, muscles that never bothered you before ache. Dr Malko calls these adaptation reactions.

Why this happens

Back problems develop over years. During that time the muscles adapt: some stay chronically tense, in other places movement becomes much smaller than normal, and a person gets used to living like that. Spine specialists call this a dynamic movement stereotype.

When warm ceramics and decompression relax the muscles, the range of movement starts to increase. The muscles “relearn” — and this can feel unusual and sometimes uncomfortable. The author gives an example: a person lies on the 365 pillow and feels a twinge in the leg — which means the whole muscle chain has started to rebuild.

How long it lasts

According to the spine specialists Dr Malko refers to, a full rebuild of the movement stereotype takes on average 6–8 months: the first half to “take apart” the old habit, the second to form a new one. That is why daily regularity is so important.

What to do

1. Don’t get upset: your body is rebuilding.
2. If sensations are strong, reduce the “dose”: time, temperature, frequency of sessions.
3. Keep up daily sessions in a comfortable mode.
4. Drink more plain water — at least 1.5 litres a day.
5. Eat more vegetables and fruit, less flour-based, fatty and spicy food.

Important: if sensations are strong, do not go away or worry you — see a doctor. Adaptation reactions must never replace medical advice.

Based on Alexander Malko’s book “Be Healthy with MasterPlus”. For information only; it does not replace medical advice.