you are normally always warned that you could feel a bit of pain and stiffness the day after a massage. I normally do but not to the extent I would need a pain killer - I have quite a high pain threshold though I feel and rarely take pain killers for anything. Also often a gentle massage is enough to sort out any tension if the masseuse has spent enought time focussing, albeit gently, on that area. Maybe it is more sore because this was your first time I am not sure.