Question:

4 years ago, a client experienced an auto accident that resulted in a bulging disk at L4. The injury has healed since that time with minimum difficulty. During assessment, palpation indicates a moderate decrease in pliability of the lumbar dorsal fascia and mild shortening of the lumbar muscles. Forward flexion and rotation of the lumbar area are mildly impaired. Massage was focused to reduce muscle shortening in the lumbar area and increase connective tissue pliability. Immediately after the massage had been performed, the client reported increased mobility, and lower back pain after 15 minutes. What is the most likely explanation for this occurrence?