That moment of deep breath after the massage, with a wave of relaxation is washing over you. But do you know what to do after a massage can make benefits last even longer? Discover how simple practices like hydration, rest, and mindful food can leave you feeling amazing for days.
Immediate Actions for Post Massage Care
Hydrate
You must be feeling thirsty just like after a daily workout. The physical manipulation and boosted circulation of massage move fluids out of the tissues. This allows your body’s natural elimination systems to work better. Stay hydrated afterward to optimize this benefit further.
Dehydration can lead to muscle soreness and painful recovery. Suppose, you feel thirsty or have signs like darker urine, up your water intake further. Aim for an extra 20 ounces of water on top of your usual intake after your massage. Spread your extra water intake over a few hours instead of drinking a lot.
Rest and Relax
It’s just more than the cliche “take rest and drink water” advice from the therapist. Experts agree that staying relaxed is something challenging for everyone. We tend to forget we aren’t in a relaxed pose until someone reminds us of it.
Meditation, breathing activities, and yoga can help you to get through this. You can ask for advice from your therapist on various activities and understand the state of your body. As an active process, relaxation demands constant practice and commitment from our inner selves.
Stretching
Gentle stretches help you to hold on to relaxation and flexibility of the massage aftercare. Continued stretching helps to lock in your gains and save muscles from gradually shortening again. Focusing on your movements during stretching enhances mindfulness and results in better stress relief.
You must have experienced the feeling of “getting back to life” in the long stretch at the end of your massage. If not, don’t worry about asking for it on your next one!
Choose stretches that target tight areas or muscles worked on during your massage for best results. Neck, Hamstring, quad stretches, etc can be done yourself easily at home.
Enhancing the Benefits of Your Massage
Nutrition
Your body is in a prime state for nutrient absorption after the massage. This is the right opportunity to nourish yourself with a healthy meal. Choose lean protein sources like chicken, fish, tofu, and other dairy products here. Protein can contribute to the repair and rebuilding process of muscles after massage.
A massage can temporarily tap into your muscle glycogen stores, body’s readily available energy source. To prevent feeling sluggish, include easily digestible carbohydrates in your post-massage meal. Opt for whole grains, fruits, and veggies to refuel and keep your recovery rolling.
Hydrotherapy
A warm bath in the massage aftercare lifts the therapeutic effects of your session. It improves the blood flow, further benefitting muscle relaxation and melting away tension. Adding Epsom salts to your warm bath can provide additional benefits. They contain magnesium, the mineral linked to muscle relaxation.
Some people believe Epsom salts help eliminate toxins through the skin, but research is inconclusive. Yet, a warm post-massage bath can be very relaxing, and sweating is a natural way for the body to eliminate waste products.
Long-term Post-Massage Care
Consistent Massage Schedule
While we focused on maximizing the benefits of a single massage, regular sessions are like preventive care for your body. They prevent muscle imbalances from becoming problematic. This results in better posture, less pain, and a body that moves with ease. You can combat issues like irregular sleep patterns and insomnia, leaving you feeling refreshed always.
The ideal frequency depends on your individual needs and lifestyle. A weekly massage can be fit for those with chronic pain and high-stress jobs. Once every two weeks help you with maintaining overall wellness and managing stress levels.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, which can be your post-massage superpower. It can extend the relaxation benefits of your massage and keep your mind feeling calm and centered. Even a few minutes of meditation can make big difference.
Body scan meditation, guided visualization, mindful walking, etc are simple meditation techniques. You can find online guides if you are your own, or contact your therapist to get started. Consistency is inevitable in meditation for cultivating a lasting sense of inner peace.
Related: First Massage: What you need to know
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding Intense Physical Activity
The massage joy is real. But before you jump back into your usual routine, be mindful of activities that can diminish benefits you just experienced. Tough experiences like weightlifting, intense cardio, or high-impact workouts can be counterproductive.
During a massage, blood flow is directed toward the worked muscles to aid recovery. Vigorous exercise right after redirects blood flow elsewhere, slowing down the healing process. It’s perfectly fine with gentle stretches or light walks. But avoid anything that pushes your muscles to their limits.
Say No to Alcohol, Caffeine, and Smoking
While a celebratory drink or a post-massage coffee seems tempting, they can hinder your massage benefits. Smoking constricts blood vessels, limiting blood flow throughout your body. We’ve just discussed how blood flow affects the post-massage body. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, which means they increase urination and lead to dehydration.
They hinder muscle recovery and leave you feeling sluggish, putting a damper on your feel-good vibes. It interferes with the body’s ability to absorb the full benefits of massage.
Ignoring Soreness or Pain
While mild soreness or tightness after a massage is normal, there are situations inevitable to seek medical advice. Normal post-massage soreness appears within 24- 48 hours. This would be with mild to moderate discomfort, like slight aches or stiffness. It’s usually temporary and subsides within a few days (2-3) without needing special treatment.
If you feel severe pain, persistent soreness, or localized pain for more than this period, consult a doctor asap. It’s always better to err on the side of caution. Don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice in any circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you shower after a massage?
While you can shower after a massage, waiting at least 2-3 hours allows your body to fully benefit from the oils. You can take a lukewarm shower (skip the hot water) a few hours after the massage. Remember to use a gentle cleanser to rinse off any excess oil, but stay away from harsh soaps and scrubbing. This will help you be refreshed while preserving beneficial massage oils. You can ask to your therapist about best practice suits for you in what to do after getting a massage session from the spa.
What to drink after massage?
Water is the clear winner here. Water helps flush out metabolic waste products released during the massage. Aim for an extra 16-20 ounces (2-2.5 cups) on top of your usual daily intake. Also, calming herbal teas like chamomile or lavender can complement the relaxation benefits of massage.
What to do after a deep tissue massage?
After your deep tissue massage, prioritize recovery with plenty of water, gentle movement, and nutrition intake. Listen to your body – light activity is okay, but avoid pushing through pain. You can shower, but wait a few hours to preserve massage oils. See a doctor if you experience concerning pain.
What not to do after a massage?
Hold off intense workouts or heavy activity for a day. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking as they affect recovery. Skip the hot shower right away to let the massage oils work their magic. Talk thoroughly to your therapist about what to do after a massage and what not to avoid confusion in post massage care.
