Massage aftercare
You’ve had a great massage… here’s how you make it last.
To gain the maximum benefit from your massage treatment, I offer some simple and easy-to-remember aftercare advice: Don’t overdo it. Rest as much as possible in order to help the recovery and healing process and consider the following actions to prolong the effects of your massage:
Drink plenty of water
Drinking water following a massage will assist with the removal of toxins from your body. Your kidneys do the great job of eliminating toxins from your body and need water to push these free radicals out.
Adults should drink a minimum of two litres of water daily. This may sound like a lot, but you don’t need to drink it all in one go. You could split this into manageable servings of 4x 500ml, or 8x 250ml servings throughout the day. You could even set a timer as a reminder to have a drink. Include non-caffeinated drinks like herbal tea into the count.
If you’re feeling lingering soreness after a deep tissue massage, water is also the primary solution. Simply drinking some water can help to shift soreness.
Take a bath (or shower)
A warm bath or shower helps muscles relax and enhances blood circulation. Epsom salts can be combined to ease the healing process by decreasing inflammation and soreness. They’re readily available at most supermarkets and pharmacies.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine for at least 12 hours following a massage. Massage aims to detoxify the body and alcohol and caffeine are diuretic. They will cause your body to expel fluids more rapidly. If you do drink alcohol or caffeine after your massage, follow up each drink with a glass of water to avoid dehydration.
As well as feeling thirsty and having a dry mouth, some other common symptoms of dehydration to look out for may include passing darker urine, feeling dizzy or light headed, feeling tired or hungry.
Eat a light and healthy diet
It’s normal to feel hungry after a massage. A well-balanced diet is great for your body and wellbeing in general, but it is especially important to consider what you’re eating when your body is healing. Avoid fatty meals and junk food. A light and healthy meal will keep hunger at bay and assist the detoxification and healing process.
“Ideally, you should have 5-10 hours of relaxation post a massage avoiding strenuous exercise. So avoid hitting the weights after your massage.”
Get plenty of rest
One of the best ways to prolong the effects of a massage is to actively stay relaxed. Don’t rush back out into your normal fast-paced life if you can. This is why a mobile massage service is a winner. You don’t need to wrestle with traffic as you’re already in the comfort of your own home. Put on some music, meditate, or do whatever you do to maintain centred and calm.
Gentle exercise and light stretching
Ideally, you should have 5-10 hours of relaxation post a massage avoiding strenuous exercise. So avoid hitting the weights after your massage. Postural exercises, yoga and simple light stretching can help with muscle tension as well as exercises that will assist with mobility. Hold stretches for around 30 seconds each to ensure they are most effective.
Be conscious of your posture
A massage can help to loosen muscles, alleviating symptoms and pain of poor posture. However, old habits are hard to break and poor posture is easy to slip back into, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of your computer or staring at your mobile phone.
Keep your posture in check so muscles relax with ease. Mentally scan your body. If you feel tension being held in any part of your body, consciously try and relax it. To do this, engage the muscle by flexing or tensing the muscle more first before actively relaxing it. For example, lift your shoulders to your ears before dropping and relaxing your shoulders and arms.
Book in for another massage
You’ll hold onto that post-massage feeling a little longer if you know you’ve got your next massage already booked in. I recommend a massage at least once per month as part of your wellbeing maintenance routine, although you may want a more regular massage to meet your specific needs.
If you want to include regular massage into your wellbeing routine, you may want to take advantage of my More for 4 block booking discount to make this more affordable.
