In the Hours After Your Massage

After your massage you may notice profound changes in your body and mind. Here are some things that have helped many people get the most from their massage.

1. Drink extra water. During a massage circulation is improved, which helps flush irritating waste products from stressed muscles and other tissues. Drinking water aids the functioning of the whole body including the circulation and the kidneys, which are both involved with relieving the body of waste products. Drinking extra water also seems to help reduce soreness and fatigue after a massage.

Some people experience headaches and flu-like symptoms after a massage. It is very important to hydrate before and after receiving bodywork. Massage can alter the blood flow in your body, causing your blood vessels to constrict and then relax. This blood flow change, including dehydration or a drop in your blood sugar level are factors that could cause you to develop a headache after a massage.

2.   Schedule time to take it easy after your massage. Rest if you feel the need. If you can, take a nap or get in bed early. If you haven’t been sleeping well, receiving massage may relax you enough that you will want to turn in and catch up.

3.   If the focus of your massage is on a particular injury or body part, remember to stretch, ice, or apply heat to that area with the advice of your massage therapist. Or, you may want to do some gentle movement, such as walking, sometime in the hours after your massage to mildly encourage your muscles to work in a balanced and efficient way.

4.   People sometimes experience some soreness for 24 hours or so after a massage. If you do feel sore or think that you might, stretch gently in a hot shower or take a warm bath with Epsom salts. And remember to tell your massage therapist about your experience so it can be taken into consideration in your next session.

*** Massage should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical treatment: a physician should be consulted in all matters relating to health and especially in relation to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. In some cases, a primary physician’s approval/prescription is required before any bodywork is administered. Care should be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the use of essential oils and pressure points. Essential oils should not be ingested, and should be used for babies and children only on professional advice.