After you’ve enjoyed a relaxing massage, there are some things you can do to prolong the benefits of the treatment. This article provides a list of things to do or avoid after undergoing massage therapy. We will also give you an insight into what to expect after a massage session.
List of Do’s after a Massage Therapy Session
Here are the things you need to do after spending time with massage therapists.
Drink water
It is important to drink plenty of water after a massage to help flush toxins that were released from your muscles during the massage. Water after a massage is important because it helps to rehydrate your muscles, which can be dehydrated after a massage.
When drinking water, avoid caffeine. Caffeine is capable of dehydrating your body. As such, avoid consuming any caffeinated product after a massage. It contains diuretic properties that can make you urinate more, which can lead to further dehydration. Alcohol is also a diuretic and should be avoided after a massage.
Drinking water will help replenish your body’s fluids and help reduce any soreness you may feel after the massage. Drink plenty of water before and during the massage.
Eat a light meal
A light meal after a massage is a good idea because it can help to replenish your energy levels. Eating a heavy meal can make you feel sluggish and tired. A light meal will give you the energy you need to continue with your day.
Some good options for a light meal after a massage include:
-Fruit or vegetable smoothie: Fruits and vegetable smoothies contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help your body recover from a massage.
-Yogurt: Yogurt is a good source of protein, which can help repair any damage to your muscles during the massage. It also contains probiotics that can help to improve your digestion.
-Sandwich: A sandwich made with whole-grain bread and healthy fillings such as avocado or chicken is a good option for a light meal after a massage.
Avoid eating anything too greasy or fatty after a massage, as this can make you feel nauseous. Eating sugary foods after a massage can cause an energy crash. Spicy food should also be avoided, as it can cause heartburn.
Rest
After a massage, it is important to take some time to rest can help to reduce inflammation. Resting after a massage has four main benefits as follows:
-It helps to repair any damage to your muscles that occurred during the massage.
-It helps to reduce inflammation and swelling.
-It allows your body to absorb the nutrients from the massage.
-It helps you to relax and feel rejuvenated.
-It helps to prevent soreness from developing in the muscles that were worked on during the massage.
Take some time for yourself after a massage and relax in a quiet environment. You can also take a nap or read a book. Avoid doing any strenuous activity, as this can cause further damage to your muscles.
Stretch
Stretching after a massage is important because it helps to lengthen the muscles that were shortened during the massage. Massages can sometimes cause the muscles to shorten and become tight, so stretching helps to lengthen them back out. Stretching also helps to reduce any soreness that you may feel after the massage.
Do some gentle stretches after your massage, and hold each stretch for 30 seconds. Avoid doing any strenuous activity or high-impact exercises immediately after stretching, as this can cause further damage to your muscles.
Do not workout
It is important not to work out immediately after a massage because your muscles are already in a state of repair. Working out will only cause further damage to your muscles and delay the healing process. It is best to wait at least 24 hours after a massage before working out.
Take a warm bath
A warm bath can help to soothe your muscles and reduce any soreness you may be feeling after the massage. Add some Epsom salt to the bath, as this can help to reduce inflammation. Avoid taking a hot bath, as this can cause further dehydration. Soak in the tub for 20 minutes and then drink plenty of water afterwards.
Use ice on sore spots
If you have any sore spots after the massage, you can use ice to help reduce the inflammation. Ice helps to numb the area and can also help to reduce any swelling. Apply the ice for 15 minutes at a time, and repeat as needed. Drink plenty of water while using ice, as this can help to prevent dehydration.
Things you should not do after a trip to a massage therapist
Do not work out
Working out after a massage is not a good idea. You’ve just spent an hour getting all your muscles worked on, now is not the time to put them through a high impact cardio class or weight lifting session. Give your body at least 24 hours to recover before you put it through any type of strenuous activity.
Do not drink alcohol or coffee
Just like working out, drinking alcohol after a massage can dehydrate your body and hinder the recovery process. It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after your massage. Coffee can also have a dehydrating effect, so it’s best to avoid that as well.
Do not eat a heavy meal
Your body is in a state of relaxation and repair, so eating a heavy meal will only make you feel sluggish. Stick to light snacks or meals that are easy to digest.
Do not shower immediately
Showering right after a massage can wash away all the good work your therapist just did. It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes before showering or bathing. This will give your body time to absorb all the benefits of the massage.
Do not shower with hot water
Hot water can further dehydrate your body and make you feel more sluggish. Stick to lukewarm or cool water when showering after a massage.
Don’t eat a heavy meal
Eating a heavy meal can make you feel sluggish and is not recommended after a massage. Stick to light snacks or meals that are easy to digest.
What to expect after a deep tissue massage?
After your massage, your skin will feel calm and your blood flow. Your massage therapist can talk about the importance of taking water during a massage, but maybe you’ll be so relaxed you’ll probably miss the whole experience. So long as it takes to hold on to this wonderful post-massage feeling.
Conclusion
Massages are a great way to relax and rejuvenate your body. However, it is important to know what to do after a massage in order to reap the full benefits. Drinking plenty of water, eating a light meal, resting, stretching, and taking a warm bath are all good options for post-massage care. Avoid working out or drinking alcohol immediately after a massage. If you have any sore spots, apply ice to the area for 15 minutes at a time. By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the most out of your massage.
