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Picture it- you just treated yourself to an amazing massage. Your muscles feel relaxed, your stress and tension are a thing of the past, to say the least, you’re floating. You want to keep this feeling for as long as possible, so how do you do that? How do you maintain the amazing post massage glow? Let’s go over some simple, yet effective, aftercare tips for massage!
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!
*Cue all the eye rolls.* We get it! It seems like everyone is constantly pushing drinking water and hydration these days, and with good reason. Hear us out before you decide to veto drinking water.
Massage can improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, which means it works with your body’s natural detoxification system to help your body remove toxins more effectively. Upping your water intake takes that efficiency to a whole new level by encouraging healthy digestion and transporting nutrients when needed.
If that wasn’t enough to talk you into it, you can think of a massage session as a workout, maybe the most relaxing workout you’ve ever done! Massage Therapy can consist of stretching, and the manipulation of muscles and soft tissues. All of these things work your muscles, so you may feel a little sore afterwards. Drinking water can help decrease the soreness you may experience.
Need a little flavor? Add a slice of lemon or cucumber!
Take a Bath with Epsom Salt
Taking a soak in a bath with Epsom salts can help your muscles relax and soothe sore muscles. Why Epsom salt? The simple reason is, science. To dig a little deeper, magnesium sulfate makes up Epsom salt. Each of these play essential roles in the way our bodies function. Magnesium helps keep bodily functions running smoothly, including your body’s natural detoxification system. Sulfate strengthens the walls of your digestive tract, which is also part of the natural detoxification system. Together, Magnesium sulfate can help the body purify and detox heavy metals.
Additionally, Epsom salt baths can aid in stress relief, reduction of muscle pain, and reduction of inflammation. Here’s some quick tips for your Epsom salt bath!
- Pour about 1 ¼ cups of Epsom slat into a clean bathtub as it fills with hot water.
- Ensure the water is not too hot. Too hot of water will cause more injury and damage than it’s worth. You need to be able to still relax.
- Slowly ease yourself into the bathtub, take a deep breath, and enjoy. About 15 minutes should be enough time to reap the benefits and help you relax even further.
Move with Mindfulness
Doing light stretching that feels good to your body is a great way to prevent post-massage stiffness and keep your muscles loose. We love recommending yoga to our clients. This doesn’t mean putting your leg behind your head like many assume. Gentle yoga poses are fantastic, especially when you learn to listen to your body. Don’t push your body to go further in a stretch or pose, work within its limits. Everyone’s body is different and will respond differently, so give yourself patience. There are great Yoga videos on Youtube for all levels!
This also applies with going to the gym. Just because you feel amazing doesn’t mean you can hit the gym for an intense workout or heavy lifting. Take a breather and let your body fully recover before going full boar again. Try going on a light walk on a nice day instead. Your body will thank you!
Listen to Your Body and Rest
After a massage, your body is in recovery mode. What do we need when we’re recovering from anything? Rest. You can take a nap, relax with a book, have a low-key day with nothing on your plate, whatever it may be. For best results, we recommend planning a “rest” period after your massage. Massage may bring out emotional releases, so it’s important to give your body and mind time to process these releases. Remember, emotional releases aren’t a negative thing, they are your body giving you information. Listen to your body and rest.
Eat a Light and Nourishing Meal
Thinking about a big greasy burger after a massage? Let’s skip it for now and instead opt for a meal that is light and rich in nutrients. Hydrating foods such as berries, watermelon and cucumber are amazing when it comes to helping your body stay hydrated, and giving it nutrients. Protein-Rich foods, such as lean meat, eggs, and plant based proteins are great because they will support muscle repair and recovery. Choosing healthy fats has so many benefits, so be sure to incorporate them! Some examples of healthy fats include Avocados, which contain anti-inflammatory properties to soothe sore muscles, and nuts and seeds, which provide energy and antioxidants! Anti-inflammatory foods such as spinach, turmeric, and ginger are great to add as well when your body is in recovery mode. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake after a massage, as these things can irritate and dehydrate your muscles.
Schedule your Next Session
This is another aftercare tip that most don’t pay attention to. Keeping yourself on a consistent massage schedule will help you immensely! Most massage therapists will recommend clients to come back at least once a month. If you’re dealing with a more intense injury or chronic pain, your therapist may recommend coming back every week or couple weeks. Whatever the case, it’s important to stick to the plan. Though you may not feel like you’re in pain, massage has many benefits that make it fantastic to work into your monthly self-care routine. Talk with your therapist to see what they recommend for you based on your specific goals!
Final Thoughts
You did it! You went and got a massage! Now let’s reap the benefits of it by staying hydrated, relaxing, utilizing Epsom salt baths, and being mindful of what you’re eating and how you’re moving. Extend the “treat yourself” to after the massage as well! Massage Therapists orders. 😉
