To make the benefits of your massage last, you should not take part in any strenuous activities or vigorous exercise afterwards. This will allow the muscles to tense and spasm again and cut short the benefits of your massage. Rather do some stretching as mentioned above. Hydration is key after a massage.
The duration of massage effects varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the type of massage, individual response, and the purpose of the session. Generally, the benefits of a massage can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
It is recommended to be getting massaged at least once every three weeks (or every two) to help aid in healthy tissue repair and reduce pain felt from the intensive workouts that the body is going through. Massage will also help with the accumulation of work-related stress.
The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.
If massage is to be used for pain relief after injury it is most likely to be used more frequently initially (once or twice per week) tapering to once a week/every other week throughout recovery. For chronic health conditions, one a week is typically recommended depending on how your body responds.
Physical benefits of massage include:
Improved circulation. Decreased muscle stiffness. Decreased joint inflammation. Better quality of sleep.
Our muscles also soak up water like a sponge and become more pliable with hydration. It's beneficial to drink water after your massage because as the massage therapist manipulates your muscles, substances are released.
In layman's terms, Aescape provides you with a personalized session that swaps out a human massage therapist for a table that's equipped with two robotic arms for double the bodywork in half the time.
1. Kneading. Kneading is what comes to mind the most when thinking about top massage techniques. This consists of pulling the muscle away from the bone using your fingertips or palms, with the intention of reducing muscle spasms.
Overuse, especially with deep tissue or intense massages, can lead to muscle soreness and potential injuries, hindering the body's natural healing process.
To maximize the benefits of a massage and reduce the risk of pain/cramping, I recommend avoiding alcoholic beverages, fried food and refined sugars for 24 hours post-treatment.
Recommended Time Between Sessions
For general maintenance and stress relief, a session every 3-4 weeks is typically sufficient. However, if you're addressing specific issues such as chronic pain, injury recovery, or intense muscle tension, more frequent sessions—perhaps weekly or bi-weekly—may be beneficial initially.
A regular massage, once or twice a week, can really ensure that you gain the benefits of massage, including increased circulation, decreased blood pressure and better sleep.
Massage therapy may relieve stress and conditions associated with it, such as tension headaches. Medical research indicates that massage therapy can help boost immune system strength by increasing the activity level of the body's natural “killer T cells,” which fight off viruses.
The area around the breasts is usually massaged but not the breasts themselves. You can always say you hate having your breast area or buttocks or whatever touched. If you're at all unsure, try booking for a "back, neck and shoulder" massage first to see how comfortable you are with being touched in those areas.
One of the main reasons why massages feel so good is because they help to release endorphins, which are our body's natural "feel-good" chemicals.
Choosing the Right Massage Therapist
Take the time to read reviews, ask for recommendations, and look for therapists or practices that specialize in your specific needs. A professional and caring environment, like the one provided by Massage Strong, can make all the difference in your massage experience.
Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.