According to a 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis, getting a massage after strenuous exercise can help alleviate DOMS and improve muscle performance. Previous research has also shown that post-workout massage is helpful in reducing muscle pain or soreness.
Before a Workout
Increased Range of Motion: Sports massage techniques, such as stretching and deep tissue massage, can help improve flexibility and increase your range of motion. By receiving a massage before your workout, you may experience greater ease of movement and improved athletic performance.
Receiving a massage once you've finished working out helps reduce muscle soreness by reducing inflammation and reduces your recovery time by speeding up cell recovery. The key thing to bear in mind is that the massage should take place as soon as possible after exercising.
As far as event/sports massage goes, shoot for starting the massage 1.5 to 2 hours after you exercise, and for no longer than 60 minutes (45 is better).
To ensure your body has time to recover after a sports massage, you should avoid heavy workouts for at least 24 hours after the massage. Heavy workouts may include running, weightlifting, and climbing. If you want to stay active, try partaking in light exercises, such as walking, swimming, and gentle stretches.
It's always better to get your massage after you have exercised. If you tend to get sleepy from a massage, you should have it as late in the day as possible so that you can just go home afterwards. If you don't want massage to take time out of your day, you can get one early in the morning.
Light exercise, such as moderate walking, gentle stretching or easy-paced swimming, are okay for most healthy individuals after their massage. One view in favor of this recovery period is that sustained pressure on connective tissue, as during massage, makes it softer.
1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.
While you can shower after a massage, waiting at least 2-3 hours allows your body to fully benefit from the oils. You can take a lukewarm shower (skip the hot water) a few hours after the massage. Remember to use a gentle cleanser to rinse off any excess oil, but stay away from harsh soaps and scrubbing.
The first rule of massage therapy is to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. This includes creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, using proper techniques and pressure, and communicating effectively with the client to ensure that they are comfortable with the massage.
Drink extra water after your massage. Don't get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you're dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session.
The result is quicker muscle repair and growth, making massage an essential recovery tool for anyone looking to build muscle mass or maintain strength. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, regular massage therapy can speed up the recovery process between workouts, enabling consistent training and improved performance.
The benefits of HydroMassage therapy after a workout seem to outweigh pre-exercise massage. If you head to the HydroMassage directly after a workout, it will aid in reducing muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, and will help speed up recovery so that you have less downtime in between exercises.
Stretching before a massage is immensely beneficial to reap all the advantages a massage gives. When scheduled to receive any type of massage, stretching beforehand helps to relax the muscles and improve circulation.
So if you really want specific work AND full body relaxation, it may be worth considering a 90-min session. General relaxation can be achieved in a 60-min session, but if you just want general relaxation in half of the body (front/back or upper/lower) then a 45-min appointment can also work.
Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you'll be able to determine the best frequency because your body's response is a large part of this determination.
Even though there is no fixed amount, the standard tipping range for massage therapy typically falls between 15-25% of the session cost. The lower end (15%) is generally acceptable for a good experience, while 20% is more common for exceptional service.
Sleepiness after a massage is due to reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels, which shift the body from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest” mode.
Limitations and Considerations. It's important to note that while massage therapists can detect signs that may indicate inflammation, they cannot diagnose medical conditions. Their ability to “feel” inflammation is based on the detection of physical changes in the body's tissues and the client's responses.
The most common reason for pain during massage is the wrong pressure. While your masseuse might think they're applying the right amount of pressure, you may feel too much. This is very typical when having a deep tissue massage because it is a type of massage that requires intense pressure to massage the tissue.
1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.
The key thing to bear in mind is that the massage should take place as soon as possible after exercising. According to a study in the Journal of Athletic Training this can reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMs) by a massive 30%.