Take a nice hot shower or bath. Heat increases blood flow in your body and assists with relaxation of muscles. Feel free to add some essential oils (lavender is always an excellent option), Epsom salts, candles and calming music to take your bath to the next level in relaxation.
After a massage, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and get plenty of rest. You should also avoid smoking, drinking caffeine, working out, and taking hot baths or showers. If you have any questions about what to do or not do after a massage, please ask your massage therapist.
Light exercise, such as walking or gentle swimming, is fine after a massage. Drink copious amounts of water and soak in an Epsom salt bath in lieu of a hard workout routine. Use the time to allow your body to repair and for the soft tissues to adjust to the new patterns created by the massage.
Get a good night's rest. While you're sleeping, your muscles are able to recover from the stress of the massage and efficiently utilize the nutrients that are being provided by the increased blood flow. Aim for a minimum of 6 hours. Schedule a follow-up appointment.
Many people tip around 15-20% of the massage cost.
This range is a good starting point and is commonly accepted across different settings: at-home or mobile therapists, franchise spas or clinics, or an individual massage therapist. If you're unsure, it's always a safe bet to stick within this range.
Drinking alcohol can actually dehydrate your body and make you feel worse after a massage. Alcohol also inhibits the body's natural ability to heal, so it's best to avoid it altogether. If you do decide to drink alcohol after a massage, be sure to drink plenty of water as well to stay hydrated.
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%.
After a massage, your body is in a state of relaxation and recovery, and the massage oils applied to your skin continue to nourish it. Taking a hot bath immediately could strip away these benefits. Generally, it's recommended to wait at least two to three hours after a massage before taking a bath.
Avoid Strenuous Exercise
Allow your body to catch up. It's also common to be sleepy and a little disoriented after a massage, so it is best to rest or relax. A simple walk or stroll is fine. Plan for your post massage experience to linger if you have the opportunity.
Applying ice packs (wrapped in a towel or washcloth to protect your skin) or a heating pad to the sore areas can encourage increased blood flow and reduce discomfort. Heat therapy helps relax tense muscles and can relieve stiffness, while cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and numb the area.
Keep your shoulders and arms relaxed and allow your body to dangle in place. This will naturally allow your spine to decompress. If you're looking to release some tension try swaying slowly from side to side. Your chin should drop to your chest so your neck isn't working to hold your head.
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.
If your muscles feel sore after your massage, a warm bath or shower can soothe this soreness and leave you feeling even more supple. Combining a gentle stretch with a warm shower or soaking in a warm watered bath with Epsom salts will give you even more relief.
Use a dry towel to wipe down your body first, then use dawn dish soap with lukewarm water, then dry off.
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.
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.
Take a warm shower
First, the warm water will begin allowing your mind and body to relax making it more open to receiving massage. By cleaning your body prior to a massage, you can also mitigate some personal hygiene insecurities, if you have any, plus it is greatly appreciated by your massage therapist.
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.
In order to get the most out of your treatment, ensure you do the following after your facial massage: Do not wash your face or apply any skincare products for 12 hours. To minimise dryness, skip out on any 'active' products for 3 days after.
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.
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.