5 Ways to Prolong the Effects of Your Massage

After your massage, you for sure feel relaxed, your blood will be flowing, and your muscles will feel like they have taken a deep breath. I know you will want to hang onto that wonderful post-massage feeling as long as possible. Right? So, here are 5 tips to help you prolong the effects:

SKIP YOUR LATTE, GRAB YOUR WATER BOTTLE

Massage gets your blood circulating and begins to release metabolic waste. As your massage therapist loosens your muscles your system starts to process faster and the excrements left over to start making their way toward your liver and other organs to be released. Staying hydrated prior to and after your massage will help flush out the waste products your now improved circulation has moved through your body and will rehydrate your muscles.

Caffeine after a massage can be counterproductive to the muscles that were just worked on. So – if you are a coffee drinker, get your caffeine fix prior to your massage. Water (or Herbal tea) will help keep your newly energized circulation moving at an appropriate pace and help you hold onto that ‘fresh massage’ feeling longer. Drink more water after a massage than you usually would, to provide the hydration your body will need to flush the newly moving metabolic waste out.

​

FEELING SORE? ADD ICE

Your massage therapist just released your tight muscles. Deep-rooted muscle tension often requires some deep muscle work that might leave you feeling a little tender or sore after your massage. Stay away from icy-hot or other products that produce heat IF you do not combine them with ice. The muscles are already inflamed after the deep massage session, heat without ice alternation will only inflame the muscles more. The best way to treat sore muscles, post-massage, is to apply some ice to the area for a quick 10-15 minutes to decrease soreness. If you want to keep the increased circulation going after a session, alternate this ice with 5 min of heat. This creates a pumping effect in the muscle that causes the area to be sore or tender for a shorter period.

​

FUEL YOUR BODY

A massage session is like jump-starting your car – only you are jump-starting some of your body’s primary systems. After a massage, your body will be firing on all cylinders, and you’ll want to provide the necessary fuel. Massage causes the release of the ‘feel-good’ endorphins that will have you feeling a natural high. You may also be feeling a bit tired, and maybe a little lightheaded, grab a snack to give yourself an added energy boost. Nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, and/or nuts are your best option here as they are rich in vitamins and minerals along with other nutrients important for good health.

POSTPONE YOUR WORKOUT

You took the time out of your busy schedule to find relief. You’re feeling relaxed, your muscles feel loose. It’s best to let your body enjoy how it feels by giving it a chance to rest. Sometimes heading back to work or out to dinner with friends is unavoidable. We highly recommend you give your body and mind some downtime after a massage. Your muscles were just worked and loosened, to avoid the risk of injury or overworking a muscle, we suggest you avoid any strenuous physical activity for exercise for at least 24 hours after a bodywork session.

Exercising after a session can both increase muscle soreness and compromise the value of the soft-tissue work you’ve just received. “Strenuous exercise" includes activities such as high intensity aerobics, running, weightlifting, cross-fit, or power yoga classes.

Try instead light exercise such as moderate walking, gentle stretching, restorative yoga, or swimming laps at an easy pace. One widely accepted view in favor of this 24-hour recovery period is that sustained pressure on connective tissue makes it more gel-like. The technical term for this change is thixotropic effect. This state of increased softness lasts about 24 hours, so high-intensity exercise may pull or move the tissue back to old patterns or even induce new strain patterns.

EPSOM SALT BATH

The wonders of Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of years and, unlike other salts, it has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind, and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating colds and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom salt. It’s ideal to soak for at least 15 minutes. Make sure not to use water that's too hot. This might worsen instead of reducing swelling.

One Healing Touch Reiki & Massage for Women

The effects of massage therapy are cumulative. This means it takes getting more than one massage to get rid of the aches, pains, or knots you are experiencing. Having a monthly, biweekly, or weekly massage routine can be just the addition you need to manage chronic pain and reduce stiffness, hip pain, back pain, and more. As you consider what your needs and wants are, consider massage therapy a need for better health and self-care.

Be sure to speak with our experienced Licensed Massage Therapist, Adriane Maxwell about choosing the best bundle, package or membership to make massage therapy a consistent part of your self-care routine. ​

WHEN MASSAGE IS A REGULAR PART OF YOUR LIFE, YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO FEEL THE BENEFITS.