After your massage you may notice profound changes in your body and mind. Here are some things that have helped many people get the most from their massage.
Drink Extra Water - During a massage, circulation is improved which helps flush irritating waste products from stressed muscles and other tissues. Drinking water aids the functioning of the whole body, including the circulation and the kidneys, which are both involved with relieving the body of waste products. Drinking extra water also seems to help reduce soreness and fatigue after a massage.
Schedule time to take it easy after your massage - Rest if you feel the need. If you can, take a nap or get in bed early. If you have not been sleeping well, receiving massage may relax you enough that you will want to turn in and catch up.
If the focus of your massage is on a particular injury or body part, remember to stretch, ice, or apply heat to that area with the advice of your massage therapist. Or you may want to do some gentle movements, such as walking, sometime in the hours after your massage to mildly encourage your muscles to work in a balanced and efficient way.
People sometimes experience some soreness for 24 hours or so after a massage. If you do feel sore or think that you might, stretch gently in a hot shower or take a warm bath with Epsom salts. And remember to tell your massage therapist about your experience so it can be taken into consideration in your next session.
Between Massage Sessions
To get the most out of your massage, practice these self-care tips regularly.
Stretch - If you are getting massage for pain and discomfort, stretching is essential for you. Frequency is more important than length of a stretching session.
Exercise regularly - Even very moderate exercise can help relieve pent up muscle tension and improve your circulation. Walking, gardening, golfing and tai chi are all ways to get your heart pumping and your muscles moving and can also help shift your attention from your worries to relaxation and the enjoyment of life.
Take time to relax - Change your schedule to include more down time, even if it is only 15 minutes for deep breathing or a walk after work or at lunch. Get away from chores on the weekend for a morning or afternoon to enjoy some time in nature or a pot of tea with friends.
