After massage care is just as important as the massage itself!
- Drink Lots of Water, Especially for the next 24 Hours. This is the most important rule of all. Keeping hydrated is key to a healthy body, especially after a massage. Massage promotes lymphatic movement, drinking water and hydrating yourself is key to moving toxins through the kidneys and out of your body. Drinking water is the best method. Tea, coffee and soft drinks don’t count.
- Take a Bath. A nice warm bath is soothing after a massage. We recommend using Epsom Salts. Epsom Salts are just magnesium sulphate, a natural muscle relaxer. They also are great at drawing out toxins in the body, just like massage, so you may get a sort of detoxifying effect which is beneficial to the body. Epsom Salts can be purchased at most grocery stores or pharmacies. If you don’t have Epsom salts don’t worry-a nice warm bath will do just fine. Please note..warm bath-not scalding hot! This is important because if you have inflammation in the muscles the excessive heat can serve to make the injury worse. In the case of a VERY sore muscle or injury, try icing the area.
- Pay attention to your body’s reaction to the massage. You may be sore after the massage. This is normal with Deep Tissue massage, but it can happen with the more gentle Swedish Massage as well. Sometimes you may not feel the tenderness until the next day. Why? Because massage is a form of passive exercise. If you are not one to get massages often, or do not exercise and are not used to using the muscles, then they may respond with soreness. This should only last a day or perhaps two. Please mention this to the therapist at your next massage and they will adjust pressure in your next segment.
- Rest-You may feel tired, as if you want to lie down and take a nap. This is completely normal, and you should listen to your body. Massage works not only your body but your mind too. It helps to relax and destress you. This is what may make you feel tired and it is your body’s way of telling you to recover your mind and body. Make time for yourself and your body will thank you.
- Welcome different emotions. Sometimes after experiencing lots of stress you may feel the need to cry after the massage. Alternatively, you may feel elation as if you are on cloud nine, full of energy. Either response is normal. The key is not to keep these emotions out. Massage may channel these feelings and multiply them; whichever way, your body needs this. Let it come and you will feel that much better afterward.
As you can see these rules are simple to follow, but its important that you do! Following these rules will help you get so much more benefit from your session and your presence of mind will be that much more peaceful and invigorated. Always remember, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact your therapist. We are here to help you to heal and get the most out of your massage.