Massages diminish stress, and muscle pain, promote circulation, and can also improve immune function. The constant stimulation of muscle tissue helps flush out harmful toxins from the body to relieve fatigue and improve nutrition.
Whether this is your first time booking an appointment or if you’re already a member, here are a few steps you should take prior to and after your massage session to maximize the experience.
What to Do Before your Massage Session
Stay Hydrated
The day before (and of) your appointment, it is important to stay hydrated. Hydration helps loosen your muscles in preparation for your treatment, making it easier for your massage therapist to get in there and release all of your knots and muscle tension.
Take a Warm or Hot Shower
Taking a hot shower can also help loosen muscle tissue by increasing blood flow and reducing tightness. Bonus points if you take a warm shower right before bed since doing so will help you fall asleep faster and ensure you are well-rested the following day.
Clear Your Mind
After you drink your water and take a warm shower, it is time to start putting aside any stressors or anxiety-inducing thoughts to get your mind into full relaxation mode. Training your mind to do this ahead of your appointment will safeguard a more calming massage experience.
Skip Those Large Portions
Avoid large meals before getting your massage. Having too much food right before your appointment can cause discomfort when lying down on your stomach. You might also want to skip that glass of wine since alcohol often causes dehydration, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.
What to Do After Your Massage Session
Keep Your Body Hydrated
Hydration is key after getting your massage since your muscles will continue to release built-up toxins for a few days after your session. Why does that matter? Stored toxins can cause symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, poor memory, and brain fog. Therefore, ensuring the cleansing of as many toxins as possible is paramount.
Relieve Soreness
Feeling sore? It’s normal to feel a little discomfort the day after your massage session, especially on muscle groups that are not accustomed to stimulation. To relieve this, massage therapists recommend adding ice to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time to decrease soreness.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
Skip your workout and let your body slowly recover from all that stimulation. Exercising right after your massage can tighten your muscles and override the positive effects of your session. It is likely that your muscles are still in recovery mode, so overworking them through exercise can potentially lead to painful, unwanted injuries.
Allow Your Body to Heal
Take it easy! This is your time to unwind, rest, de-stress, and allow your body to heal. Read a book, catch up on your favorite tv show, and don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep!
After learning about the best steps to take before and after a massage, it’s time to request an appointment!