MAKE IT LAST: Extend the Benefits of Massage
How do you keep that post massage feeling as long as possible? Consider the type of massage you’ve just had, then try out some (or all) of these simple solutions.
1. Stretch It Out
You’ve heard never stretch a cold muscle, and been told stretching after exercise is best. The friction and pressure applied during a massage creates a lot of heat in the muscles, which will last for a few hours following treatment. This is a great opportunity for stretching. Not only will it help to maintain the relaxed feeling of the muscles, but you will likely experience a deeper more effortless stretch. Those who have good body awareness you may be sensitive to restrictions and tightness. If not, you will no doubt notice areas during the massage that feel more tender (may indicate tightness). Your therapist will review these areas with you to ensure the proper muscles are being stretched and the body maintains balance.
2. Hydration Is Key
Massage releases toxin build up from the muscles- just one of the reason why you feel great after a treatment. Toxins must then be facilitated away via the lymphatic system. Lack of water makes this process less efficient, and can be a cause of ‘day after soreness’. If getting in your 8 cups after a massage seems a little much, plan ahead and start before the appointment.
3. Preferred Posture
During a typical appointment, workday or exercise postures are sure to come up. Immediately following a massage is the best time to break poor posture patterns while your muscles are relaxed and agreeable. More than that, returning to poor posture will put strain directly back on your recently ‘un-strained’ muscles.
4. Encourage Movement
Deep tissue massage, while effective, can cause some short term discomfort. Muscles have a tendency to stiffen up the evening following a deep massage – a side effect from inflammation. Keep stiffness at bay with light exercise like walking to encourage blood flow and mobilize the joints.
5. Soak it
Taking a relaxing bath the evening of your massage will continue the process of relaxing and releasing those tense muscles. Try adding a cup or two of epsom salts for a boost in detoxification. If your therapist worked on an injury or applied deep pressure, be cautious of water temperature. If it’s too hot you risk increasing inflammation. Your therapist will advise you if an area requires icing.
6. Roll It
Have a certain muscle that is always tight and constantly nagging? A chronic tightness rarely releases after one massage treatment. And often requires frequented appointments. Speed up the recovery process by massaging it at home. A foam roller or a strategically placed tennis ball can decrease tightness and help maintain progress in-between appointments.
7. Routine
Find a balance that works for you and your muscles. Then schedule your next appointment in advance. Sticking to a routine will keep tension to a minimum and create the most improvements in the long run. Dealing with an injury or chronic tension may need more frequent sessions. Once these initial issues are addressed the sessions can be spaced further apart in a way that maintains progress – extending the benefits of massage more and more each time.
Click here for more suggestions on frequency and duration of sports massage treatments.
Jolene
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I always soak in a bath hours after a massage. Feels soooo good… 🙂
I actually never know ‘bout the Hydration part… first time reading this… thanks so for this tip! Will definitely do it next time, drink some water before and after a session. Not sure about 8 cups lol but will try to drink a lot more that I normally do.
Great article with great tips – THX! 🙂
Great tips! I did not know that a massage feels great because it was releasing toxins from me muscles.
These tips are great. Can’t believe that I can increase my benefits of massages just by doing these simple things. Thanks!
Greeeat tips! I hate how my insurance company only pays for one massage per month because the effects of the massage has always faded so quickly. I’m going to try this next time 🙂
How often should I get massage if my sport requires me to train 10 times per week? I tend not to get injured but I often feel run down?
There are so many variable to consider. For most serious athletes once every 2 weeks is ideal, perhaps more regular if in heavy training or suffering from injury.
What toxins does massage release? Why are they trapped before massage releases them? Where do these toxins go once massage releases them?
I’m planning to try the deep tissue therapy because I heard that this may help eliminate back pain caused by long hours of sitting. Well, it’s great to learn that a good massage may help release toxins as well. I also never knew that it may break poor posture patterns.