Massage Aftercare…
A quick guide on how to tend yourself after bodywork:
💧 Drink Water
Massage boosts blood flow and encourages lymphatic drainage, helping flush out built-up toxins like lactic acid and metabolic waste. Think of water as your body’s deep post-massage cleanser: it truly does help clear out what your massage loosened up.
Since massage naturally dehydrates you by pushing fluid out of soft tissues, it’s essential to replenish. Drink plenty of fresh water to help your body recover and maintain all the benefits of your session.
🧘♂️ Stretch It
Gentle stretching helps realign muscle fibres, aids in recovery, and supports flexibility by retraining your nervous system.
Fun fact: Under anesthesia, even people with conditions like frozen shoulder show full range of motion. That’s because it’s often your nervous system, not your muscles, limiting flexibility. Stretching helps re-educate it.
🍽️ Eat Something Light
Massage gets your circulation and digestion going. Feeling lightheaded after a session? You might need a little snack.
Refuel with something light and nutritious, like a banana and almonds, or a simple meal like stir-fried veggies and rice. Your body will thank you.
💤 Rest and Recharge
If you can, plan your massage on a day where you don’t need to rush off to the next thing. Take time to rest, nap, read, or just lounge around. The more relaxed you stay, the longer the benefits of your massage will linger.
🛁 Take a Warm Bath
A warm bath — especially with Epsom salts — can soothe any lingering soreness, boost circulation, and promote relaxation. No tub? A warm (not too hot!) shower works too. Avoid scorching temperatures, as they can increase inflammation. An Epsom salt foot-bath will also give great benefits.
💭 Embrace the Emotions
Massage doesn’t just release physical tension — it can also bring emotional release. Some people feel uplifted and light, others may experience unexpected tears. Whatever comes up, let it flow. Simple acknowledgement of the feeling can be powerful. You can assist the process with a favourite processing tool, ie; journaling, movement (dancing, stretching, a walk in nature), or vocalising (singing, humming, chanting … or you could try leaving yourself a voice-note ~ listening back with compassion, and then deleting it).
🔍 Listen to Your Body
A little soreness the next day? Normal. Lingering or intense pain days later? Not so much. That may mean the pressure was too deep. Make note of it and let me know next time so I can adjust accordingly.
Taking care of yourself after a massage is key to extending the benefits and deepening the healing. So drink your water, stretch a little, and take it easy & slow for a bit— your body, mind and soul deserve it.