Knowing what you should do after a massage is very important and knowing what not to do is also essential. Today I’m writing about the do’s and don’ts of massage aftercare.
A massage therapy treatment, especially the Classic Massage can be a deeply rejuvenating experience. It offers endless benefits for both your body and your mind. And you will certainly experience a sense of peacefulness and with the improved blood circulation your muscles will feel very relaxed.
Did You Know…
What you do after a classic massage is very important if you want to maximize the benefits and extend the treatments positive effects. In this ultimate guide to aftercare I’m going to give you the essential aftercare tips for a great post-massage ritual. So you can get the most out of your experience.
Immediately Post-Massage
First, let’s talk about the immediate post-massage period, which is right after the therapist has finished your massage and left the room. During this phase, it’s essential you give your body time to ease back into its normal state.
I recommend the following YouTime tips:
Rest and Relaxation After Massage
Firstly, it’s a good idea to take some time to rest and relax right after your massage has finished. Take 5 minutes to just breathe and then slowly sit-up on the table. Take extra time to get dressed and don’t rush at all.
This helps your body and mind absorb all the full body massage benefits and aids in the transition from the relaxed state of the massage table to your next daily activities. In short, this isn’t the time to jump up and put your clothes on as fast as possible and then go to the gym or for a run.
At YouTime I give you plenty time to transition slowly from the massage table so there’s no need to stress about time.
Hydration Post-Massage
Next up is an adequate amount of water. Drinking plenty of water after a massage will help to hydrate your body properly. Avoid fancy hydration drinks or supplements that claim to ‘flush out toxins’ the massage itself has started that process.
All you need now is pure, plain old fashioned water. Proper hydration will also aid in muscle recovery and can help prevent muscle soreness the morning after. At YouTime a glass bottle of plain filtered water is waiting for you as part of the massage experience.
Music (369Hz or 432Hz)
Many studies show how music affects our mood, our emotional state and performance. If you like to listen to music I highly recommend you do this on your way home or as you travel and transition to your next daily activity. If you’re driving please do so responsibly.
Some good music might be slow yoga style or classical music but I personally like to tap into the brain a little more with music composed in very specific sound frequencies, such as 369Hz or 432Hz.
This is good for rebalancing positive energy or connecting to nature respectively. YouTime has free post massage music here. You can read scientific studies here.
Massage Aftercare Practices
Once your’e on your way out he door the following post-massage period focuses on continuing the care for your body that began with your session.
Gentle Movement (not exercise)
To begin, you can engage in gentle stretching or a leisurely walk to keep your muscles loose and limber. Not only does this help in maintaining the flexibility gained during your massage, but it also helps prevent potential next day stiffness.
If you came by car, I suggest you walk the long way around or plan a short walk in nature listening to 432Hz music or just take in the sounds of the birds and nature. The YouTime clinic has free parking and is a 5 minute walk from an easy, flat hiking path in the forests .
Post-Massage Heat Therapy (Epsom Salt Bath)
If you want to go all out when you get home, try applying warm heat to any areas of the body you know that often becomes tense can extend the relaxation benefits your massage. You can do this with a simple hot water bottle, not too hot though.
However I really recommend, as many of my clients will tell you, that a warm epsom salt bath is the way to go as it is particularly soothing and relaxing. The magnesium sulphate will help ease any aches and pains further, the warmth will open up your blood vessels, and increase circulation too.
Aim for a warm bath temperature ranging from 32 to 40 degrees Celsius (90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature range is slightly above the average body temperature, providing a pleasant and comfortable bathing experience.
Avoid very hot baths though as they will increase inflammation, which isn’t a good idea after a massage.
Skin and Body Care After Massage
Taking care of your skin post-massage is important, especially if oils or lotions were used during the session:
Showering
When oils are used for massage a warm shower can be refreshing and help to remove excess oil from the skin. However, allowing the oil I use at YouTime to stay on the skin for an hour or so can also be beneficial. As good quality massage oils contain nourishing ingredients that are great for skin health.
At YouTime Massasje I use organic almond or organic coconut oil as well as optional products from Weleda made with all natural ingredients that will nourish your skin.
As mentioned with bathing after massage make sure the temperature isn’t too hot or too cold. And try to use a natural cleanser that contains essential oil as opposed to soap even ‘natural PH balanced’ soaps can be harsh on your skin.
Moisturizing After Washing
After your shower or bath, applying a natural essential oil based moisturizer can help to hydrate the skin further and lock in all the benefits of the massage oils that have already been absorbed during the massage.
Feel free to ask me for recommendations on specific essential oils that would best suit your skin type and I’ll give you my recommendations.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Many people are having regular massage for stress relief, mental wellbeing and emotional balance. So most importantly for those wanting to stay calm and centered is taking care of your mental and emotional health. Here are my tips:
Mindfulness and Meditation
Engaging in mindfulness or meditation after a massage can enhance the relaxation benefits. Taking time to be alone and undisturbed so you can be still and quiet can help in prolonging the sense of calm and centeredness experienced during your massage.
A guided meditation that includes some breathing techniques for relaxation are amazing and if you fall asleep all the better – go with it.
Just sitting quietly and thinking about everything you’re grateful for is also a good way to keep the positive emotions flowing.
Write it Down
Consider journaling your thoughts and feelings. This practice can be a therapeutic way to process any emotional release that may have occurred during the session, and can be a good way to let go of any lingering stress or anxiety.
Quiet Time
Allow yourself some quiet time to reflect and absorb the experience of a classic Precision Wellness Massage. Whether it be in the form of a peaceful walk as mentioned above, reading, or simply sitting in a calm environment. Some well-deserved you-time can be a great way to process the experience and fully take advantage of the benefits.
General Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Finally, post-massage care also includes making healthy lifestyle choices to complement the benefits of the massage. Keep these suggestions going as long as you can.
Of course in an ideal world you would always make the healthy choice for your body and mind. In general, I’m sure you already know what a healthy lifestyle should look like.
Massage can be a weekly or monthly reset to help you get back to your true values and boost your healthy lifestyle mindset.
Here’s a reminder of the basics.
Nutritious Diet
Eating a balanced, nutritious diet after a massage supports your body’s healing process and maintains the equilibrium achieved during the session. Focus on whole foods, fruits, and vegetables to nourish your body.
Adequate Sleep
Ensure you get plenty of rest following your massage. Good quality sleep is essential for the body to repair and rejuvenate, maximizing the therapeutic effects of the massage.
Avoid Stimulants
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants after your massage and in your day-to-day as they can disrupt the relaxation and healing process, so opt for herbal teas or water instead.
For the ultimate detailed guide of what to expect at your first massage I highly recommend reading my Ultimate Guide to Your First Massage.
And be sure to read my posts in the Essential Reading for Clients blog category.
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5 Self-Care Quotes
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
— Anne Lamott
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“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”
— M. Scott Peck
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“Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
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“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.”
— Buddha
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“Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.”
— Princess Diana
