What do you usually do after a massage appointment? Once the appointment is over and you’ve gotten up from the bed, your massage therapist will usually offer some tips on what to do afterwards to maximize the benefits of the massage. But when you’re in such a relaxed state, it may be difficult to pay attention to what he or she is telling you. The solution to this problem is to be one step ahead and be aware of all the best massage aftercare tips before you even book your appointment. Here are five things you should do after your massage.
Drink plenty of water.
The first step of massage aftercare is to keep yourself hydrated. Many people experience soreness after their appointment, either the next day or after a few hours. Drinking water can help manage the soreness, ensuring that you’ll feel good and energized after your massage. Also, avoid alcohol and coffee for the rest of the day – these drinks are dehydrating, which could worsen your muscle soreness.
Avoid strenuous activities.
Your muscles go through pressure during your massage, loosening them and removing any lingering tension. While this will certainly benefit you in the long run, it will still tire out your muscles. Doing any strenuous activities immediately after a massage might result in injury. Instead, take it easy for the rest of the day. If you must get some exercise in, settle for doing some light stretches that have been approved by your massage therapist.
Eat a light snack.
Massage therapy stimulates many systems of the human body, including your digestive system. As a result, it’s natural for you to feel hungry after an appointment. Plus, your blood sugar levels may have dropped, so eating a snack is essential to get it back to the right level.
When looking for something to eat, avoid heavy meals. These can make you feel sluggish and bloated. Instead, eat lighter and healthier snacks to help you stay relaxed and feel more energized.
Pay attention to your body’s reaction.
There’s a common myth that a massage is supposed to work, and if it doesn’t, then the therapist didn’t administer it properly. This isn’t true. The sore feeling you get after a massage should only last a day or two while your muscles adjust to their new loosened state. Your body pain should certainly not last a week or even longer. If you’ve been feeling sore for longer than normal, there’s a chance that your therapist went too hard on you. You could speak to your massage therapist on your next appointment and advise him or her to be gentler, or you could ask for a different therapist instead. Find ways to get the massage that you enjoy most.
Get a good night’s rest.
The best time to schedule a massage is at the end of the day, when you no longer have any other responsibilities waiting for you. You can take advantage of your relaxed state by going to bed soon after your appointment. Massages are proven to improve sleep quality, leading you to feel more rested and energized the next day. Plus, a good night’s sleep will help your muscles recover from the pressure that they were under.
The best time to sleep after your appointment is immediately right after. Your relaxed state will easily put you to sleep, ensuring a well-rested night. You can achieve this by booking an appointment with a home service massage spa, such as Massagedaily.ph. Your therapist will come to your home instead. This way, you can head straight to bed as soon as your appointment is over.