Body for Life

After your massage you may notice profound changes in your body and
mind. Here are some things that have helped many people get the most
from their massage.

1. Drink extra water. During a massage circulation is improved, which
helps flush irritating waste products from stressed muscles and other
tissues. Drinking water aids the functioning of the whole body
including the circulation and the kidneys, which are both involved
with relieving the body of waste products. Drinking extra water also
seems to help reduce soreness and fatigue after a massage.

2. Schedule time to take it easy after your massage. Rest if you feel the
need. If you can, take a nap or get in bed early. If you haven’t been
sleeping well, receiving massage may relax you enough that you will
want to turn in and catch up.

3. If the focus of your massage is on a particular injury or body part,
remember to stretch, ice, or apply heat to that area with the advice of
your massage therapist. Or, you may want to do some gentle movement,
such as walking, sometime in the hours after your massage to
mildly encourage your muscles to work in a balanced and efficient
way.

4. People sometimes experience some soreness for 24 hours or so after
a massage. If you do feel sore or think that you might, stretch gently
in a hot shower or take a warm bath with Epsom salts. And remember
to tell your massage therapist about your experience so it can be
taken into consideration in your next session.