9 Important Things You Should Do Post Massage

Last Updated: November 14, 2022 References

Massage is great self-care that offers so many physical and mental benefits. Once you get off the massage table, it's important to practice proper aftercare. To make sure you get the most out of your massage, we've compiled a list of massage aftercare do's and don'ts so you stay relaxed for as long as possible. Read on for an amazing experience even after your massage.

Things You Should Know

Take care of your body by stretching and eating light snacks.
Treat yourself to more self-care with a relaxing Epsom salt bath.
Leave massage oils on your body to enjoy their health benefits.
Create a stress-free day after a massage by clearing your schedule.

1

Take your time getting off the table.

Getting up too quickly can make you feel dizzy. Many factors, such as low blood pressure, dehydration, and even emotional stress, can cause you to feel a little disoriented after your massage. To prevent dizziness, take your time when getting off the massage table.^{[1]
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- Sit up slowly and swing your legs to one side of the table. Give yourself a few moments to check if you're feeling lightheaded or dizzy before leaving the massage table.

2

Stretch.

Stretching will help improve muscle recovery after a massage. Massage reduces tension by breaking up inflamed adhesions of muscle fibers.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
Go to source} Take advantage of how massage brings elasticity back to muscle fibers by stretching shortly after your session—you’re more likely to improve muscle recovery, realign your muscle fibers, and retrain your nervous system to improve flexibility.^{[3]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- Gently twist your waist from side to side, reach for your toes, and stretch your arms across your body for a quick stretch!
- Ask your massage therapist about stretches to improve muscle recovery if you are experiencing pain or tightness in any specific areas.

3

Wear comfy clothing.

Changing into comfortable clothes will promote relaxation. Wearing comfy clothes can help you wind down after your massage, but there are physical benefits to loose clothing, too. Clothes that are too tight can prevent flow in your lymphatic system, the system that fights infection and removes excess fluids.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} Wear loose clothing so your lymphatic system can function properly and remove waste materials that were released during your massage.
- If you are coming from work or the gym, bring a clean change of clothes to put on after your appointment.

4

Unwind and relax.

Book your massage at the end of the day so you have nothing else to do. Immediately jumping into stressful activities like work, homework, or errands after your massage can cause you to lose out on all its relaxing benefits. When possible, complete any obligations first and end your day with a massage so you can fully unwind and prolong your mental stillness.^{[5]
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- Plan some time to decompress after your appointment if your schedule doesn’t allow you to end the day with a massage. Having time to stretch, meditate, and pay attention to your body’s response after an appointment can help you retain some of the relaxing physical and mental effects of massage.
- If you can, clear out an entire day dedicated just to self-care. Being totally free of responsibilities can help you feel really calm after you leave your session.

5

Skip your workout.

Your muscles won't be ready for a tough workout after a massage. Massage uses pressure to temporarily relax and soften your muscles, so you’ll need a 24-hour recovery window to give them enough time to repair. Taking part in strenuous activities while your muscles are repairing themselves can increase your chance of injury and reduce your levels of relaxation.
- If you follow a strict workout routine or schedule, try to exercise before your massage. You'll still get the benefits of physical activity but be able to fully enjoy your massage.^{[6]
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6

Have a light meal.

You need healthy food to fuel your body’s recovery. Bring a healthy snack or have a light meal after your appointment. Small, nutritious meals are more likely to help you remain feeling energized than a large meal is.^{[7]
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- Veggie sticks and hummus or yogurt with fruit are some great examples of light snacks you can enjoy.
- Resist the urge to immediately eat a large meal after your appointment. Feeling hungry after massage is normal due to increased blood circulation—which helps the function of your digestion—but eating a heavy meal too quickly can make you feel sluggish and reduce your relaxed state.

7

Don’t shower right away.

Give your skin time to absorb any nutrient-rich oils. If your massage included nourishing oils that are beneficial to your body and skin, such as CBD or essential oils, don’t rinse them off! Wait up to 1 hour after your massage for the oil to penetrate your skin so you can enjoy all their health benefits. Once your skin is completely dry to the touch, you’re ready to rinse off.^{[8]
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- Use cold water when you take a shower. A hot shower might sound relaxing, but heat can cause inflammation in muscle injuries, causing damage to the muscle tissue you just repaired with massage therapy.^{[9]
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8

Make space for your emotions.

Some surprising emotions might surface during your massage. Muscles release body waste during your treatment, but they can also release pent up emotions as well. Many people experience feelings of joy and elation during their treatment, but it's also normal to feel like you need a good cry during massage. Give yourself permission to feel any emotions you're left with once you get off the massage table.^{[10]
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- Take the remainder of your day to decompress from emotion so you can enjoy the relaxing physical benefits of your massage. Take a walk, journal, or go home to stretch out and watch your favorite TV show — massage is about taking care of yourself physically and mentally.^{[11]
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9

Take an Epsom salt bath.

A nice Epsom salt bath can help with any post-massage soreness. Achy muscles are common after a massage and aren’t anything to worry about. To naturally soothe your sore muscles, take a nice, relaxing bath with Epsom salts. The warm water and natural minerals are the perfect recipe for unwinding.^{[12]
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- Add 1 to 2 cups of pure magnesium sulfate Epsom salts to a standard bathtub you run warm water. Let it fully dissolve before getting in the bath.^{[13]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Don’t run the water too hot. Hot water can cause muscle inflammation and stress any preexisting injuries you might have.^{[14]
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