What Must You Do Right After a Massage?
Posted on 16th March 2025 at 15:43
A massage is one of the best things you can do for your body, whether you’re working through tension, recovering from an injury, or just indulging in some well-earned self-care. But what you do after your massage is just as important as the treatment itself. To make the most of it, we’ve put together a few simple post-massage care tips!
Immediate actions post-massage
One of the most important things you can do right after a massage is stay hydrated. Massage helps to release toxins from your muscles, and drinking plenty of water supports your body in flushing them out. Think of it like a reset for your system, hydration will keep things moving and prevent any post-massage sluggishness.
It’s also completely normal to feel a little lightheaded or even a bit “floaty” after a massage. Take a moment to sit up slowly before hopping off the table. Give yourself a few minutes to adjust, take some deep breaths, and ease back into reality.
Adhering to exercise plans
If you’ve been given exercises to do, please don’t skip them! They’re designed to complement your treatment and help you recover or maintain the benefits of your massage for longer. The good news? These exercises are usually kept simple with just three key movements that are easy to fit into your day.
Doing these exercises regularly can mean fewer knots, less stiffness, and longer-lasting relief. If your massage is part of a maintenance plan, sticking to the exercises will help keep everything in check between appointments.
Avoiding stressful activities
As tempting as it might be to jump right back into your to-do list, try to avoid stressful activities immediately after your massage. Your body has just been coaxed into a state of relaxation, don’t undo that by rushing straight into work calls, errands, or an intense workout.
If possible, plan your massage for a time when you can go home and unwind afterward. Maybe take a warm bath, stretch gently, or just enjoy some quiet time with a book or soothing music. Let your body enjoy the full effects of the treatment before throwing it back into high gear.
Maximising recovery
The way you take care of yourself post-massage directly impacts how long the benefits last. Relaxing afterward helps your muscles absorb the work that was done, rather than tensing up again too quickly.
If you’re using massage as part of a recovery or maintenance routine, consistent care, like staying hydrated, doing your exercises, and allowing time to rest, will keep you feeling good for longer.
Lifestyle integration
One of the best ways to fully enjoy the benefits of your massage is to schedule it at a time that allows for proper aftercare. If your schedule is too hectic, it might be hard to truly relax and let the treatment do its job.
Instead of squeezing it in between meetings or right before a high-energy event, aim to have your massage when you can take it easy afterward. Even an extra 30 minutes of downtime can make a difference in how your body processes the treatment.
Final thoughts
Massage isn’t just about what happens in the session, it’s about how you support your body before and after. Staying hydrated, following any recommended exercises, avoiding stress, and allowing for recovery time will ensure you get the best possible results. So next time you book a massage, plan for the aftercare, too — your body will thank you for it!
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