After Your Massage…

Every person has different goals as far as the results of a bodywork session.  While generally people want to feel relaxed and de-stressed, there are some that intend on going to the gym or other more active things following.  Whatever you choose to do is perfectly fine.  If this is your first ever bodywork session or if it’s been longer than 6 months since your last appointment, be open to allowing your body to assimilate and process the work in it’s own unique way.  Know that each person reacts differently to massage and bodywork and it’s best if you keep an open mind to how you might feel once you get home. 

What you might notice after your session…

Generally most feel extremely relaxed and it’s not uncommon to want to go home and straight to bed for some rest.  The most typical after-effects experienced are; relaxation, increased energy, less stress, improvement of range of motion and flexibility, decreased pain and more restful sleep.  Some soreness or tenderness can be expected following a deep tissue or trigger point session.  This is normal and is usually only noticeable if you touch the area similar to pushing on a bruise, but not felt during normal movement. It can last for several days. There are times that one may experience a headache following a session and this can be due to several factors such as toxicity and dehydration.  If you are not a water drinker, this is a good time to increase the amount as it helps the body to move out the toxins and waste products that have been stirred up during the massage.  It gives your body a good flush and helps you get the greatest results from your session. Since massage and bodywork directly affects the lymphatic system of the body, it can help to flush out the toxins from the system.  If you feel a headache coming on, it often means you are detoxing and flushing quicker than you are drinking water.  Just increase your intake to resolve this in most cases.  Also be aware that there can be emotional releases following a massage or energy session.  This can manifest as crying, laughing, anger, etc. as you are releasing stored emotions or past traumas from the soft tissues of the body.  Let yourself experience this and be aware of thoughts and emotions as you work to consciously release them from the body. 

Suggestions for home…

• Drink as much water as you can stand for the day of and day following your session
• Take an Epsom salts bath to help continue the effects of the session (excludes diabetics and people with heart and circulatory issues).  Consult your therapist or physician if you have any questions or concerns.  Directions are to use an entire 2 quart carton per bath for the best effects.  Soak for 20 minutes in a warm/hot bath.  This is excellent before bedtime to calm.  Drink water while soaking.
• Listen to your body and be aware of how you feel following.  If you are tired then rest and relax.  If you feel energized get out and enjoy.
• Ice is your friend.  For areas of deep work and potential soreness following a bodywork session, ice is excellent for calming and to help ease soreness. Use for 20 minutes through a towel.
• Try breathing or relaxation visualization techniques.  A good technique to try is to lie comfortably on the bed, slowly inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.  Find your rhythm for a few breaths and then, starting at your head, with each exhalation, visualize a different muscle group or part of the body letting go and sinking into the bed.  Begin at the head and slowly work, with each breath, a different muscle group as you progress towards your feet. Often people fall asleep before they get to the feet.  This is an excellent way to gain greater body-awareness of where you hold tension (even when you think you are relaxed).