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What to Do After a Deep Tissue Massage?

Learn important tips on what to do after a deep tissue massage to sweeten recovery and relaxation.

By Ravi Kumar Published about a year ago 4 min read
What to Do After a Deep Tissue Massage?
Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash

An ideal massage technique is deep tissue massage, which has many benefits associated with it, especially if the said massage is done for a long time at regular intervals. This is ultimately the way to make the most of all these benefits. Regular sessions will eventually relieve chronic stress and improve general health.

What to do after a deep tissue massage? Powerful follow-up activities are built into the framework of homecare. With this feeling of tenderness, do not worry, as nothing out of the ordinary has happened.

Drink water and marine gel packs; use heat; and stretch the muscles very gently for some pain relief. But, never feel any other kind of sharp or stabbing pain immediately after the massage. If this is happening, report to your health practitioner for some strategies to adjust future sessions.

If you are in Scottsdale, Sitback is the best place to find a top spa in Scottsdale for the best spa services in Scottsdale. Sitback is an online spa marketplace that offers high-end spa services in Scottsdale and connects visitors with skilled therapists who can customize any of them, especially deep tissue massage in Scottsdale.

For even better results and a body that feels at its peak, practice some form of aftercare.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a massage technique used to treat muscle and skeletal problems, including strains and sports injuries. Pressure is maintained and worked in very slow strokes to affect the deepest layers of muscle and connective tissue. Massage works to break down scar tissue that forms after an injury and can reduce tension in muscles and tissues.

This therapy has a positive effect on faster recovery and helps in improving circulation along with reducing swelling.

Benefits of deep tissue massage include:

  • Relief of stress
  • Reduction of pain
  • Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
  • Breaks down scar tissue and makes movement easier
  • Restores injured muscles
  • Reduces symptoms of arthritis

Immediate Steps to Take After a Deep Tissue Massage

After a deep tissue massage session, your body begins its healing process, and proper care plays a key role in helping you recover fully and enjoy all the benefits of the treatment.

Here are the immediate steps to take:

1. Stay hydrated

One of the most important steps after a deep tissue massage is to drink plenty of water. Massage therapy stimulates blood flow and helps flush out pollutants trapped in muscle and connective tissue.

Staying hydrated helps your body flush out those pollutants, promoting recovery and reducing post-massage soreness. Don't consume alcohol after your session, as it can dehydrate you and reduce the benefits of the massage.

2. Rest and relax

Your body needs time to adjust after the deep stress of a deep tissue massage. Give yourself some physical rest by taking a break from strenuous workouts or other high-energy activities.

Overexerting yourself too quickly can increase muscle pain or tension, so resting is important to reduce stress and induce muscle recovery.

3. Take a warm bath

Soaking in warm water, or perhaps even better, taking a bath with Epsom salts, can help ease pain and relax troubled muscles. The combination of heat remedy and magnesium in Epsom salts supports deep relaxation and helps reduce infection. A warm bath is especially helpful if you are feeling sore after a massage session.

4. Gentle movement

Gentle stretches or light exercise, as well as walking, can improve blood flow and reduce muscle stiffness. Avoid intense exercise immediately after the consultation, as your muscles need time to recover from the deep pressure applied during the massage. Gentle movement can also help reduce pain and prevent muscle imbalances from developing.

What to Do After a Deep Tissue Massage?

To ensure that you enjoy the full benefits of your deep tissue massage session, it is equally important to avoid certain activities that may hinder your recovery or increase pain after a massage.

Here’s what to steer clear of:

1. Not Getting Hydrated

Not drinking water after a massage can slow the healing process and increase muscle tension. Proper hydration is important to flush out toxins released during the consultation period and maintain better blood flow. Be sure to stay hydrated to promote relaxation and muscle healing.

2. Eating heavy meals

Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish and uncomfortable, preventing you from fully enjoying the physical relaxation you did during your massage. Instead, choose light meals or nutritious items like lean protein, fruits, and vegetables to nourish your body without putting unnecessary strain on your digestion.

3. Strenuous workouts

Doing strenuous workouts, including weightlifting or serious cardio, immediately after a massage can put stress on your muscles and increase the chance of injury.

Allow your body to recover before returning to physical activity. Light exercise, such as walking or yoga, is a better option to maintain blood flow without overdoing it.

4. Ignoring symptoms of acute pain

While it is common to feel soreness after a deep tissue massage, extreme pain or discomfort should not be ignored. If you experience extreme pain or unusual symptoms, be sure to seek help from a doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. Your massage therapist can also tell if your reaction is normal or needs further evaluation.

5. Drinking alcohol

Alcohol dehydrates your body and can reduce the benefits of massage treatments. Drinking alcohol immediately after your session can increase muscle pain and slow down the recovery system. Keep drinking water or herbal tea to stay hydrated and reduce inflammation.

Conclusion: What to Do After a Deep Tissue Massage?

What to do after a deep tissue massage? It's normal to feel a little discomfort and pain after a deep tissue massage.

You can maximize the benefits of massage by following our tips and by always being honest with your therapist about any pain or discomfort you experience during a deep tissue massage.

And remember, it's important to schedule a second appointment for a deep tissue massage. Most people benefit from one massage; however, regular massage appointments can lead to significant improvement.

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About the Creator

Ravi Kumar

Tech writer specializing in software, the internet, and how-to guides. Passionate about breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand content.

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