Make the Most of Your Massage with NMN’s Before & After Treatment Advice
Before Treatment .. Drink, warm-up and chill-out
Ok, so I know you’ve been told how important it is to stay hydrated for good health, but when it comes to getting the most out of your massage, adequate hydration is crucial.
The better hydrated your whole system is, but in particular, your connective tissues, the better the outcome of your massage. This means avoiding dehydrating yourself prior to treatment as much as possible.
Warming your body prior to treatment (think heat pack, or heated seats in your car) can also help with the effectiveness of your treatment.
Why? Warming & hydrating your connective tissue makes it more pliable and more capable of binding water and becoming more elastic. Also, the warmth reduces sensitivity of pain receptors, so you will be more comfortable while on the table.
Arrive early & chill out for a bit! If you get here early you’ll be able to take some time to relax .. believe it or not, the more relaxed you are before the treatment, the more receptive your body will be to the treatment. Take some deep breaths, try on our red glasses, have a glass of water, listen to some music, lie/sit/stretch in our chill-out zone, and relax!
What about afterwards?
Following massage treatment it is quite common to notice some tenderness (as if you have been bruised), stiffness, heaviness and/or fatigue for up to 48 hours.
This reaction can be more noticeable if:
- you are new to massage treatment,
- you are relatively inactive day to day,
- your therapist has performed myofascial dry needling during your treatment.
While it is not our intention to cause you such discomfort, it is quite a normal response, and it means that the treatment has stimulated the body enough to ultimately encourage a positive change. This reaction generally lessens significantly with regular treatment.
How can you minimize this reaction & enhance your treatment?
- Follow the before treatment advice above (hydrate, warm-up, chill-out).
- Afterwards, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoiding foods/beverages that will dehydrate you.
- Do some gentle exercise (active recovery) like walking, cycling or swimming.
- Avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day, especially within 3 hours of treatment.
- Wear compression garments.
- Apply a heat or ice pack to the area – whichever gives you the greatest relief. If your therapist has a preference they will advise you accordingly.
- Use magnesium oil or have an Epsom (magnesium) salts bath. Magnesium is fantastic for easing muscle soreness and reducing muscle tightness. It often enhances the outcome of your massage!
Please talk to your therapist or contact the clinic if you have any questions or concerns. Your comfort and achievement of your goals with us at No More Niggles is of the utmost importance so if you are unhappy or feel we are not meeting your expectations please speak up.