Self-Care After Your Massage

Taking care of your body after a massage is essential to maintain its benefits and support muscle recovery. Here are some helpful tips and recommendations to keep your muscles healthy and relaxed.

Woman hydrating with water after working out.

Tips for Maintaining Your Massage:

• Hydration is Essential: Support your recovery by drinking water along with electrolytes to restore balance, reduce fatigue, and help your muscles function at their best.

• Epsom Salt Baths: Relieve aching muscles and joints by enjoying a warm bath with Epsom salt. Directions: Add 1 cup of Epsom salts to a tub of hot water and soak for 20 minutes. A good option is to add ten drops of essential oil of your choice to the Epsom salts.

• Hot or Cold Therapy: Use hot or cold packs to relieve tension. Use cold packs within 24 hours of an injury or if muscles are inflamed. Apply cold packs for no longer than 30 minutes. Heat may be used for up to a hour.

• Redlight or Infrared Therapy: These gentle, non-invasive therapies use light wavelengths to promote healing.

• Limit Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption after your massage, as it can hinder the body’s healing process.

• Rest: Give your body time to recover. Quality rest is essential for repairing muscles and tissues.

• Meditation & Breathwork: Calming your mind supports your body’s healing process. Even 5 to 10 minutes of meditation or focused breathing can reduce stress, improve circulation, and help your muscles stay relaxed longer after massage.

• Stretch Regularly: Stretch in the morning and evening, and take mini stretch breaks throughout the day, especially if you have a sedentary job. Partnering with a “stretch buddy” can help deepen stretches and keep you motivated. Foam rollers are also excellent tools for releasing tight muscles.

• Use Massage Tools: Tools like a Thera Cane, The Knobble, or a rubber ball can help release trigger points. These are available at most sporting goods stores or online.

• Topical Relief: Products like Relief Cream and Last Touching Analgesic cream can reduce discomfort, while Arnica gel helps with bruising, swelling, and stiffness. For inflammation, ibuprofen is commonly suggested, but alternatives like Relief Cream, Arnica gel, or apple cider vinegar are options for those who prefer to avoid medications.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: This natural remedy may help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after a massage or workout. It can also reduce water retention, inflammation, and metabolic waste. Mix 1–2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 8 oz of water, optionally adding 1 teaspoon of organic honey. Drink once in the morning and once in the evening. Recommendation: Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

• Schedule Regular Massages: Consistent sessions help prevent trigger points and reduce negative muscle memory formations.

Woman taking a Epsom Salt bath with essential oils in the comfort of her home after a massage session.

Self-care is an ongoing journey. By listening to your body, staying consistent with healthy habits, and receiving regular massage, you’re giving yourself the gift of healing and balance. When you feel ready, I’ll be here to support you in your next step toward wellness.

Important Note: Massage therapy is not a substitute for medical care. Your massage therapist cannot diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. Recommendations on products or techniques are for general wellness purposes only. Please consult your physician for medical concerns.

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