Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could all have a massage twice a week? The world would be a better place. Sadly, most of us don’t have the time or the money to indulge in quite such a regular massage routine, but we can make the most of massage treatments by taking care of ourselves in between massages. Adding just a couple of techniques to your day can make a big difference.
First Rule – Drink the Water!
There’s a reason why your therapist offers you a refreshing glass of cool water after a treatment:
Hydrates your body: Keeps your muscles relaxed.
Great for your skin and muscles: Staying hydrated can even help to prevent headaches.
Prevents dehydration-related soreness: Dehydration can cause or increase soreness.
Keep Up the Stretching
Feeling achy and tight after a day at work? Stretch!
Habitual stretching: Include it in your daily routine to alleviate muscle aches and soreness.
Supports massage benefits: Helps maintain the relaxation achieved during your session.
Stretching tips:
Should never hurt – avoid overdoing it.
20 second stretching sessions absolutely count!!!
Effective when you feel it – even a small movement can be beneficial.
Easing in gently: Hold stretches for at least a minute for better results.
Ask your therapist: For specific stretches tailored to your needs.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salt baths can keep muscle aches and stiff joints at bay.
Magnesium content: Good for relieving stress.
Usage: Add Epsom salts to your bath as directed and relax to prevent soreness after a massage.
Self-Massage
Several techniques can be done at home. Remember:
Avoid pain and discomfort: Stay away from delicate areas like the spine.
Guidance: Ask your massage therapist if unsure about techniques.
Self-Massage Tips:
Broad strokes: To “warm up” the tender area.
Focused strokes: Use smaller, slower, deeper pushes to release the muscle.
Tennis balls: Great for stubborn trigger points and hard-to-reach back muscles.
7-minute video: Demonstrates the use of massage balls for muscle release.
Feeling Hot and Cold
Manage tension and injuries between massages with heat and cold therapy.
Heat Therapy:
Apply heat: Soothes aching muscles and relieves tension.
Improves blood flow: Use a heat pad or a heated damp towel (microwave in 30-second intervals).
Cold Therapy:
For injuries: Good for strains, sprains, and minor injuries.
Cold pack tips:
Wrap in a towel to avoid cold burns.
Use a frozen bottle wrapped in a thick sock for sore feet.
Alternate hot and cold therapy with a break in between (5-10 minutes each with a 15-minute break).
Regular Massage Sessions
Make massages a part of your regular self-care routine.
Prevent serious pain: Easier to prevent than to treat overwhelming pain.
Consult your therapist: They will tailor the frequency and type of massage to your needs.
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