What To Do Before, During And After Massage

Before

• Scheduling an appointment

Timing is everything when you are scheduling your massage. Massage can either stimulate or calm the nervous system, so decide what it is you are looking for. If you are wanting an invigorating massage you should try to schedule it in the morning or during the day. If you are wanting to relax after your massage you should schedule it when you have nothing else planned the rest of the day and can go home to rest and relax. Or schedule it for early evening when the stress of the day is behind you. 

Are you planning on fitting in a workout? If so, plan accordingly. Make sure you workout before your massage and allow yourself enough time to go home and shower before your appointment. 

• Don't eat a huge meal

Massage draws blood to your extremities and throughout your whole body. Since the digestive system needs blood to digest food it is better to wait until after your massage to eat. If you do need to eat, grab a light snack and eat 30 minutes before your scheduled massage. 

• Be specific

What type of massage are you looking for? Make sure tell your therapist what your expectations are and what areas you need addressed. If you don't know the type of massage you are wanting, consult with your therapist and they will be able to help you out. 

During

• Breathe

Breathing is essential in massage. Not only does breathing help in calming the nervous system it also allows the muscles to become oxygenated, therefore causing them to relax. This will help release tension in the body.

• Communicate

Don't be afraid to tell your therapist if the pressure is too light or too deep. You want to be able to relax your muscles and take deep breaths when deep pressure is applied so the muscles will be able to release. 

• Listen to your Body

Now is a great time to feel what is happening to your body. You can feel which muscles are tight in your body, what areas hurt and which areas feel loose and relaxed. Listen to what your body is telling you. 

After

• Drink Water

When you have a tight muscle or constricted tissue it also constricts blood flow to the area. This causes a backup of toxins and waste that cannot be properly excreted. Working the muscles and surrounding tissues gets fluid pumping out of the tissues and into the circulatory system as well as the lymphatic system. This helps to move the waste towards the kidneys. By drinking water you are helping these toxins flush out of the body through urinating.  

How much water should you drink?

You should drink half your body weight in ounces every day. So if you weigh 150 pounds you would need to drink 75 oz of water. That equals about 9 (8 oz) glasses a day. I recommend adding an extra 8 oz glass after your massage.

• Rest

Your body needs time to recover. This doesn't mean to have a nap right after! Just take it easy. Your muscles are in recover mode so doing some nice light motions, like walking or stretching, will help increase movement and flow in the body and prevent the muscles from tightening. 

• Stretch

Stretching helps lengthen soft tissues and realign the muscle fibers. Keeping them nice and mobile. It also improves recovery and reduces post massage muscle pain. Your therapist should be able to give you some stretches that will help the areas they have worked.

• Eat

Now is the time to eat a nice meal. Since your massage has just increased your circulation it has also stimulated your digestive system making it the optimum time to eat. Just as you are working on eliminating toxins make sure you are eating clean and staying away from overly processed foods. This will further help to flush out the waste in your body.

Now that you have have read some good tips on what to do to prepare for your massage call 801-889-8784 today to schedule your Salt Lake City, Ut massage!