Self Care Between Massages

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could have a massage every day of the week? 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.
First rule – drink the water!
There’s a reason why your therapist gives you a refreshing glass of cool water after a treatment; it’s to help hydrate your body and keep your muscles relaxed. Water is great for your skin and your muscles, plus staying hydrated can even help to prevent headaches.
Keep up the stretching.
If you are one of the many people who feel achy and tight when you rise in the morning or after a day at work, stretch! If you make a habit of including stretching in your daily routine, it will really help you with any muscle aches and soreness, and will make the effects of your massage last longer. In between sessions, having a good stretch helps support the work that’s been done to relax your muscles on the treatment table.  Check with your doctor or a fitness professional if you are new to stretching.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salt baths are great for keeping any muscle aches and stiff joints at bay – they contain magnesium which is also good for relieving stress. To prevent soreness after a massage, add Epsom salts to your bath as directed and relax.
Hot and Cold Therapy
In between massages you might start feeling that tell-tale build-up of tension – nip it in the bud with heat therapy. Applying heat can help to sooth aching muscles and relieve any tightness and tension. Heat can also improve and stimulate blood flow to the area. Try a heat pad, or heat up a damp towel in the microwave using 30 second intervals to check the temperature.

If you injure yourself in between massage sessions, try using cold therapy to numb the pain. Cold therapy is good for strains, sprains and other minor injuries (if you’re unsure, or are in serious pain, see your healthcare provider). For severe pain and/or swelling, take a cold pack or even frozen vegetables in a bag and wrap it in a towel to avoid cold burns. You can alternate between hot and cold therapy but always leave a period in between for your body to adjust.

One last and very important tip:  Make your massage sessions part of your regular self-care routine. If you’re unsure about how often you need a massage the best person to ask is your therapist. She will know if you need extra sessions or just maintenance care, and will make sure your massage is tailored to your needs.  Once a month is all most people need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

-embracelifemassage.com