After Your Massage Treatment
By Sarah Zadorsky RMT
You’ve just had a blissful hour with your registered massage therapist. You’re feeling relaxed, what next? At the end of a treatment, I like to mention a few simple steps patients can take to help that feeling last a little bit longer.
Take your time getting up from the table after your massage.
Some people may experience feeling light-headed or dizzy if they get up too quickly after laying down for their treatment. Your blood pressure and body temperature lower as your body relaxes during your massage treatment. “Postural Hypotension” or that dizzy-light-headed feeling occurs as your body tries too quickly to regulate itself after a massage.
Drink plenty of water.
Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent lingering fatigue and can help to relieve headaches. It is recommended that individuals drink eight 8-oz glasses of water per day.
Follow your treatment with an epsom salt bath.
It’s normal to feel some soreness after a massage. During your massage, muscles that you may not normally use may be stimulated, resulting in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) which is a physical response to the inflammation as your body heals. The Mayo Clinic recommends adults use 2 cups of epsom salt per gallon of warm water. Soak for at least 15 minutes to relax muscles and relieve stiffness.
Lastly, take it easy.
If possible, try to schedule your massage so that you’re able to keep your activity level low following your treatment.
What can I do next time?
Each patient is unique. Though there are certainly common areas in the body that your registered massage therapist may predict to need attention, what you may find most beneficial (pressure, focus, etc.) will be different from anyone else. Your RMT welcomes any feedback that will help you to get the most out of your treatment. Communicate with your RMT before, during and after your treatment what you found or would find effective for your next treatment.
What to do after a massage?
1.Take your time getting up from the table after your massage.
2.Drink plenty of water.
3.Take it easy.
Webmd.com, healthline.com, Mayoclinic, bodymindinstitute.com
The above is an informative summary written by Sarah Zadorskyl, Registered Massage Therapist, who is The Director of the Registered Massage Therapy team at Compass Rose Wellness, just west of London, Ontario. Sarah’s clients include men, women, infants and children at Compass Rose Wellness Inc in Komoka, ON. Sarah has always been drawn to caring and compassionate roles. After completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Western, she obtained her diploma in massage therapy and has continued to take courses to further her education focusing on Perinatal and Paediatric Massage Therapy. Women’s health and pediatric care continue to be a core of her practice interest. She enjoys running Infant massage workshops to help wee babies and their parents with the right tools that can help soothe a fussy baby. She is currently a Registered Massage Therapist in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario as well as a member of the Registered Massage Therapy Association of Ontario. Sarah works closely with Paulette O’Neil RMT, who specializes in hot stone massage and is known for her skills in foot and leg massage. She also works closely with Lindsey Cherrett, RMT, who does a lot of prenatal massages as well sees men, women and children ages 8 years plus.