Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could have a massage every day of the week for self-care? 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 with these self-care tips.
1) 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.
2) Keep up the stretching
In between sessions, having a good stretch helps support the work that’s been done to relax your muscles on the treatment table and will make the effects of your massage last longer. It doesn’t matter when you fit your stretches in, as long as you make a habit of including stretching in your self-care daily routine.
Stretches shouldn’t ever hurt, so don’t overdo it. Easing into stretches gently, and holding them for at least a minute will give you better results than shorter, deeper stretches.
3) 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 have a relaxing self-care moment.
At MarisSage Remedial Therapies, we have a great selection of Herbal and Sandalwood Epsom Salts. Ask us on your next visit.
4) Heat or Cool it
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 soothe aching muscles and relieve any tightness and tension and can improve and stimulate blood flow to the area.
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 frozen veg) and wrap it in a towel to avoid cold burns. Overdone it and got sore feet? Try rolling a frozen bottle under your foot. A thick sock works well as a barrier.
You can alternate between hot and cold therapy but always leave a period in between for your body to adjust.
5) One last and very important self-care tip – Be consistent
Make your massage sessions part of your regular self-care routine. Your therapist can advise you if you need extra sessions or just maintenance care and will make sure your massage is tailored to your needs.
” Take care of your body and it takes care of you.”
- Stephen Fletcher
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