9 Ways to Relieve Soreness after a Massage

It is normal to feel a little sore after a massage. The technique transports blood and nutrients to your muscles while also removing toxins. You may experience delayed onset muscle soreness after stimulating muscles that you do not normally use. As your body heals, this is a physical response to the inflammation.

This can happen if your muscles aren’t used to being massaged or if you have lactic acidosis, which is a lactic acid buildup in your body. Similarly to how your body adapts to exercise, your muscles require time to adjust to being manipulated in specific ways.

You may experience inflammation and soreness in areas that need healing. If you have neck pain after a massage, for example, it can be a sign that you carry a lot of tension in that area. You may have limited flexibility and mobility in your neck due to working at a desk or bending forward repeatedly.

If you haven’t had a massage recently or if it’s your first one, it’s more likely that you will feel sore afterwards. Your body will create muscle memory if you have frequent massages, so aim to be regular with your sessions when possible.

9 ways to relieve soreness after a massage

Usually, any post-massage soreness will subside within a day or so. In the meantime, there are several ways to relieve soreness:

1. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water before and after your massage. This helps flush away toxins or acids that come to the surface during your massage.

Avoid alcoholic, sugary, and caffeinated drinks. Along with water, opt for healthy options such as coconut water, fresh fruit or vegetable juice, or herbal teas.

2. After massage, stretch it out

Following your after massage, do a few gentle stretches on your own. This helps release muscle tension, improve flexibility, and improve circulation. It’s also a great way to tune into your body, alleviate stress, and quiet your mind.

3. Warm your body with heat therapy

Warm your body up to promote relaxation. Take a hot shower or go to the sauna. Add baking soda or Epsom salt to a bath and soak for up to 30 minutes. You can also use a heating pad or hot rice bag on any painful areas for up to 15 minutes at a time.

4. Consider essential oils

After a massage, you can also use essential oils for pain relief. Add a few drops to your bath or shower or use a diffuser. Or, it’s also best to combine essential oils with a carrier oil for topical application or to use in a compress.

5. Use tropical treatment

Applying a muscle rub or CBD lotion is also a great way to administer self-massage a few times per day. You can spend a few minutes applying the ointment while giving yourself a mini-massage in the process.

6. Relieve soreness with herbal relief

There are several herbs that may stimulate muscle relaxation and reduce inflammation. You can take them as a capsule, tincture, or tea.

Some herbal options include: turmeric, clove, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne.

7. Rest after massage

Take time to rest and recharge. If you can, build in time to rest after your massage. Elevate your feet and legs with pillows and take some time to listen to your favorite music, read a book, or sleep.

8. Relax and do some meditation

Lie on a cushioned mat or bed and listen to a mindfulness recording. This could take the form of a guided meditation, a body scan, or yoga nidra. Check in with your body and notice where you can release tension.

9. Go for cold therapy

Use an ice pack on any painful areas for 15 minutes at a time a few times per day. Or, take an ice bath to relieve inflammation, alleviate soreness, and boost blood flow. To target a small area of the body, you can use a small container of ice.

If you’re looking for a massage centre that provides you with the best massage services with the best prices, Winston Hills Herbal and Massage Centre is your right place.