Aftercare
For optimal results, be sure to follow our massage aftercare advice
Massage is so much more than just a luxurious indulgence; it’s a therapeutic experience that offers a multitude of benefits for your body and mind.
After your revitalising massage session here at The Body Wellness Clinic, it’s essential to pay attention to our massage aftercare tips to prolong the positive effects, minimise potential side effects, and enhance your overall well-being.
What to expect from a visit to The Body Wellness Clinic
Before we dive into our massage aftercare advice, let’s paint a picture of the serene experience awaiting you at the Body Wellness Clinic. Skilled hands will melt away stress and tension, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and calm.
You can look forward to reduced muscle soreness, improved circulation, and increased flexibility, providing relief from chronic pain and discomfort.
As if that wasn’t enough, the benefits don’t end there. Following your session, you can also expect to experience:
An elevated mood and a sense of emotional well-being
Massage therapy extends its benefits beyond physical relief, positively impacting mood and emotional well-being. By reducing stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increasing the production of mood-boosting endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, massage promotes a profound sense of relaxation and contentment.
Improved circulation, deep relaxation, and better sleep quality further contribute to an uplifted mood and a renewed outlook on life. Regular visits to a skilled massage therapist can provide a continuous source of emotional rejuvenation, enhancing overall well-being and promoting a harmonious balance of body and mind.
A relaxed body and mind and improved sleep quality
Massage therapy facilitates improved sleep by engaging in a multifaceted process. Firstly, it increases serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter crucial for sleep regulation and the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for inducing sleep.
Secondly, massage stimulates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation responses throughout the body, including lower heart rate, reduced blood pressure, relaxed muscles, and decreased cortisol levels.
By alleviating hyperarousal and promoting deep relaxation, massage therapy helps individuals break the cycle of stress and tension, enabling them to achieve better sleep quality and combat insomnia.
Reduced cortisol levels and extra endorphins
In addition, massage therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and promote the release of endorphins, naturally reducing stress and anxiety. However, recent research indicates that the impact of massage therapy on cortisol is minimal and not statistically significant in most cases.
This suggests that other unidentified causal mechanisms contribute to the well-established and significant benefits of massage therapy in alleviating anxiety, depression, and pain.
Now, let’s get into the massage aftercare advice!
Our favourite massage aftercare tips
To maximise the benefits of your session, we offer the following massage aftercare advice:
Hydration is key
Drink lots of water to assist your body in flushing out toxins released during the massage. Staying hydrated not only promotes overall health, but post-massage, it aids in muscle recovery and can prevent the onset of headaches.
Get plenty of rest
Allow your body time to assimilate the therapeutic effects of the massage. Take the opportunity to rest, relax, and engage in activities that promote tranquillity.
Take it easy
Avoid strenuous physical activities, such as intense exercise or heavy lifting, for at least 24 hours after your massage. Engaging in heavyweight training immediately after your massage can significantly delay the efficacy of the massage and diminish the wonderful benefits you received.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
One of the most important massage aftercare tips is to abstain from alcohol and caffeine for at least 12 hours due to their dehydrating effects. Alcohol impairs cognitive function, while caffeine hinders relaxation. Alcohol intensifies the negative effects of massage, numbs the senses, and worsens hangover symptoms. Caffeine counteracts the body’s detoxification process during a massage.
Choose hydrating options such as water or herbal tea instead. If you desire coffee, wait a few hours to rehydrate and fully experience the benefits of the massage.
Eat a light and nutritious meal
Don’t overeat after your massage session. Instead, opt for light and nutritious meals. Avoid processed sugars and carb-heavy foods, as they can interfere with your sense of wellness. Choosing wholesome and nourishing options will support your body in its recovery process.
Keep the good vibes flowing
The best way to keep the amazing after-effects of a massage going is to be looking forward to your next appointment. Be sure to book your next visit at The Body Wellness Clinic for the ultimate massage aftercare.
Aromatherapy massage aftercare
After experiencing an aromatherapy massage, there are some additional massage aftercare tips. Firstly, it is important to allow the oils to fully penetrate your skin and reach your bloodstream. To ensure optimal absorption, refrain from showering or bathing for a period of eight hours following the massage. This allows the oils to continue their beneficial effects.
After an aromatherapy massage, you may be sensitive to strong scents. It is advisable to avoid heavily fragranced products, such as perfumes or colognes, for a few hours following the massage.
Additionally, if specific oils have been used during the massage, it is advisable to avoid sunbathing or using sunbeds for the next 24 hours. Certain oils can increase photosensitivity and may potentially cause the skin to burn when exposed to the sun.
Possible side effects to keep in mind
While massage generally has minimal side effects, it is important to be aware of the following:
Temporary soreness
You may experience mild muscle soreness, particularly after deep tissue work. This discomfort usually subsides within 24-48 hours, leaving you feeling revitalised.
Fatigue
A feeling of relaxation and sleepiness is common after a massage. Listen to your body and allow yourself to rest if needed.
Increased visits to the toilet
Massage stimulates the release of toxins, which can lead to increased urination. This process is completely natural and aids in eliminating waste from your body.
We can’t wait to have you back at the Body Wellness Clinic
To keep that post-massage feeling and embrace ongoing wellness, be sure to book your next massage session at The Body Wellness Clinic. Anticipating your next treatment will contribute to a sense of well-being and self-care.
If you have any questions about massage aftercare or you’d like to discuss a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
treatments
your wellbeing journey starts here
If your looking for treatment for an existing injury like a sports massage or a relaxing aromatherapy massage in Hemel Hempstead, were here to help you.
Reviews
what do our clients say?
We pride ourselves on the quality of our treatments, and the level of care we show our clients. Your wellbeing is our primary goal – here are a few reviews about the treatments some of our clients have received from The Body Wellness Clinic.
Karen B
Top Massage in Hemel Hempstead and Hertfordshire itself!! Matt is the only one I go to for a massage… Read More
Ben H
Great massage from Matt – been going a few times and every time is great, highly recommend… Read More
Sally Hale
I would highly recommend booking a massage with Matt. He made me feel at ease and the room was… Read More