Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could have a massage every day of the week? Sadly, most of us do not have the time or the money to indulge in quite such a regular massage routine, but we can make the most of our massage treatments by taking care of ourselves in between massages.
First rule – drink water!
There is a reason why I give you a refreshing glass of water after a treatment; it is to help hydrate your body and keep your muscles relaxed. Water is great for your skin and your muscles, plus staying hydrated can help to prevent headaches.
Keep up the stretching
It is a very common problem, but there is a very simple solution…if you are one of the many people who feel achy and tight 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 has been done to relax your muscles on the massage couch.
Fit your stretches into your daily routine at a time that is most suitable for you. The important thing to remember is to make a habit of it. Ease into stretches gently and hold them for 45-60 seconds.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salt baths are great for keeping any muscle aches, soreness and stiff joints at bay – they contain magnesium which is also good for relieving stress. So if you need relief in between your massage treatments add Epsom salts to your bath as directed and relax. Another option to soak away tension is to add some aromatherapy oils.
Heat 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 soothe aching muscles and relieve any tightness and tension. Heat can also improve and stimulate blood flow to the area. Try a heat pad, hot water bottle 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 are unsure, or are in serious pain, speak to your GP).
For severe pain and/or swelling, take a cold pack (or you can use a frozen bottle of water, or frozen vegetables in a bag) and wrap it in a towel to avoid cold burns. If you are using a frozen bottle as a cold pack, a thick sock works well as a barrier. If you have been overdoing it and have sore feet, try rolling the frozen bottle under your foot.
One last and very important tip...
Make your massage sessions part of your regular self-care routine.
After every massage treatment I discuss with my clients where areas of tension are prevalent. It may be that you need 3 or 4 weekly sessions initially to work on a particular issue, or just regular 4-6 weekly maintenance care. Whatever the required frequency, your treatment will always be tailored to your needs.