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Massage Therapy / After Care

Massage Therapy Post Treatment Care

A few simple steps after your session help your body integrate the work and extend the benefits.

iThese are general post-treatment guidelines. Always follow the specific recommendations from your treating practitioner.

What to expect

1

Muscle soreness

A dull ache in the areas worked on typically appears 12-24 hours after treatment and resolves within 48 hours. This is similar to post-exercise soreness and is a normal sign that tissue has been worked.

2

Fatigue and drowsiness

Massage calms your nervous system down and shifts your body into rest mode. Feeling deeply relaxed, sleepy, or lightly foggy after your session is completely normal and temporary.

3

Increased thirst

Massage promotes circulation and lymphatic flow. You may feel thirstier than usual after your session — this is a normal response.

4

Temporary bruising

If deeper pressure techniques were used, mild bruising is possible in more sensitive areas. This resolves within a few days and is not a cause for concern.

What helps and what to avoid

Do this
Rest and take it easy

Your nervous system has just been calmed down. Give your body time to integrate the work. A quiet evening after your session lets the benefits settle in.

Take a warm shower or bath

Gentle warmth in the hours after treatment can extend the relaxation response and ease muscle soreness. Avoid very hot baths or extreme temperatures right after your session.

Track how you feel

Noting which areas improved and which did not helps your RMT refine the treatment plan for your next session.

Avoid this
Strenuous exercise the same day

Your muscles have been mobilized and relaxed. High-intensity training the same day can cause excessive soreness and diminish the benefit of the massage.

Alcohol on treatment day

Alcohol affects how your body responds to treatment and can increase post-session soreness. It's best avoided on the day of your session.

Very hot baths or saunas right after

Extreme heat can overstimulate already-activated circulation. A warm (not hot) shower is fine; save the sauna for another day.

Ignore unusual reactions

Mild soreness is expected. Anything more unusual, such as a rash, spreading pain, or significant bruising beyond the treated area, should be reported to your therapist promptly.

Getting the most from regular sessions

Single session

Addresses immediate tension, promotes relaxation, and improves local circulation. Relaxation benefits typically last 3-7 days; therapeutic effects for specific conditions last longer with regular care.

Every 2-4 weeks

Cumulative effect on chronic tension patterns, posture, and stress. Most patients notice the benefits lasting longer over time as the tissue responds to consistent treatment.

Weekly (therapeutic)

For specific conditions such as injury recovery, chronic pain, or tension headaches, weekly sessions build on each treatment and produce more lasting change.

Maintenance

Once therapeutic goals are achieved, monthly or bi-monthly sessions maintain results and prevent recurrence. Your RMT can recommend the right interval for your goals.

Frequency depends on your goals. Therapeutic massage for a specific condition benefits from more frequent sessions initially. Wellness and maintenance massage can be spaced further apart.

When to contact us
  • Severe or spreading rash or skin reaction (possible reaction to massage oil)
  • Unusual swelling, significant bruising, or intense pain in an area that was not heavily worked
  • Dizziness or light-headedness that does not resolve within an hour of your session
  • Any new or unexpected changes in the treated area that don't resolve within a few days — worth mentioning to your GP at your next visit

Common questions

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