8 Post-Massage Tips to Keep the Relaxation Going
You just stepped off the massage table feeling amazing. Now what?
The benefits of a great massage don’t end when you leave the room. What you do after your session can make all the difference in how long your relief lasts. From proper hydration to gentle movement, small habits can help you stay energized between sessions and thrive throughout your day.
Let’s break down 8 massage care tips to get the most out of your time at PRESS.
How We Chose the Top 8 Post-Massage Care Tips
Since 2008, the science-backed clinical massage at PRESS has helped tens of thousands of New Yorkers reduce stress and feel less pain. We believe massage is a powerful tool for long-term health, and we’ve spent nearly two decades refining our craft. Here, we prioritized strategies that maximize the impact of your session based on these criteria:
Optimized Recovery
Following these tips isn’t just about feeling good today. It’s about keeping your body in peak condition for weeks to come. These habits help you move better, sleep deeper, and recover faster, ensuring each session improves your health and well-being.
Easy to Implement
No complicated routines or expensive equipment needed – just simple, effective practices that fit into your daily life, whether you’re heading back to work, winding down for the evening, or squeezing in self-care between commitments.
Tailored for All Lifestyles
Recovery looks different for everyone. Some clients need stress relief, others are focused on pain management, and others seek pregnancy support. We selected strategies designed to adapt to your specific needs and goals.
Expert Insights
We gathered input from massage therapists, wellness experts, and healthcare providers to identify perks that amplify massage's benefits. Their professional advice allowed us to categorize and rank the most effective post-massage practices.
Whole-Body Approach
Massage can positively influence your nervous system, circulation, and overall well-being. That’s why we included a mix of mindful relaxation techniques to support holistic balance.
With these care tips, you’ll relax, maintain peak mobility, and feel the benefits long after your session ends. Let’s dive in.
Top 8 After Massage Care Tips
1. Hydrate
Massage increases circulation and flushes out metabolic waste from your muscles. Drinking plenty of water post-session helps your body process these byproducts efficiently and prevents dehydration-related soreness.
Thirty minutes after your massage, grab a full glass of water and sip it down – keep going throughout the day. Massages cleanse waste and minerals from your muscles, including electrolytes like sodium and potassium, that help you stay balanced. Replenish them with electrolyte-rich picks like coconut water or herbal teas – perfect for restoring what your body’s worked hard to release.
2. Eat to Fuel Your Recovery
Your body just had a powerful reset. Nourish it properly. Massage ramps up circulation, flushing out tension and waking up your muscles. They need nutrients to repair, rebuild, and keep that loose, limber feeling going strong. Feed them well to seal in the benefits.
To aid muscle repair, opt for lean proteins, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory foods (think salmon, nuts, leafy greens, and berries). Avoid heavy, processed, or sugary foods that could slow digestion and leave you feeling sluggish.
3. Rest and Rejuvenate
A massage flips your nervous system into relaxation mode, unknotting muscles, easing pain, and boosting mobility – all that time, money, and energy you just invested. Don’t undo it by diving straight into stress. Give yourself 30 to 60 minutes to lock in the good stuff – sit with a book, nap, or scribble some thoughts. Stay warm, too; sip a cozy, caffeine-free drink like herbal tea. Protect that loose, limber feeling instead of letting tension creep back in.
4. Gentle Movement and Stretching
Going full couch potato after a massage lets tightness sneak back into your muscles, undoing all that loosening work. Gentle movement keeps them supple and wards off stiffness. Try light yoga, a slow stroll, or dynamic stretches – especially for the spots your therapist kneaded – to maintain that fresh, limber feel. The reason for this is simple: It boosts blood flow and stops tension from resettling. Hold off on intense stuff like heavy lifting or a sweaty spin class for 24 hours – pushing too soon can re-tighten everything you just paid to relax.
5. Take a Warm Bath
A warm soak can extend muscle relaxation, improve circulation, and reduce any lingering soreness. Just be mindful of the water temperature. Scorching heat can dehydrate you, so keep it comfortably warm.
Looking for something to add to your bath? A few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil can do wonders to calm the mind. Additionally, Epsom salts support magnesium absorption, which aids in muscle recovery.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Deep Breathing
Massage relieves physical tension, but stress has a way of creeping back in. A few minutes of mindfulness can prolong that post-massage calm.
Simple techniques like box breathing—inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, repeat – can calm your nervous system and keep a sense of serenity intact. A body scan meditation, where you check how each muscle group feels, can reinforce awareness and relaxation. Setting an intention to carry this sense of peace into the rest of your day makes the benefits last even longer.
7. Give Screens a Break
Constant screen time can undo the relaxation you just gained in an instant. The blue light exposure, hunched posture, and a flood of notifications can spike tension and strain your nervous system.
Turning on Do Not Disturb mode for at least an hour after a massage gives your mind and body time to reset fully. Instead of doom scrolling, swap your phone for something restorative, like reading, journaling, or strolling through your local park. Using this time to unplug allows you to fully disconnect from social media and connect with your body instead.
8. Plan Ahead
Think of massage like exercise: Consistency produces serious results. If you wait until tension builds up again, you’re always playing catch-up.
Stay on track by booking your next session before you leave PRESS. Treating massage like any other essential health appointment will help keep your body in great shape and feel like a natural extension of your schedule. A massage package makes it even easier to commit, giving you a structured, cost-effective way to prioritize self-care. With a 10-pack, you’ll receive a 10% discount – that’s basically one massage for free!
The Importance of Consistency in Massage Therapy
Massage should be part of a routine, not an occasional fix. What you do before your appointment can be just as important as what you do after. Here are some of our top recommendations:
How to Prep for Your PRESS
A little preparation goes a long way to get the most out of your massage.
Hydrate Beforehand: Always drink plenty of water before and after your session. We recommend incorporating more hydration throughout your day rather than chugging a ton of water at once, especially right before your massage.
Eat a Light Snack: A small, nutrient-dense meal a few hours prior is a good idea. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and probiotic-rich foods are all excellent choices.
Come As You Are: Wear office gear, PJs, or whatever’s on. There’s no need to change; your everyday work clothes are just fine. Staying in what you’ve got keeps you free to move and signals your body to unwind for the day.
Arrive Early: Give yourself 5 minutes to decompress before your session starts.
Communicate With Your Therapist: We are proud to have a team of the top licensed massage therapists in NYC. They are here to listen to your areas of concern, pressure preferences, and goals. Inform your therapist about any medical conditions or anything else you feel is essential to the session, and feel free to ask questions.
Check With Your Insurance: If you have an HSA or FSA, you can use it to cover your massage. Contacting your insurance provider about eligibility lets you be prepared the moment you walk in the door. We are more than happy to provide insurance-friendly receipts upon request.
Specify if You Are Pregnant: Soon-to-be mothers need to be matched with a Prenatal Certified Therapist, so please let us know beforehand so we can give you the best care possible. If you’re scheduling a surprise appointment for your partner or a friend who is expecting, notify us upon booking the reservation or schedule a PRESS Pregnancy massage.
Post-massage care shouldn’t be an afterthought – it’s the key to reducing stress and tension. The more intentional you are before and after your session, the better your results will be.
A Sample Post-Massage Schedule
How do you weave these aftercare tips into your day? Here’s what a tremendous post-massage schedule could look like:
11:00 AM: PRESS Reset. Your PRESS massage just ended. Gradually sip on a full glass of water before heading out.
12:00 PM/Noon: Light Movement. Go for a brief walk or stretch to keep your muscles loose.
3:00 PM: Nourish Your Body. Have a protein-rich meal with healthy fats to support muscle recovery.
5:00 PM: Digital Detox. Take a 20-minute screen-free break with a book or do a deep breathing exercise.
7:00 PM: Warm Soak. Soak in an Epsom salt bath, preferably without your phone accompanying you.
9:00 PM: Unwind and Reflect. Practice mindfulness or gratitude journaling to reset mentally.
10:00 PM: Sleep Like a Baby. Massage improves sleep quality. Allow yourself plenty of time for a restful night of rejuvenating sleep.
Ready to keep self-care on your calendar? PRESS makes it easy with Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Union Square, and Columbus Circle locations open from 10 am to 10 PM, 7 days a week. Plus, our flexible package deals keep you in peak condition – not just today, but every day. Book your next session now to feel like yourself but without the tension.
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Frequently Asked Questions About After Massage Care
What are the signs of overexertion after a massage?
After a massage, your body might still be processing the physical adjustments made during the session. Signs of overexertion can include fatigue, dizziness, muscle soreness, or even headaches. It's essential to listen to your body and rest if you notice any of these symptoms. Take it easy, hydrate well, and avoid any strenuous activities right after your massage.
Can I go back to work immediately after a massage?
This largely depends on your work environment and personal preference. While some people feel rejuvenated enough to return to work immediately, others might benefit from some downtime to fully embrace a massage's relaxation. If your job is intense, consider scheduling your massage session later in the day or during a break when you can afford additional time to unwind.
Why might I feel sore after a massage?
Feeling sore after a massage is not uncommon, especially if deep tissue techniques are involved. As PRESS focuses on targeted therapy to relieve deep-set tension, it’s akin to a strenuous workout for your muscles. The soreness can result from the muscles releasing knots and adjusting to the new-found flexibility, which is a positive sign. Ensure you stay hydrated and gently stretch to ease any discomfort.
How long should I wait to drink alcohol after a massage?
Given that massages can enhance circulation and potentially have a detoxifying effect, it’s recommended to wait at least a few hours before consuming alcohol. After all, the benefits of the massage may be counteracted by alcohol’s dehydrating properties. Instead, water and herbal teas are your best post-massage companions!
Is it normal to feel emotional after a massage?
Absolutely. Massage therapy can sometimes release stored emotions, especially those that drill down into physical and emotional knots like you’ll find at PRESS. The practice encourages a mind-body connection; pent-up emotions like sadness or frustration might surface. Embrace the process and remember that this is your body’s way of healing and resolving deeper stressors.
Should I use heat or ice after a massage?
Whether to use heat or ice often depends on your preference and any specific recommendations from your massage therapist. Ice can help reduce inflammation if you’re feeling sore, while heat can further relax the muscles and enhance blood flow. At PRESS, our therapists might suggest icing followed by gentle, warm compresses to support ongoing comfort and relief.
