How To Get The Most Out Of Your Massage
5 Top Tips from Cecile so that you can get the most out of your next massage treatment.
1 x Common Side Effects Post Massage
You may feel a little light headed or dizzy, tired and generally out of it after your treatment, especially if you come in with upper back and shoulder tension.
This is completely normal! Just make sure you don’t have to give a presentation for work, or make any big decisions straight after. If you do though, let me know as there is lots that can be done to ease your discomfort.
2 x Aftercare Recommendations
Hydrate! I recommend this not because it “flushes” out toxins, but because the majority of people do not drink enough fluids and dehydration has been linked to tiredness, dizziness and lower tolerance to pain, including headaches.
Rest! Sounds reasonable, but many people are keen to go for a run or straight to the gym after their massage. However, as stated above, you might not feel 100% and remember that massage might take a day or two to have full effect, so taking it easy is best.
3 x Natural Pain Killers To Have At Home
Whether you use ice or heat will depend on what type of pain you suffer from and what works for you. Both can be used together, alternate for 10 minutes each.
For ice, I use frozen peas (just make sure you don’t mistake them for the ones you eat!)
For heat, my favourite is a hot water bottle, You can also take a bath (hot or ice) or use a sauna (when we can).
Another great option is tiger balm, or as I call it - a miracle cure for all my aches and pains (almost). Headache? Tiger balm. Swollen knees? Tiger Balm. Cravings? Tig… CAKE! Please, do not eat it, it doesn’t work that way.
4 x Easy Movements To Do At Home To Keep Mobile
Low back and Hips
Knees drop side to side seated on the floor, hands behind for support. Do 20. (Picture 1).
Active kneeling hip flexors with arm reach towards the ceiling. (Kneeling, push your front knee forward as you reach towards the ceiling then back). Do 10 on each side. (Picture 2).
Mid Back and Shoulders
On all 4s with hand on neck, closing the space then opening out. Do 10 on each side. (Picture 3).
Deadbug Exercise: Follow my video on Instagram
5 x Weeks - Time to come again!
This is my usual guideline for maintenance patients.
If you adore your therapist (of course you would!) and would like weekly treatment, that’s completely fine. But if you are unsure, I recommend a massage every 4 to 6 weeks to keep on top of the tension.