Preliminary and Post Massage Practices

 

Optimizing your pre-and post-massage sessions by utilizing steam, Jacuzzi, and baths elongates the effectiveness of the treatments and helps relax the muscles pre-session, and lessens the soreness post-treatment. But when do you use each of these tools in your self-care routine? The following is a general rule of thumb:

Steam 10-15 Minutes Before a Massage Session.

Warm steam loosens muscles and warms the tissues so your therapist can get deeper into the muscles faster. This way, there is maximum warming and softening of the skin and tissues before the deep work begins. Without steam, the friction of the massage therapist's hands works softly at first to melt and warm the muscles to be released and then frees up stuck, achy spots when the dense, cold tissue can move more easily. This also reduces the soreness of the massage the next day.

Take to the Jacuzzi or a Bath with Epsom Salts for 15-30 Minutes After a Massage Session.

The buoyancy of the water relaxes the muscles even further since they do not have to fight gravity. The gentle heat of the water will relax and soothe the muscles to another level. The massage therapist works on a macro level, releasing tight spots and stuck-together tissues, whereas the hydrotherapy of a bath works on a micro level. Ideally, 2-3 cups of Epsom salts in a bath will be the most effective. You can add in a few drops of your favorite essential oils or bubble bath to personalize your soaking time if you wish.

Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate salts that enter the bloodstream transdermally to relax the fibers and spindles, creating muscle tissue that works on a micro level. This is like a tiny little fairy giving you a secondary massage calming and relaxing tissues, and setting in the reparative work to not revert from the session.

This has been a massage minute. See you on the table soon!