Life can be stressful at times, and getting a massage is a great way to relax from our daily hustle and bustle. But how long do massage effects last?
Given that people are different in many ways physically, the amount of time the effects of a massage last may vary from person to person.
However, most people experience the effects of a massage for a couple of days to a week, which is why you try and get a massage regularly, especially if you are suffering from certain ailments.
Let’s talk about this in more detail.
How Long Do Massage Effects Last?
The effects of a massage last differently for different people, and usually depends on their lifestyle and the type of massage they get.
For example, if you lead a stress-free life (the lucky ones), the benefits of a massage will last way longer than someone leading a stressful and hectic life.
The amount of time the effects of a massage last also depends on the quality of massage you get. If you get a massage from a reputable massage therapist, you will enjoy the benefits for many days to come.
But if you get a massage from a massage chair or massage cushion, the effects will probably last a couple of days.
However, on a brighter note, you can get a pretty good massage from a chair or cushion frequently, without paying a massage therapist for each session.
How to Make Massage Effects Last Longer?
Sadly, your massage therapy session has come to an end, but you still (and who doesn’t) want to reap the benefits of the massage as long as possible.
The good news is that you can extend the effects of your massage therapy session with the following tips and tricks.
1. Drink plenty of water
Drinking water, and lots of water after a massage is highly recommended by massage therapists for several reasons. Naturally occurring toxins that are built up in your muscles from daily wear are released into your body during a massage.
Water helps by flushing out the waste from your body’s lymphatic system, resulting in enhanced massage effects.
2. Don’t go veg!
Most people following a massage tend to feel ultra-relaxed and head for a good night’s sleep, but this is a no, no, at least not immediately!
Certain types of massages such as deep tissue massage are similar to working out, and just as such require you to cool down to relieve some post-massage soreness.
Immediately after your massage treatment, it is a good idea to go for a short walk.
Doing this will help you improve movement and flow in your body, and prevent your muscles from tightening.
If you are not up for a walk for whatever reasons, gentle stretching is your next best option.
3. Postpone your workout
This seems like a no-brainer, but there are indeed a few people who rush to the gym right after a massage or the day after.
You need to give your muscles the proper rest they need, if you want to enjoy the benefits of a massage for longer.
If you must workout, do it prior to your scheduled massage session, so you can have the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
How long the effects of a massage last depends on the type of massage, your lifestyle, and of course the quality of massage you receive.
Even though this time varies across individuals, there are a few things you can do to extend the benefits of a massage such as drinking lots of water, using a foam roller or tennis ball, and performing all the stretches and/or exercises your massage therapist gave you.
