Maximize the Benefits of Your Massage: Aftercare for Deeper Healing at Home

Whether you've just experienced the tension-melting power of a deep tissue massage, the calming touch of a Swedish massage, or the gentle detoxification of lymphatic drainage, what you do *after* your session is just as important as what happened on the table. Thoughtful aftercare not only helps you maintain results but can deepen the therapeutic effects and promote overall wellness.

Let’s break down the most effective ways to care for your body after massage!

Aftercare for Deep Tissue Massage: Supporting Muscle Recovery

• Hydration is critical. Drinking water helps flush out metabolic waste and supports muscle recovery. A study published in The Journal of Athletic Training confirms that rehydration improves muscle function post-exercise and massage (Casa et al., 2000).

• Apply gentle heat or red light therapy. Red light therapy has been shown to reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and accelerate muscle regeneration (Leal Junior et al., 2010).

• Epsom salt or magnesium soaks. Soaking in magnesium-rich bath salts relaxes muscles and promotes deep sleep. Magnesium plays a key role in neuromuscular function and inflammation modulation (Volpe, 2013).

• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. Let your body heal and reset—overexerting too soon can inflame recently relaxed tissues.

Aftercare for Swedish Massage: Prolonging Calm & Balance

• Prioritize restful activities. Your parasympathetic nervous system is activated—take advantage by reading, meditating, or taking a nap.

• Support emotional regulation with grounding. Walking barefoot on natural surfaces reduces inflammation and cortisol levels (Chevalier et al., 2012).

• Sip calming herbal teas. Chamomile, lemon balm, or passionflower can reinforce sedative effects on GABA neurotransmitters (Awad et al., 2007).

• Journal or reflect. Emotional release is common after Swedish massage. Take time to write or sit quietly to integrate the experience.

Aftercare for Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Boosting Detox & Immune Health

• Drink extra water for 48 hours. Hydration improves lymphatic transport and helps eliminate waste (Levick & Michel, 2010).

• Light movement helps lymph circulate. Gentle walking or rebounding supports continued lymph flow (Olszewski et al., 1991).

• Avoid alcohol and processed foods. These increase burden on the liver and lymph system. Focus on anti-inflammatory foods.

• Dry brushing daily. This mimics lymphatic massage and supports detoxification between sessions.

• Red light and PEMF therapy may support lymphatic flow and tissue repair (Wang et al., 2017).

Bonus: General Guidelines for All Massage Types

• Stay warm. Keep muscles relaxed with cozy clothing and a warm environment.

• Sleep well. Massage supports melatonin production—don’t miss the opportunity for deep rest.

• Track your symptoms. Notice how your body responds over the next 24–72 hours to help your therapist tailor future sessions.

  
  

Massage is more than a luxury—it’s a catalyst for healing. But the session doesn’t end when you leave the studio. Supporting your body at home through hydration, light movement, self-care rituals, and relaxation can amplify every benefit.

At Matrix Massage & Bodywork, we believe in treating the whole person. Ask about our wellness tools, red light therapy add-ons, or take-home magnesium soaks to continue your healing at home.

Want personalized aftercare or a wellness kit to go?

Ask your therapist after your next visit, or book online at:

www.massagebook.com/me/danelle-borglin

📍 24804 75th St., Salem, WI 53168