← Library
Relaxation · 4 min · Gentle
What to Do After a Massage
Read the article ↗Why I recommend it
From Cleveland Clinic: why you can feel a bit worse before you feel better after a massage, and what actually helps.
Guidance
- Drink water before and after your session — hydration keeps muscles supple and helps soreness pass faster.
- Keep moving gently: a short walk, light stretching or easy yoga beats the couch.
- A warm bath or shower eases tight muscles. A wrapped ice pack or a heating pad works on a spot that's still tender.
- Skip hard workouts until the soreness settles — your muscles are still absorbing the session.
- Speak up if anything hurts. Soreness that hangs on past a couple of days is worth a call.
- Stop if anything causes pain or feels wrong.
Was this helpful?
Related
video · 15 min
Relaxing Full Body Stretching Routine — SeatedFrom Ask Doctor Jo (PT, DPT): a chair-based follow-along covering the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs.
RelaxationGentle
video · 12 min
Sleep Better Tonight! Nighttime Stretching Routine for RelaxationFrom Tone and Tighten (physical therapist): an evening stretching session to unwind and release muscle tension.
RelaxationGentle
video · 10 min
Struggling to Sleep? Try These Relaxing Bedtime StretchesFrom Ask Doctor Jo (PT, DPT): gentle bedtime stretching for winding down before sleep.
RelaxationGentle
