Why don't you shower after a massage?

Getting a massage can be a great way to reduce muscle tension, relaxation and improve overall wellness. But before and after your treatment, should you shower? Let’s take a look at why you shouldn’t shower after a massage.

Most experienced massage therapists agree that it’s best to shower before your massage session. Getting rid of perspiration, chlorine and other pollutants that are on your body can help your massage therapist to perform the treatment in the most effective way. Having a shower prior to the massage can help to loosen your muscles and make them more receptive to the manipulation techniques that your therapist is going to use. This can also make you feel more comfortable and relaxed during the massage.

What Happens if You shower After a Massage?

It may surprise you to know that the opposite is true when it comes to taking a shower after a massage. Whether you’re receiving an aromatherapy massage, oil massage or reflexology, you should not cleanse yourself right after the massage. The surface of your skin can end up with increased blood circulation and if you shower too quickly afterwards, this can lead to congestions on the skin surface.

When to Take a Shower After a Massage

Although you shouldn’t take a shower immediately after a massage, its still a good idea to take a shower afterwards. Showering can help to relax your muscles and ease away your soreness. You should wait for your skin to become cool and dry before you shower, so that you don’t cause any irritation to your skin or itching.

Many experts recommend taking a shower after a massage, as doing so could help to reduce any muscle soreness that you may experience. Hot water could actually aggrieve the soreness and make it harder for your muscles to recover. Taking a warm shower can help to further relax and soothe your body and mind, giving you a better understanding of all the benefits you have gained from the massage.

Other Things to Consider After a Massage

A massage can make your body feel great, and if you’re feeling a little bit sore afterwards then this is completely normal. To help your body to continue to recover and reduce the soreness, make sure to take good care of yourself. Drinking lots of water to keep hydrated, having plenty of rest and engaging in gentle stretches can all help to aid your recovery.

It can also be beneficial to avoid certain activities during the hours after your massage session. Things to avoid include taking hot showers, drinking coffee and forgetting to stretch. Hot showers can cause your muscles to relax too much which can lead to even more soreness, as well as reversing all the good work that your massage therapist has done. Likewise, coffee can increase adrenal production and tension, which means it’s best to avoid this after your massage.

Conclusion

Although it is beneficial to take a warm shower after your massage session to help your muscles to relax and reduce soreness, you should wait until your skin cools and becomes dry before you do so. Furthermore, it’s also important to be mindful of what you’re doing during the hours after your massage. Try to avoid hot showers, coffee and forgetting to stretch in order to help your body to recovery as best as possible.

Getting a massage is a great way to reduce stress, tension and increase your overall wellbeing. Enjoy the after massage experience and reap all the therapeutic benefits from it.