MASSAGE THERAPY AFTERCARE

31 May
2013

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The care we provide at the end of a massage session is just as important as the massage session itself. Aftercare acts as a bookend to the massage session and influences the maintenance and longevity of the massage session results.

Post-massage advice can encompass a variety of items ranging from encouraging water intake, gentle stretching, rest, self-massage, application of heat or cold and consideration of future massage appointment schedules. All of these elements help promote the treatment and assist in the healing and recovery process.

Massage Therapists should regularly review their aftercare procedure. Aftercare is not just a way to wrap up the massage session, instead due consideration should be taken to ensure that clients are well informed and able to optimally support their recovery between massage sessions. Recording any aftercare advice in the client’s notes allows you to monitor client compliance and effectiveness and is also a sensible legal measure.

Regardless of the massage style be it relaxation or remedial, water intake is universally advised as an important way to flush the toxins and waste products released from the muscles into the bloodstream during the massage session. The kidneys play a key role in excreting these toxins and increasing fluid intake assists this process. Read a previous article series about hydration and its influence on the massage session and toxin removal.

The application of ice can be very therapeutic as an adjunct to the massage treatment and as a post-massage treatment particularly in the case of recommencing massage following an acute injury such as muscle tear or sprain. Ice is a natural analgesic and decreases pain and swelling. Short term application of Ice after the massage can help control any swelling that results from the massage treatment.

On the other hand concentrated application of heat is great for postural muscles or more chronic conditions such as arthritis. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate or open thereby increasing blood flow in and out of muscles. The application of warmth to the skin, connective tissue and superficial muscles also has a comforting and analgesic effect.  Warm baths encourage heat and circulation through the body and heat packs provide a simple yet effective way to prolong the positive effects of massage and can assist in relieving muscle tension between massage sessions. Heat packs are available to purchase through our online shop.

Self-stretching techniques are a great tool for clients when used appropriately between massage treatments. Ensure you have not only demonstrated the stretch to the client, but have also observed them performing it correctly. A brochure or stretching chart the client can take home and stick on the fridge or take to work is a great reminder to motivate them to put in the time and effort to assist their body to heal in the shortest time frame. Include the number of times a stretch should be completed throughout the day and the number of repetitions within each session. Limit a stretching program to a few key and simple stretches that are specific and achievable for each client.

Self-massage is another great tool which can empower clients to relieve pain, maintain treatment results and avoid re-injury between one massage session and the next. In the case of athletes it can be great both before and after participating in the given sport if a massage therapist is not immediately available.

A period of rest also may be required following a massage as the body recuperates and becomes accustomed to changes in tension and flexibility. To avoid unnecessary re-injury remind clients to go gently immediately following their massage, even though they may feel significantly better and are often tempted to increase their activities.

Remember to consider your client’s hobbies and the requirements of their occupation when scheduling the next massage session. For example, in the case of an office worker with arm pain, you may ask them to come in on a Friday after work so you can perform some deeper work to this tender area, thereby allowing a two day window to recover over the weekend without the repetitive activity of the keyboard to re-aggravate the condition.

Aftercare advice should be tailored to each individual’s situation and incorporate some or all of the elements outlined above. Appropriate time should be allocated to conclude the massage session effectively to avoid ‘rushing’ through the aftercare discussion. 

Take the time to reflect on your aftercare procedure to ensure that you’re not only providing the best hands-on treatment plan, but also arming your clients with the tools to maintain their health and well-being between massage sessions.