Should you train the day after a massage?
Whether to train the day after a massage is a common question I get asked by most athletes and fitness enthusiasts nearly everyday. Myotherapy and Deep Tissue massage are renowned for their ability to alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. However, the timing of your next workout post-massage can influence how effectively you recover and perform. In this blog Tom, a Myotherapist in Geelong will give you a quick run down to help you decide what might be best for you.
The Benefits of Massages for Athletes
Massages offer several benefits that can enhance athletic performance and recovery:
Improved Circulation: Deep Tissue massage or Myotherapy can increase blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to muscles. Post workout it can be incredibly beneficial to schedule a treatment.
Reduced Muscle Tension: By relaxing tight muscles, deep tissue massage can help prevent injuries and improve flexibility.
Enhanced Recovery: Massages can reduce muscle soreness and enhance the recovery process. Post event - Sports massage has been used by many professional athletes for decades and still is today.
Stress Relief: The relaxation benefits of a massage can lead to lower stress levels, which positively impacts overall performance.
How Massages Affect Your Muscles
After a massage, your muscles might feel looser and more relaxed. However, some types of massages, like myotherapy ,deep tissue or sports massages, can leave you feeling slightly sore or fatigued. This is because this type of treatment works deeply into muscle tissue. After 13 years of treating I generally hear clients tell me the soreness lasted no than 24-36hours.
Factors to Consider Before Training After a Massage
Type of Massage: A deep tissue or sports massage, your muscles may need more time to recover. But really this is very individual to each person. There are many factors to affect whether you train in the hours after or before a treatment.
Intensity of Workout: Opt for lighter workouts or active recovery sessions. Intense training might not be beneficial if your muscles are still recovering from the benefits of the deep tissue massage.
Your Body’s Response: Listen to your body. If you feel refreshed and energised, a workout might be beneficial. If you’re still sore or fatigued, it might be better to rest or engage in low-impact activities like stretching or yoga.
Ideal Post-Massage Activities
Light Cardio: Gentle activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can help maintain blood flow without over-stressing your muscles.
Stretching: Incorporating stretching can enhance flexibility and help your muscles recover more efficiently.
Yoga: A light yoga session can aid in muscle relaxation and improve overall mobility.
Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet to support muscle recovery.
To Train or Not to Train?
Ultimately, whether you should train the day after a massage depends on several factors including the type of massage, your body’s response, and the planned workout intensity. Here are a few guidelines to help you decide:
Gentle Massages: Light workouts are generally safe and can even enhance recovery.
Intense Massages: Consider a rest day or engage in low-impact activities to allow your muscles to recover.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel. If you’re sore or fatigued, prioritize recovery.
Incorporating deep tissue massages or myotherapy into your training regimen can be highly beneficial, but balancing them with appropriate rest and recovery is key to optimising performance and avoiding injury. Tom is a Myotherapist in Drumcondra, Geelong. Read our blog on Scheduling your pre event massage here