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How long should you rest after a sports massage?

A sports massage can be a terrific method to unwind your muscles and lower your risk of pain and injuries. In this blog, you will find out why it's crucial for your muscles to relax after a treatment and how long you should do so to get the maximum benefit.


How Long Should You Rest?


You should relax for 25 to 50 hours following a sports massage to provide time for muscle healing if you want to get the most out of it. While you shouldn't work out during this period, you can engage in easy activities like walking, swimming, and gentle yoga.


The ideal time to wait following a massage is often 24-25 hours. There are numerous reasons why this is taking place. This is a result of something called muscle recovery, which is well-known as the period of time during which the muscles mend themselves after an exercise. The procedure resembles an operation in that it breaks down the skin tissue, removes muscle fibres, transfers blood and lactic acids within, and triggers the body's natural healing process.



The benefits of taking a nap after a sports massage:


A sports massage is a good way to deal with sports injury and should be followed by at least 24 hours of rest for a number of reasons, some of which are discussed below.


  • Hazard of Injury

Your muscles and connective tissues are more malleable and soft after a massage, which raises the possibility of damage. You run the danger of straining your muscles and tissue if you engage in vigorous exercise (like weightlifting or running) shortly after a sports massage. This could cause bruising, and a loss of strength.


  • Dehydration

Your body expends more water as your muscles attempt to heal after a massage. Your risks of becoming dehydrated are enhanced as a result. You should try to limit your perspiration and give your body some time to regain its usual level of hydration. You should also drink a lot of water before and after your massage to hasten your recovery from a sports massage.


  • DOMS

The aching sensation you get after a strenuous workout is referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS are entirely normal after a sports massage because your muscles are working hard to restore themselves. You aren't allowing your muscles enough time to heal if you exercise when you have DOMS, and it may also be very uncomfortable.



How Long After a Sports Massage Do Your Muscles Still Feel Sore?


Because of the technique we employ to deliver nutrients and blood to your muscles, as we have explained, you could suffer delayed onset muscular discomfort after a sports massage. Like it would after any other workout, the soreness often peaks 24 hours following the workout. After 48 hours, most of the DOMS will be gone, although it might potentially last longer.


Can You Work Out?


You should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours following a sports massage to give your body time to heal. Running, weightlifting and climbing are examples of intense exercises. Try simple workouts like walking, swimming, and easy stretching if you want to stay active.



What Advantages Do Sports Massages Offer?


Sports massages aren't simply for injured persons or those who are already physically active. In reality, given the various advantages of massages, we could all use a sports massage now and then.


  1. Aids in the removal of metabolic waste

  2. Increased delivery of nutrients and blood

  3. Releases endorphins and encourages relaxation


Pro Tip:


Your level of activity and the outcomes you hope to attain from each session will determine how frequently you receive massages. You might wish to have a sports massage once a week if you play sports or engage in vigorous activity.

By doing so, you give your muscles a chance to unwind and can take care of any minor irritations before they become painful. Ask your physiotherapist how many sessions they would advise for a quick recovery if you have an injury.


Even if you simply engage in modest exercise once or twice a week, a massage once a month is advised to keep your body healthy. If you want to try sports massage, fit o fine physiotherapy clinic is a good place to start. Our therapists are well-trained and equipped with cutting-edge procedures to treat a wide range of illnesses, from moderate to severe.





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