After a massage, you might wonder how long it will take to feel the full benefits. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of massage, your body’s response, and your overall health.
Immediately after a massage, you may feel relaxed, with a sense of calm spreading through your body. This initial relief can be almost instant, especially if the massage is focused on reducing stress or relieving tension.
However, it’s also common to experience some soreness or fatigue right after, particularly if the massage was deep tissue or aimed at working out knots and tight muscles. This soreness is temporary and usually fades within 24 to 48 hours.
As your body adjusts, you’ll likely start to notice more profound benefits. For many people, the full effects of a massage, such as reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, and decreased pain, become most apparent within one to three days.
During this period, your body continues to heal and respond to the treatment. Drinking plenty of water, resting, and avoiding strenuous activities can help you maximize these benefits.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain or muscle tightness, you may need multiple sessions before experiencing long-lasting relief. In these cases, regular massages can build on each other, gradually improving your overall well-being and reducing discomfort over time.
Everyone’s body reacts differently, so listen to what yours is telling you. If soreness persists beyond a couple of days or if you experience unexpected discomfort, consider reaching out to your massage therapist for advice. They can adjust future sessions to better meet your needs and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.
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