Massage therapy works best when your body is properly hydrated. Drinking water before and after your session helps your muscles stay loose, allows your therapist to work more effectively, and supports recovery. Here is why staying hydrated makes such a big difference for your next visit to Happy Head.
As we all know, it is important to keep your body hydrated with water. But many people overlook the benefits of keeping your body extra hydrated, especially if they are going to get a massage. Lack of water in your body creates your blood to become thick which makes it harder for a therapist to wrestle out those irritating knots. Drinking plenty of water before a session is just as important as drinking lots of water after the session. Hydration for bodywork is very important.
Staying hydrated before will loosen up and lubricate joints allowing the therapist to perform deep work, manipulating muscles more easily. Massage increases circulation in the tissue being worked on, which is part of why the area often feels warmer and looser afterward. During a session, you find ultimate pleasure because a specific part of your body has been deprived of nutrients blocked out by these uncomfortable knots. When a working muscle is dehydrated, it desperately searches for a water source only allowing itself to attach to muscle tissue. It does not, however, wash anything out of your muscles — that idea is one of the most repeated claims in the industry and it does not hold up.
Your liver and kidneys handle waste removal on their own, around the clock, and they do not need hands-on assistance to do it. Being reasonably hydrated before a session is still worth doing, simply because it is easier to relax when you are not thirsty. On a daily basis, unlimited amounts of minerals absorb into our bodies and build up over time. What bodywork actually does is ease tension in the tissue and give you an hour of genuine rest, which is reason enough to book one.
When you are stressed or tense, these knots tend to form between your shoulders and your back which makes life a lot more uncomfortable. Ever wonder why the massage therapist chases you after the massage to offer you water. Well now you know. Keep yourself hydrated and the benefits of massage therapy will last much longer.
Dehydrated muscles are harder to work with and more prone to soreness after a session. When your tissues are well hydrated, they respond better to kneading and pressure, allowing your therapist to achieve deeper relief without causing unnecessary discomfort.
A good rule of thumb is to drink at least two glasses of water in the hour before your appointment. After your session, keep sipping water through the day if you feel like it — staying hydrated is a good habit generally, not a clean-up step. Many clients find they feel lighter and more energized when they follow this simple routine.
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine before your appointment is also a smart move. Both substances can dehydrate your body and make it harder for your muscles to relax during treatment. Stick to water or herbal tea for the best results.
If you tend to forget to hydrate, try setting a reminder on your phone for the morning of your scheduled appointment. This small habit can make a noticeable difference in how you feel during and after your session.
A note on hydration
Turning up hydrated mostly just makes the hour more comfortable — it is hard to switch off when you are thirsty.
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Happy Head offers affordable, professional massage at all San Diego locations. Explore the full range of benefits of massage and schedule your next appointment today.
