To experience the maximum benefits of a massage, you should rest for 24-48 hours after a massage to allow time for muscle recovery. You shouldn’t workout within this timeframe, but you can partake in light exercises, such as walking, swimming, and gentle yoga.
You may experience delayed onset muscle soreness after a massage due to the technique we use that carries nutrients and blood to your muscles. The soreness usually peaks after 24 hours, like it would after any other workout. Most of the DOMS will be gone after 48 hours, but it could even last longer than that.
To ensure your body has time to recover after a deep tissue massage, you should avoid heavy workouts for at least 24 hours after the massage. Heavy workouts may include running, weightlifting, and climbing. If you want to stay active, try partaking in light exercises, such as walking, swimming, and gentle stretches. At a minimum, you should rest for at least 24 hours after your massage to ensure your muscles have plenty of time to repair themselves. Post-massage soreness is completely normal after a sports massage, and your muscles may still feel tight after 48 hours, which is a sign they are still recovering.
The frequency at which you get massages will depend on how active you are and the goals you want to achieve with your session. If your job demands a lot of sitting, standing, walking, or you are part of a sports team or partake in heavy exercise, you may want to go for a massage once a week. This ensures your muscles have the chance to relax, and any smaller niggles can be sorted before they become painful. If you have an injury, speak to your massage therapist and see how many sessions they’d recommend for a speedy recovery.