After your massage you may notice profound changes in your body and mind. Here are some things that have helped many people get the most form their massage.
Drink extra water. During a massage circulation is improved, which helps flush irritating waste products from stressed muscles and other tissues. Drinking water helps whole body function including circulation and kidneys, which are both involved with relieving the body of waste products. Drinking extra water also seems to help reduce soreness and fatigue after a massage.
Take it easy after your massage. Rest if you feel the need. If you can, take a nap or get in bed early. If you haven't been sleeping well, massage may relax you enough that you will want to turn in and catch up.
If the focus of your massage is on a particular injury or body part, remember to stretch, ice, or apply heat to that area, you may also want incorporate gentle movement, such as walking, sometime in the hours after your massage to mildly encourage your muscles to work in a balanced and efficient way.
In the event some soreness occurs after a massage you may want to stretch gently in a hot shower or take a warm bath with Epsom salts. And remember to tell your massage therapist about your experience so it can be taken into consideration in your next session and always communicate your goals for the massage and how you feel about the pressure being used during your service.