Supporting Your Body After Massage, Dry Needling, Acupuncture & Chiropractic Sessions.
In a previous blog post, we touched on an important reminder that after treatment it’s not uncommon to feel some discomfort or sensitivity. This doesn’t mean harm has been done, it’s simply part of your body’s natural healing response. Now, as promised, we’re writing about what you can do after you’ve had a session at Feel Amazing Chatswood to support your body and get the most out of your treatment.
Why Post Treatment Care Matters
Whether you’ve just had a massage, dry needling, acupuncture, or chiropractic adjustment, your body goes through a period of rebalancing. Muscles may be releasing tension, nerves may be firing, and your circulation might be increasing – all signs that your body is actively healing.
Supporting this process through good post treatment care can reduce discomfort, encourage lasting results, and enhance your overall wellbeing.
Why Might You Feel Light Headed Immediately After a Massage?
Feeling light headed after a massage, particularly a deep tissue massage, is often due to a temporary drop in blood pressure (known as postural hypotension). This can sometimes happen when getting up from the massage table.
Other factors can include dehydration, the release of lactic acid and other metabolic by products from muscles, and the increase in circulation after releasing tightness in the body.
What Can You Do if You Feel Lightheaded?
- Take your time getting off the table – don’t rush, sit up slowly, dangle your legs for a moment to get the circulation pumping, then gradually stand up
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water before, during, and after your massage
- Inform you therapist if you have a history of low blood pressure or often feel lightheaded after a massage, they can adjust their technique
- Rest if you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until it passes
Massage provides a significant amount of input to the body’s complex systems which then respond to that increased information. At Feel Amazing Chatswood, we invite you to take your time by having a seat in reception, drinking a glass of water and not rushing back to the car if driving somewhere afterwards. Doing this also allows you to bring your mind and body back to the present moment and manage the ‘spacey’ or disoriented feeling that it another sign your body is rebalancing.
General Post Treatment Tips
Regardless of the type of treatment, the following general tips can support your recovery:
- Stay hydrated – drinking water helps flush out toxins released during treatment and keeps your tissues hydrated
- Rest when you can – give your body time to absorb the benefits of the session. Avoid intense workouts or demanding tasks for at least 24 hours, if possible
- Pay attention to how you feel – it’s normal to feel a bit tired, sore, or even emotional. These reactions often subside within a day or two. Give yourself some time and space to let the process of recovery happen
- Use heat or ice (if advised) – heat can help soothe muscles, while ice reduces inflammation. Ask your practitioner for what is best in your situation
Specific Aftercare Guidelines
Massage Therapy
- Mild soreness may occur after deep tissue or remedial massage. Gentle stretching can help
- Take a warm bath (Epsom salts optional) or use a heat pack to relax muscles and enhance circulation
- Avoid alcohol right after a massage, as it can dehydrate you and counteract the detoxifying effects
Dry Needling
- Tenderness or slight bruising around needled areas is normal. Light movement can help, but avoid intense activity for 24 hours
- Apply heat (not ice) if muscles feel tight post-needling, this encourages blood flow and reduces discomfort
- Gentle stretching the next day can further release muscle tension and reactivate muscle functioning
Acupuncture
- Fatigue or light headedness may follow a session, rest is the key to recovery
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine or alcohol immediately after treatment
- Give your body space to rebalance by keeping the rest of your day calm and grounded
Chiropractic Care
- Mild soreness or a “worked out” feeling is common, especially after your first few adjustments
- Going for a 10-minute walk after your session can help the body adjust and maintain the benefit from changes for longer
- Ice packs may help if there’s localized inflammation (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off), or a heat pack can be used on sore muscles (check with Elijah if unsure)
- Maintain good posture and avoid slouching, your body is adjusting to new alignment patterns
When to Reach Out
While mild discomfort is normal, reach out to your practitioner if you experience:
- Pain that worsens over time
- Severe bruising or swelling
- Dizziness or nausea that doesn’t go away
- Any reaction that feels out of the ordinary
In Summary
Remedial massage is a treatment aimed at releasing tension, working out the knots and to help your body relax so it can function at an optimal level. Along with this increase in circulation in your muscles, it will mean improved mobility and range of motion, a decrease in pain, stress and tension and also promote a good night’s sleep.
Your body has an innate capacity for healing; it knows how to realign and rebalance. With the right aftercare, you can give it the support it needs to fully benefit from your treatment. And remember, healing isn’t always linear. Sometimes it takes a bit of time, with rest, a few gentle stretches, and some water, to let your body do what it’s meant to do.
If you have any questions about what’s normal, or what’s not after your session, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way to Feel Amazing again.