Why Is Stretching Important to Get the Most Out of Our Massage Therapy

No matter what you’re about to do, stretching is always important. In order to make the most out of your massage, you have to get some stretching in. Stretching leads to a positive and relaxed mindset, especially when it is combined with massage therapy. In fact, you will have the best outcomes daily if you make stretching a part of your routine.

If you are doing a post-massage stretch, it will help alleviate the pain or any soreness that you are feeling after the therapy. Such soreness could be related to existing pain or tension in your body or the massage’s intensity. On the other hand, if you do it before the massage, you can go into your massage feeling mentally relaxed and at peace.

The Benefits of Incorporating Stretching into Massage Therapy

Here’s how incorporating stretching before or after your massage therapy can help you feel better and make the most out of your massage therapy treatments.

Better Flexibility

In order to become flexible, we would recommend stretching every single day, especially after you wake up. Therefore, it prevents the shorting and tightening of the muscles that come with aging, this will lower the risk of tension and injury as well.

Stretching Gives an Enhanced Range of Motion

Stretching before or after a massage greatly contributes to an enhanced range of motion in your joints and muscles. By engaging in a regular stretching routine, you can improve your body’s overall flexibility. Similarly, this increased flexibility allows your muscles to move more freely and efficiently during a massage session.

Better Blood Flow

You make room in your tissue to expand blood vessels when you stretch, and this increases circulation. Moreover, this boosts the flow of oxygen and improves waste removal. With a better blood flow, you can improve your energy levels, your mental health will be in check, and you will physically reduce the risk of illnesses.

3 Simple Stretches

• Forward Fold
• Knee Hold
• Cat and Cow

Is It Better to Stretch Before or After a Massage?

Stretching provides many physical and mental benefits as we mentioned above. To answer your question, it is better to stretch before the massage as this will immensely help you take advantage of the amount of benefits the massage has to offer you. If you are getting a massage for a particular reason such as sports, stretching beforehand will help you relax the muscles and improve circulation. And, this will lead to a faster recovery process.

On the other hand, when it comes to routine massages, stretching before the massage will improve your flexibility. And, you will be able to achieve the goal of massage therapy and make your muscles less prone to injury.

So, when you ask us, “Is it better to stretch before or after a massage,” we say BOTH. Both of them come with their own level of advantages, but it is highly recommended you go in the massage already getting that stretch routine in.

Stretches to Try Before Your Massage

• Back stretches
• Hamstring stretches
• Hip Flexors
• Chest