Water After Massage… What’s The Big Deal?

Quite simply, water is important.

Your muscles are 70% water.
Your brain is 85% water.
Water is essential for nutrient absorption, chemical reactions, and proper digestion. It is also used for circulation in the body, joint and cartilage lubrication, temperature regulation, and metabolism.
Dehydration can cause symptoms such as, but not limited to: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, confusion, headaches, and muscles aches.

So what’s the fuss with your Massage Therapist always offering water after massage?

Massages are dehydrating. 
Muscle kneading and working muscle tissue stimulates fluid to be pumped out from the soft tissue, into the circulatory system, and toward the kidneys.  If you’ve ever gotten up from your massage and couldn’t get to the bathroom fast enough that’s because massage has stimulated your circulatory system and your kidneys are filtering waste.  You have to replenish that lost water by increasing your water intake!
Your kidneys help to filter metabolic waste.  Some of this waste is produced from your daily muscular functions. However, when your muscles are “tight” or you have a significant “knot” circulation is inhibited in these areas and your body’s ability to flush out this waste is more difficult.  Massage promotes muscular relaxation allowing for improved circulation and metabolic waste to be dumped into the system.  Drinking water allows your kidneys to effectively eliminate the newly liberated waste.

Feel better faster.
Following massage, you may feel relaxed, renewed, and possibly a bit fuzzy, tired, or occasionally sore.  Because massage can cause dehydration it’s important you drink water following your session in order to prevent headaches, promote muscle recovery, and increase energy.

Massage is a great way to remind yourself and validate your worth taking care of.  It’s also a great addition to your health care regime to speed your recovery process and decrease the amount of time you’re in pain.

Be sure you’re getting the most out of your massage treatment by drinking plenty of water before and after your session!