Is Massage Therapy Helpful After Workouts or Physical Activity? Learn How It Supports the Body
Engaging in regular physical activity or structured workouts may leave your muscles feeling tight, sore, or fatigued. Massage therapy is one approach that may support the body’s natural recovery process after exercise. This hands-on technique involves applying pressure to soft tissues, which may encourage circulation, ease muscle stiffness, and promote overall comfort. Post-Workout Muscle Fatigue and Soreness After workouts, it’s common to experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which typically appears 24 to 72 hours after activity. This soreness may affect your ability to move comfortably. Massage therapy may help reduce tension in overworked areas and ease the feeling of muscle tightness. While it doesn’t replace rest or hydration, it may complement recovery when used alongside a balanced routine. Circulation and Relaxation Support Physical activity increases blood flow, and massage therapy may continue to support circulation during the recovery period. Improved circu...