By Stephen Clynick, Registered Massage Therapist

As all of my patients know, and future ones will find out, I love to recommend hydrotherapy and hydration following a massage therapy session.  I have always tried to explain why both are necessary following a massage, specifically a deep tissue therapeutic massage.  But sometimes leaving a massage is more like floating a cloud and information given during and after treatments may slip through the cracks. This article will be a brief synopsis on the benefits of hydrotherapy and hydration.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is defined as the use of water, hot or cold and in this case would be following a therapeutic massage.  There are many options we can use to achieve the necessary results however, I will be focusing on some of the basic applications that I recommend which include ice packs, hot packs and hot baths.

Whether it's hot or cold or a combination of both, using these tools alongside drinking plenty of water will make the effects of a great massage longer lasting and more enjoyable.  Our body is made up of mainly water and we need it to survive.  A great massage can always be made better, if we just follow these simple tips.