How important is a massage after working out?

If you’re like most of us, once the workout’s done, it's straight to a protein shake and whatever’s next on the to-do list. But here’s something a lot of people sleep on: getting a massage after a workout can be a total game-changer for your recovery — and your overall results.

- Working Out Breaks You Down (In a Good Way)

When you lift weights, run, or even crush a solid bodyweight session, you're literally creating tiny micro-tears in your muscles.
That's not a bad thing — it’s how you get stronger.
But how you recover matters just as much as how hard you train.

Skipping recovery? That's when soreness lingers, muscles tighten up, and progress slows way down.

- How a Massage Helps After Your Workout

1. Boosts Blood Flow
   Massage gets your blood moving, which brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. That speeds up healing and helps flush out waste like lactic acid (the stuff that makes you feel sore and stiff).

2. Reduces Muscle Soreness
   A good massage right after a workout can seriously cut down on DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). You know that two-day-after-leg-day limp? Massage can make it way less brutal.

3. Improves Flexibility
   Tight muscles = less mobility. Massage helps keep your muscles loose and flexible, which can even lower your risk of injuries during your next session.

4. Speeds Up Recovery
   The faster your body bounces back, the sooner you can get back to training at 100%.
   Massage is like hitting the "fast forward" button on recovery without needing a full day off.

5. Relaxes Your Mind
   Let’s be real — working out is physical, but it’s mental too.
   Massage helps lower cortisol (your stress hormone) and can make you feel calmer, more centered, and just overall better.

- So When’s the Best Time to Get a Massage?

• Right after a workout: Light recovery massages (like sports massage or even self-massage with a foam roller - https://amzn.to/3Sch1Ye ) can start the recovery process immediately.

• A few hours later: If you can’t hit the massage table right after, even getting one later that day or the next morning can help big time.

Pro tip:
It doesn’t have to be a full hour-long session every time. Even 10–15 minutes targeting the muscles you hit hardest can make a difference.

Looking for a great recovery tool? Check this massage gun out! https://amzn.to/4lVCnXK

What to do when experiencing pain

Listen if you are experiencing any type of pain or discomfort, you are not alone.

I am currently in my 20s and still experience back pains after a work out . one of the main reasons for any pain but specifically back pain is terrible form. 9 out of 10 times any pain after working out is caused by bad form especially with squats, deadlifts, rows, and overhead presses. Keep your core tight, spine neutral, and don’t ego-lift just to move heavier weight.

• WARM UPS

Also dont expect to feel less pain if you keep your muscles stiff,

Get your body warm before you load it — even 5 minutes of dynamic moves (like leg swings, bodyweight squats, planks) can prime your back and core to handle the work. Your hips, hamstrings, glutes, and mid-back ALL affect how your lower back feels.
Tight hips or tight hamstrings pull on your spine without you even realizing it.

• if the back pain continues i would recommend you check this ProsourceFit Acupressure - https://amzn.to/42H02C8

- Bottom Line

Recovery is part of training.
Adding massage into your post-workout routine isn’t just for pro athletes or people training for marathons — it’s for anyone who wants to feel better, move better, and stay consistent.

Train hard. Recover smarter. Stay in motion.