Should I go to the gym after my treatment? Is a run OK? Will I be sore tomorrow?
Common questions. When we’re working together, I use a variety of strategies to help your body integrate the proposed changes and prevent adverse post-treatment reactions. But what can you do once you leave my office?
Take it easy. Don’t rush off to do a strenuous cardio workout or heavy weight-lifting session. Give yourself a break for a few days. Listen to your body; if you’re tired take a nap or go to bed a bit earlier.
Go for a walk. Your body needs to move. Walking aids circulation, helping to nourish your cells and eliminate toxins. It maintains joint mobility and strengthens postural muscles too.
Drink lots of water. Add a little lemon if you want to jazz it up. Like walking, water helps promote blood and lymphatic fluid flow to aid the healing process. Staying well hydrated helps prevent headaches and fatigue.
Soak in a nice warm bath. Epsom (magnesium) salts or essential oils (lavender is a popular choice) are a bonus. It will help relax your muscles and your mind. Please be sure to follow your MDs’ advice if you have any vascular or neurological conditions that restrict your use of heat.
Do your homework. The exercises (breathing, alignment, stretching) I recommend help you integrate the work we have done to help you heal.
Allow time for your body to process the therapeutic input and make it’s own corrections. Don’t rush it. If you are scheduling other therapy, such as acupuncture, massage, or physiotherapy, please allow at least a week between appointments to prevent over-treatment.
Finally, take note of how you feel in the days following treatment so you can let me know at our next session. Feedback is always welcome and helps us develop a plan to get you feeling better sooner.
[…] I’ve shared this information so you can be better informed about what to expect from osteopathic treatment. “Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better” may be true, but what you do after your session can make a big difference in how your body responds. You can read my recommendations for how to help yourself in Make the Most of Your Osteopathy Treatment. […]