If you’re considering taking Tylenol after a massage, it’s important to understand what Tylenol is and how it can affect your body.
Here is a closer look at this common pain medication and whether it’s safe to take after a massage.
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What is Tylenol?
Tylenol is the brand name for acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer.
It is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, muscle aches, and toothaches.
Tylenol is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription and as such a lot of people use it to help manage mild pain.
It’s not uncommon to feel sore after a massage, so if you’re used to taking Tylenol to help relieve pain, I’m sure you’re considering taking some.
Related – Here is what to know about vomiting and having an upset stomach after a massage.
Can I Take Tylenol After a Massage?
It is generally safe to take Tylenol after a massage, as long as you follow the recommended dosage instructions on the package.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that Tylenol is a pain reliever and is not meant to treat the underlying cause of the pain.
If you’re feeling sore after a massage, it’s important to understand that this is a normal and expected part of the process to some extent.
Massage can cause inflammation in the muscles, which can lead to soreness. This is usually temporary and should resolve on its own within a few days.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain or discomfort after a massage, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider or massage therapist.
They can help to determine the cause of the pain and suggest appropriate treatment options.
A massage shouldn’t be causing you pain to the point where you want to take Tylenol or some other painkiller.
So, it’s a red flag to me that there is something else going on that needs to be addressed.
What Helps with Pain After a Massage?
If you’re feeling sore after a massage, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the pain:
- Drink plenty of water: Massage can cause your body to release toxins and excess fluid, and drinking water can help to flush these out of your system. Aim for at least 8-12 cups of water per day, and try to drink a glass of water before and after your massage to help replenish any fluids lost during the massage.
- Take a warm bath or shower: Warm water can help to relax sore muscles and promote blood flow. Try adding Epsom salt or essential oils to your bath or shower to enhance the soothing effects.
- Apply heat to the affected area: Heat can help to relax sore muscles and improve circulation. Try using a heating pad, warm compress, or hot water bottle to apply heat to the affected area.
- Get plenty of rest: It’s important to give your body time to rest and recover after a massage. Try to get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activity for a few days after your massage.
How Long Should I Rest After a Massage?
It’s generally a good idea to rest for a few hours after a massage to allow your body time to relax and recover.
If you’re feeling particularly sore or tired, you may want to take the rest of the day off and relax at home.
If you’re planning to do any physical activity after your massage, it’s a good idea to start with some gentle stretching or low-impact exercise.
This can help to loosen up your muscles and improve circulation without putting too much strain on your body.
At the end of the day, there are a number of factors that will determine how long you should rest for after a massage.
Listen to your body and take the time you need to properly recover.
Related – Here is why you might have cold-like symptoms after a massage!
In Conclusion
I hope this blog post has answered your question and provided you with some helpful information about taking Tylenol after a massage.
Remember, it’s generally safe to take Tylenol after a massage as long as you follow the recommended dosage instructions.
However, if you’re experiencing chronic pain or discomfort after a massage, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider or massage therapist for further guidance as this is not normal.
Image credits – Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.