Water: The Unsung Hero of Recovery

Have you been told by your Chiropractor to drink adequate water after a session? 

Especially if dry needling, acupuncture, shockwave therapy or chiropractic adjustments are performed. There’s a good reason for it!

Hydration plays an important role in how your muscles, joints, and connective tissues recover after treatment. While it won’t magically fix aches and pains overnight, it helps your body function at its best and supports the work we’ve done during your appointment.

At MYo Lab, we often tell patients that water is crucial in your recovery, aiming for ~half of your body weight in ounces. 

How Much of the Human Body Is Made Up of Water?

About 60% of the adult human body is made up of water.

Your muscles are ~75% water, your brain is ~73% water, and even your bones contain water. Every cell in your body relies on hydration to transport nutrients, remove waste products, and support normal function.

When you’re hydrated, your body can move, recover, and perform more efficiently.

What Happens to Muscles When You’re Dehydrated?

Dehydrated muscles don’t work as well as hydrated ones.

When your body doesn’t have enough water, muscles can become tighter, less flexible, and more prone to cramping. You may also notice increased soreness, fatigue, or stiffness.

This can be especially noticeable after a chiropractic adjustment or exercise rehab session when your muscles have been challenged or encouraged to move differently, especially when changing compensation habits.

Think about how you feel after a long day walking around downtown Calgary in the summer without drinking enough water.

Your whole body feels it.

Your muscles do too.

How Does Water Affect Your Joints?

Water helps keep your joints moving smoothly.

The cartilage that cushions your joints contains a significant amount of water and acts as a shock absorber during movement. When you’re dehydrated, that cushioning system may not function as efficiently, which can contribute to feelings of stiffness and discomfort.

Healthy joints depend on healthy hydration.

That’s one reason why staying hydrated is important if you’re dealing with back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, or general mobility concerns.

Why Should You Drink Water After Chiropractic Treatment?

During treatment, we’re often working to improve movement, reduce tension, and restore normal function within muscles and joints.

Hydration supports these processes by helping circulation, delivering nutrients to tissues, and assisting your body’s natural recovery mechanisms.

While water isn’t a replacement for treatment, it can help support the positive changes your body is making following your session.

It’s one of the simplest recovery tools available that doesn’t take more time out of a busy schedule.

And it’s free!

How Much Water Should You Drink After Treatment?

Everyone’s needs are different, but most adults should aim for approximately 2–3 litres of water per day.

If you’ve exercised, spent time outdoors paddleboarding or hiking, attended a hot yoga class, or had a hands-on treatment session, you will benefit from drinking a little more.

A simple way to check your hydration status is to pay attention to your thirst levels and urine colour. Pale yellow generally indicates good hydration. If you’re feeling thirsty, your body is already dehydrated.

What’s the Takeaway?

Whether you’ve just finished a chiropractic adjustment, massage therapy appointment, or exercise rehab session, don’t overlook the importance of hydration.

Water helps support muscle function, joint mobility, circulation, and recovery.

The next time you leave the clinic, grab your water bottle and take a few extra sips.

Your body will thank you for it!

Book your chiropractic appointment here to see how your body is moving and how chiropractic care can help you move and feel your best to reach goals you didn’t know were possible!

Written and Fact-Checked by Dr. Shelly Bouvier