Can I get a massage after working out?

Author: Caleb Bartoletti  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Massage can be used after exercise to help improve recovery. Massage encourages recovery from strenuous exercise or muscular injuries. Massage improves blood flow which can assist healing to damaged and affected areas. Minor injuries and lesions can be repaired quickly and effectively.

Can I get a deep tissue massage after the gym?

Yes, getting a massage after a workout can be beneficial. Here are some advantages: Muscle Recovery: Massage can help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness by increasing blood flow and promoting the removal of metabolic waste products.

Can you work out the same day you get a massage?

“How long should I wait to exercise after a massage or bodywork session?" A. Many therapists recommend clients avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after a bodywork session. Exercising after a session can both increase muscle soreness and compromise the value of the soft-tissue work you've just received.

How long should you wait to get a massage after working out?

As far as event/sports massage goes, shoot for starting the massage 1.5 to 2 hours after you exercise, and for no longer than 60 minutes (45 is better).

Is a massage good after a workout?

New research from the Ohio State University has found that getting a massage straight after a workout can reduce muscle pain and weakness, as well as reduce the risk of swelling and inflammation. Muscles that are massaged right away will experience a 20-40% chance of recovery.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

When should you not massage a muscle?

An acute injury is a sudden, sharp, traumatic injury that causes pain. Typically the result of an impact or trauma such as a fall, strain, sprain or collision. Massage shouldn't be performed on the injured site because it encourages circulation and can increase swelling during the body's initial response to injury.

Do massages speed up muscle recovery?

The majority of research on psychological effects of massage has concluded that massage produces positive effects on recovery (psychological mechanisms). Post-exercise massage has been shown to reduce the severity of muscle soreness but massage has no effects on muscle functional loss.

What is the best time of day for a massage?

It's always better to get your massage after you have exercised. If you tend to get sleepy from a massage, you should have it as late in the day as possible so that you can just go home afterwards. If you don't want massage to take time out of your day, you can get one early in the morning.

Should I get a massage if I'm sore?

Massage can assist the healing of damaged fibers by increasing blood circulation. Increased blood circulation provides an increase of oxygen and nutrients to an area. An increase of oxygen and nutrients can help repair fibers, decreasing inflammation and pain. Massage can help reduce muscle tightness caused by DOMS.

What is the best massage for muscle growth?

Combining Both: Many bodybuilders find that a combination of both sport and deep tissue massage offers the most benefits. This approach provides the best of both worlds, addressing immediate muscle needs while also focusing on long-term muscle health and recovery.

Is it okay to workout the day before a massage?

Working out before a massage is fine. The treatment will typically help you release any strains or tension you built up during exercise. However, it's best to wait at least 24 hours after a massage before exercising, especially for deep tissue massages.

Should I shower after a massage?

While you can shower after a massage, waiting at least 2-3 hours allows your body to fully benefit from the oils. You can take a lukewarm shower (skip the hot water) a few hours after the massage. Remember to use a gentle cleanser to rinse off any excess oil, but stay away from harsh soaps and scrubbing.

How often should you get a massage?

1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.

Can you exercise the same day as a massage?

Massage and exercise are both part of a healthy lifestyle

After a massage, it is important to wait at least 24 hours before doing any strenuous exercise. Strenuous exercise includes running, weight lifting, high-intensity aerobics, power yoga and more.

What does it mean when a massage hurts?

Often, the pain associated with this type of massage comes from the release of chronic muscle tension. Sometimes, the pain comes from poor technique from the massage therapist, however. If the therapist works too deep, it can damage the tissue, which can cause the pain.

When should you avoid massage?

Tell the therapist if you have these conditions
  1. Contagious skin conditions (boils, warts, or herpes)
  2. Other skin conditions (burns, rashes, or sores)
  3. Circulatory system issues (high blood pressure, varicose veins, or stroke)
  4. Digestive system issues (ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or colitis)
  5. Edema.

What is the best massage after a workout?

Deep tissue massage is one of the most recommended types of massage for sport recovery. This technique focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It involves slow, deliberate strokes and firm pressure to target specific areas of tension and pain.

Can a massage therapist feel inflammation?

Limitations and Considerations. It's important to note that while massage therapists can detect signs that may indicate inflammation, they cannot diagnose medical conditions. Their ability to “feel” inflammation is based on the detection of physical changes in the body's tissues and the client's responses.

What is the 1st rule of massage therapy?

The first rule of massage therapy is to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. This includes creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, using proper techniques and pressure, and communicating effectively with the client to ensure that they are comfortable with the massage.

Do massage therapists like when you fall asleep?

And don't stress about offending your massage therapist. They take pride in their ability to relax their clients. In fact, a sleeping client is a sign that they are doing a great job at helping you unwind! Your massage therapist will take your snoozing as a compliment.

What should you not do before a massage?

Here are some things you should avoid doing before a full body massage:
  • Eating a heavy meal. ...
  • Drinking alcohol or caffeine, as they can both cause dehydration and reduce the benefits of the massage.
  • Wearing restrictive clothing that makes it difficult for your masseuse to access the muscles they need to work on.

How long after a workout should you get a massage?

Research has determined that the very best time to receive a sports massage is 45 minutes after your workout of the day (WOD), but that the human body also benefits greatly from massage within the first 1-24 hours post-WOD.

Under which conditions should not massage?

Here are the conditions that fall into these category;
  • Fever. Anytime you have a fever, whether from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage. ...
  • Contagious Diseases. ...
  • Blood Clots. ...
  • Pregnancy. ...
  • Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions. ...
  • Cancer. ...
  • Inflammation. ...
  • Uncontrolled Hypertension.

Why does it feel good to press on a sore spot?

This sensory nerve releases a chemical cocktail of wellness into your bloodstream. Pressing on this nerve directly triggers the release of acetylcholine. This chemical messenger not only changes the way you experience pain but also activates pathways in the brain responsible for endorphin release.

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