Is it better to get a massage before or after physical therapy?

Author: Mrs. Carmella Bosco  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

In most cases, the most common time to receive a massage is after a physical therapy session. By waiting, massage can help alleviate muscle soreness or tension that may result from the exercises and hands-on techniques used by the physical therapist.

Can you get a massage while doing physical therapy?

Physical therapy and massage therapy are both powerful methods for treating pain - When used together, they can help clients achieve faster and better results! There are several reasons why massage therapy is effective for anyone who is already receiving physical therapy.

What's the best time to get a massage?

The best time to get a massage is in the evening. It may be the calmest, least busy part of your day while also aligning with goals for unwinding before bed. Getting a massage in the evening is great for stress relief as well as for helping your body recover from the normal wear and tear of the day.

How soon after an injury can you massage?

In the acute stage of muscle rupture, the severed muscle may still bleed. Massage will increase bleeding and tissue damage and slow healing. After the first 48–72 hours, massage can be performed, depending on the extent of the muscle injury.

What should you not do before a massage?

  • 1. Eating a heavy meal before the massage
  • 2. Drinking alcohol or caffeine before the massage
  • 3. Being dehydrated
  • 4. Wearing jewelry or other accessories that could interfere with the massage
  • 5. Not communicating with your massage therapist about any injuries or areas of sensitivity Upvote Profile photo for Ssaamir

Why do I get sore after a massage?

Why should you not shower after a massage?

The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.

What is the most pleasurable type of massage?

The Most Relaxing Types of Massages
  • Swedish Massage. The most common type of massage therapy, Swedish massage will help to relax you with a combination of specific movements including: ...
  • Hot Stone Massage. Another very relaxing type of massage is the hot stone massage. ...
  • Chair Massage. ...
  • Aromatherapy Massage.

Is it better to get a massage before or after a PT?

According to a 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis, getting a massage after strenuous exercise can help alleviate DOMS and improve muscle performance. Previous research has also shown that post-workout massage is helpful in reducing muscle pain or soreness.

What injuries should you not massage?

Recent Injuries or Acute Trauma

In the early stages of injury, when swelling, inflammation, and acute pain are present, massage may exacerbate the problem. For example, with sprains, strains, or fractures, a massage can increase blood flow to the area, potentially causing more swelling and prolonging healing.

Does massage help injured muscles heal faster and stronger?

By increasing blood flow to injured areas, massages help bring more nutrients and oxygen to those areas so they can heal more quickly. Additionally, the manipulation provided by a skilled therapist can help reduce inflammation around the injury site, which also helps speed up recovery time.

What is the most requested massage?

Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.

Is a 30 or 60 minute massage better?

60-Minute Massage: This is the most common choice. It's long enough for the therapist to work on all your main muscle groups. It's great for a good mix of relaxation and focusing on any specific sore spots.

What is the first rule of massage?

1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.

When not to do physical therapy?

So, how do you know when to stop going to physical therapy? The decision to stop physical therapy should be one made in collaboration with your physical therapist and your physician, but 2 very different reasons it may be time to end PT include: You've reached your goals. You're not seeing progress.

When not to do a massage?

Contraindications of Massage Therapy
  • Cuts or open wounds.
  • Bruises.
  • Varicose veins.
  • Broken bones.
  • Burns.
  • Some skin conditions.

What can massage therapists tell about your body?

A therapist can tell whether you stretch or exercise and what type of activities you participate in based on the length of your muscles or tensions you may have in certain areas. Whether you drink enough water. Dry skin and underlying tissue are indicators of lack of hydration.

What part of the body should not be massaged?

Certain areas of the body should be avoided during massage if there are injuries, inflammation, or conditions such as varicose veins. Areas like the abdomen during pregnancy, broken bones, and open wounds should also not be massaged.

What areas are off limits during a massage?

These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.

What are the symptoms of detoxing after a massage?

Hydrating and resting can help alleviate these symptoms. After a massage, mild detox symptoms can occur as the body eliminates toxins. Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle soreness, and headaches due to the release of lactic acid and other waste products.

What is the best time of day to get a massage?

Specifically, for: Stress aim to schedule an evening massage as it tends to relieve the physical and mental stress accumulated during the day. Alternatively, you can also get such a stress-relieving experience from an afternoon massage (ideally after work). Muscle pain you can aim for an evening massage as well.

What is the best thing to do after physical therapy?

What Should You Do When Your Physical Therapy Ends?
  • Talk to your PT about discharge. ‍ ...
  • Create an ongoing fitness and wellness plan for your lifestyle. ‍ ...
  • Keep the lines of communication open. ‍ ...
  • Check back with your PT like you would with your primary care physician. ‍ ...
  • Stay on track with digital resources. ‍

Should I continue physical therapy if it hurts?

The point at which you begin to experience real pain is the point at which you should stop your PT regimen and consult with your therapist. Your regimen may require modification in order to achieve your goals without creating pain or causing further damage.

What type of massage is best for inflammation?

The Best Types of Massage for Inflammation
  • Swedish Massage. The Swedish massage is a classic choice for reducing inflammation. ...
  • Deep Tissue Massage. A deep-tissue massage might be more effective for deeper inflammation. ...
  • Lymphatic Drainage Massage. ...
  • Trigger Point Therapy. ...
  • Hot Stone Massage.

How do you know if a massage therapist is good?

Choosing the Right Massage Therapist

Take the time to read reviews, ask for recommendations, and look for therapists or practices that specialize in your specific needs. A professional and caring environment, like the one provided by Massage Strong, can make all the difference in your massage experience.

What body part feels the best in a massage?

The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.

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