Is it better to take a hot or cold shower after a massage?

Author: Santos Leuschke  |  Last update: Monday, January 12, 2026

Directly after a massage, your skin may be more sensitive due to increased circulation and manipulation of the tissues. Hot water and harsh soaps can potentially irritate the skin, so if you choose to shower, it may be advisable to use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free products.

Should I take a hot or cold shower after a massage?

Shower before and shower after massage is to be avoided because the difference in temperatures raised in the body after massage will affect your health; cold water followed by hot massage( body gets heated up if massage is done effectively) or heated body due to massage contacting water may result in cold or fever.

What happens if you don't shower after a massage?

Myth 3: You cannot shower after a massage

It will not reverse the benefits of massage nor cause too much blood circulation. Showering after massage is a personal preference, not a health risk. The exception is if you've had a skin treatment massaged into your skin.

What is the best way to recover from a deep tissue massage?

Get a good night's rest. While you're sleeping, your muscles are able to recover from the stress of the massage and efficiently utilize the nutrients that are being provided by the increased blood flow. Aim for a minimum of 6 hours. Schedule a follow-up appointment.

Is it better to get a massage before or after a hot shower?

Take a warm shower

First, the warm water will begin allowing your mind and body to relax making it more open to receiving massage. By cleaning your body prior to a massage, you can also mitigate some personal hygiene insecurities, if you have any, plus it is greatly appreciated by your massage therapist.

What Happens To Body After 30 Days Cold Showers (Science Explained)

Is a hot bath good after a deep tissue massage?

Once you are ready to take your shower, opting for warm or even cold water is best, especially if you are suffering from a muscle injury. Hot water can increase inflammation, therefore increasing pain. Hot water is also likely to strip your skin of both natural oils and massage oils, drying you out.

How to get the most out of massage?

10 tips to get the most from your massage
  1. Remember to breathe normally. ...
  2. Relax your muscles and your mind. ...
  3. Drink extra water after your massage.
  4. Don't get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. ...
  5. Be prepared to schedule several massage sessions.

How long does it take to feel better after a deep tissue massage?

The soreness usually peaks after 24 hours, like it would after any other workout. Most of the DOMS will be gone after 48 hours, but it could even last longer than that.

What not to drink after a massage?

Drinking alcohol can actually dehydrate your body and make you feel worse after a massage. Alcohol also inhibits the body's natural ability to heal, so it's best to avoid it altogether. If you do decide to drink alcohol after a massage, be sure to drink plenty of water as well to stay hydrated.

Why do my lower legs hurt when massaged?

The most common reason for pain during massage is the wrong pressure. While your masseuse might think they're applying the right amount of pressure, you may feel too much. This is very typical when having a deep tissue massage because it is a type of massage that requires intense pressure to massage the tissue.

Why do you have to go to the bathroom after a massage?

Kneading and working muscle gets fluid pumping out of the soft tissue and into your circulatory system, where it heads toward your kidneys. That's why many people have to pee right after a massage. (Naumann Carlstrom says some of her clients can't get up from the table fast enough.)

How to remove oil from body after massage?

Removal of Excess Oil

Massage oils and lotions can leave your skin feeling greasy. Showering after your session can help remove excess oil, preventing any potential skin irritations or blemishes, especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin.

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.

Why masseuse burp when massaging?

It's possible that a masseuse burps because he or she receives the effect of the massage itself. “I mean, masseuses use their energy when applying pressures. So maybe, since they're using their own hands, and the therapy oils, there's a stimulation on their palms.

Is it better to ice or heat after massage?

Applying ice packs (wrapped in a towel or washcloth to protect your skin) or a heating pad to the sore areas can encourage increased blood flow and reduce discomfort. Heat therapy helps relax tense muscles and can relieve stiffness, while cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and numb the area.

Why can't you shower after deep tissue massage?

After a massage, your body is in a state of relaxation and recovery, and the massage oils applied to your skin continue to nourish it. Taking a hot bath immediately could strip away these benefits. Generally, it's recommended to wait at least two to three hours after a massage before taking a bath.

Why am I so tired after a deep tissue massage?

Feeling fatigue after a massage is a common and normal reaction. Massages influence blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate, resulting in feelings of tiredness.

Is a hot bath good after a massage?

Take a nice hot shower or bath.

Heat increases blood flow in your body and assists with relaxation of muscles. Feel free to add some essential oils (lavender is always an excellent option), Epsom salts, candles and calming music to take your bath to the next level in relaxation.

Should I wash my face after a massage?

In order to get the most out of your treatment, ensure you do the following after your facial massage: Do not wash your face or apply any skincare products for 12 hours. To minimise dryness, skip out on any 'active' products for 3 days after.

Can massage therapists feel knots?

In conclusion, yes, massage therapists can indeed feel knots in your muscles. Through their extensive training and experience, they have honed their ability to detect areas of tension and release them effectively.

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.

Are deep tissue massages worth it?

Deep tissue massage can be a great way to improve your health and well-being. With regular massages, you'll be able to experience the many benefits of deep tissue massage, including reducing inflammation, improving posture, and reducing chronic muscle pain.

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.

Why do I go to the bathroom so much after a massage?

Massage relaxes the tension, releasing the circulatory pathways and allowing nitrogenous metabolic waste to dump into the system. Drinking provides your kidneys with the water they need to effectively eliminate the newly liberated waste. So, once again, it comes back to pee.

How much should I tip for a 60 minute massage?

Many people tip around 15-20% of the massage cost.

This range is a good starting point and is commonly accepted across different settings: at-home or mobile therapists, franchise spas or clinics, or an individual massage therapist. If you're unsure, it's always a safe bet to stick within this range.

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