Is it important to rest after a massage?

Author: Paul Donnelly  |  Last update: Monday, November 17, 2025

In addition to getting plenty of rest, it is also important to make time for relaxation. This can include activities such as reading, taking a bath, or spending time in nature. Taking some time for yourself will help your body to recover from the massage and reduce stress levels.

How long should I rest after a massage?

After a massage, it's generally recommended to rest for about 15 to 30 minutes. This allows your body to continue the relaxation process and helps to enhance the benefits of the massage. Staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activities for the rest of the day can also be beneficial.

What shouldn't you do after a massage?

We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.
  1. Not Drinking Enough Water. ...
  2. Take A Shower Immediately. ...
  3. Taking Hot Shower. ...
  4. Eating A Large Meal. ...
  5. Drinking Coffee. ...
  6. Drinking Alcohol. ...
  7. Doing Strenuous Exercise or Activities. ...
  8. Stressing Yourself Out.

Is it OK to go out after a massage?

Try to avoid doing any strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after your massage. This includes things like working out, yard work, or housework. Taking a nap or just relaxing on the couch with a good book are great ways to spend some time after a massage. Number four is not using heat or ice after a massage.

Does pain mean a massage is working?

Massage can hurt, and the level of discomfort will have a story to tell about current tissue condition. However, whether it hurts to receive deep tissue massage, or not is not an indicator of the effectiveness of treatment. The following paragraphs explain scenarios why massage does not need to feel painful.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

Is it good if a massage hurts?

It's important to know that it isn't unusual to feel a degree of discomfort during the massage itself. The whole point of this treatment is to break up muscle tension, adhesions and scar tissue that often lie in deeper musculature, so your therapist will likely be applying a good deal of pressure.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.

Why do they say not to 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.

Why does pressing on sore muscles feel good?

The chemical release caused by rubbing the skin plays a significant role in easing your pain. When the therapist places pressure on your skin, it stimulates the vagus nerve. This sensory nerve releases a chemical cocktail of wellness into your bloodstream.

Should you sleep after a 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.

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.

How often should you get massages?

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 am I so tired after a massage?

Sleepiness after a massage is due to reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels, which shift the body from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest” mode.

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.

How long should a massage session last?

Massage Therapy Session

Depending on your needs, the massage therapist will massage either the full body (except private areas) or only specific areas that need attention, such as especially tight muscles. Remember to breathe normally. Table massage usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.

How to remove massage oil from body?

Use a dry towel to wipe down your body first, then use dawn dish soap with lukewarm water, then dry off.

Why does pressing on knots feel good?

When you massage a knot, it often feels like you are stretching a rope or taffy which is stuck in your muscle tissues. This may be a result of increased blood flow to the site of tension, but it also may be due to the relaxation of the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles (called fascia).

Can you massage a sore muscle too much?

Massage therapy is a great way to recuperate from injuries faster and can be vital for helping athletes reach peak physical fitness when playing sports. However, too much manipulation of sensitive areas and injured muscles is actually detrimental to the body's natural recovery process.

Why do neck massages feel so good?

A neck massage can increase relaxation by relieving pain and increasing positive hormones. Pain can be caused by injury, muscular fatigue and muscle overuse. A neck massage reduces pain by encouraging an increase in blood flow. Blood flow is increased as a result of friction created between the skin and fingers.

What are the do's and don'ts after a massage?

DON'T Do Anything Strenuous

But for the rest of the day after your massage, it's best to take it easy. Listen to your body. If you feel like sleeping, take a nap. Curl up and read a book, soak in the hot tub, or enjoy a warm beverage and watch the sunset.

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.

Why do you need the toilet after a massage?

First off, massages are dehydrating. 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.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

Poor Communication and Boundary Setting. A professional massage therapist should communicate clearly about the massage process and respect your boundaries. Be wary of therapists who are vague or pushy about undressing. As Mikki noted, “If they're trying to brush past anything or be very quick, that's a red flag.

What is the disadvantage of deep tissue massage?

Let's start with the most common side effect: bruising and soreness. When you're on the receiving end of a deep tissue massage, your therapist is applying intense pressure to reach those deeper muscle layers. This pressure can sometimes cause small tears in the blood vessels beneath your skin, leading to bruising.

Who needs massage the most?

10 Signs You Need Massage Therapy
  • #1 If you're undergoing training. ...
  • #2 Suffering from headaches. ...
  • #3 Not getting enough sleep. ...
  • #4 Have issues with blood circulation. ...
  • #5 If you have any scarred tissue. ...
  • #6 Feeling pain in the neck. ...
  • #7 Unable to get the entire range of motion. ...
  • #8 If you feel that you are under a lot of pressure.

Previous article
Why don't I feel sore after working out?
Next article
What is the morning ritual to lose weight?