Is it OK to get a massage then workout?

Author: Yadira Harber  |  Last update: Monday, April 14, 2025

“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.

Is it okay to get a massage before working out?

“If you're looking to loosen up and get your muscles ready, a lighter, more dynamic massage can be great before exercise,” Goodrich says. “It helps increase blood flow, improves flexibility, and just gets your body primed for action.

Is it good to workout after a massage?

To experience the maximum benefits of a sports massage, you should rest for 24-48 hours after a massage to allow time for muscle recovery. You shouldn't workout within this timeframe, but you can partake in light exercises, such as walking, swimming, and gentle yoga.

Can you workout the same day as a massage?

After a massage, wait about 24 hours before engaging in vigorous exercise, such as running or weight training. Exercising too soon after a massage session may impair recovery from the massage, increase soreness and inhibit the effectiveness of the soft tissue work performed during your massage.

Is it better to get a massage then gym or gym then massage?

Getting a massage before working out allows the muscles to get warmed up and stretched out. Receiving a massage after lets the body and muscles help relax a bit smoother and help with not being so sore.'' ``I would work out first, then get your massage. When you work out, your body releases lactic acid.

How Massages Can Improve Muscle Growth

How soon after a workout should I 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.

Can getting a massage after a workout effect muscle growth?

We have consistently demonstrated that although massage may impart beneficial adaptations in skeletal muscle during disuse atrophy and during recovery from atrophy, it does not cause muscle growth when applied to unperturbed, homeostatic muscle (11,12,62).

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.

Is it better to shower before or after a massage?

A warm shower after a massage can be wonderfully soothing. Since massage oils and lotions are meant to do most of their work during the massage, not after it, you don't have to skip the shower for fear of washing away skin-friendly oils.

Does Planet Fitness have HydroMassage?

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Do and don'ts after massage?

Drink extra water after your massage. Don't get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you're dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session.

How long do the effects of massage last?

The type of massage, the intensity of the massage, and the person's individual response to massage all play a role. However, in general, most people will experience the benefits of a massage for at least 24 hours after the treatment is over, but they can last an entire week for some.

Is it better to stretch before or after a massage?

Stretching before a massage is immensely beneficial to reap all the advantages a massage gives. When scheduled to receive any type of massage, stretching beforehand helps to relax the muscles and improve circulation.

When should I avoid getting a massage?

Contraindications of Massage Therapy
  1. Cuts or open wounds.
  2. Bruises.
  3. Varicose veins.
  4. Broken bones.
  5. Burns.
  6. Some skin conditions.

Is it better to do HydroMassage before or after workout?

The benefits of HydroMassage therapy after a workout seem to outweigh pre-exercise massage. If you head to the HydroMassage directly after a workout, it will aid in reducing muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, and will help speed up recovery so that you have less downtime in between exercises.

Is deep tissue massage good?

Deep tissue massage helps improve posture by addressing underlying tension and muscle imbalances in the body. It stretches and loosens tight muscles, improves joint flexibility through circulation, releases endorphins, and reduces tension and stress.

How long after a massage can I workout?

Most experts recommend waiting at least 24 hours before engaging in heavy strength training after a massage. This allows your muscles time to recover and reap the full benefits of the massage.

What not to do during a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  • Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  • Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  • Don't break wind. ...
  • Avoid talking too much. ...
  • Don't use your phone. ...
  • Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How much should I tip a massage therapist?

Standard Tip Percentage Guidelines for a Massage

A good rule of thumb for tipping in the massage industry is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost, which is the standard practice in the broader service industry.

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.

Can too much massage be bad?

Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you'll be able to determine the best frequency because your body's response is a large part of this determination.

How often do NFL players get massages?

Generally, professional athletes might receive massages anywhere from once a week to several times a week.

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

If you prioritize injury prevention, increased range of motion, and mental preparation, a pre-workout sports massage might be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you're focused on muscle recovery, relaxation, and injury rehabilitation, a post-workout massage may be more beneficial.

Do massages help with weight loss?

Experts agree that massage will not directly result in weight loss, but it can aid and support weight loss. Massage can help to reduce DOMS and improve range of motion associated with exercise, as well as promoting better sleep and reduced stress and anxiety - both of which are known to impact weight.

Why does massaging sore muscles hurt but feel good?

It Feels Good

In a sense, they do. Putting pressure onto a sore spot hurts for a moment, and then seems to ease the pain. But, the feel-good sensation does not only come from the physical aspect of your massage. The chemical release caused by rubbing the skin plays a significant role in easing your pain.

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