Should I massage or exercise first?

Author: Olga Douglas  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

A massage before your workout can boost blood flow to your muscles,” Goodrich says. “This means more oxygen and nutrients are getting to your muscles, which can help them perform better.

Is it better to 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.

Is it okay to exercise after 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.

Can I massage and workout in the same day?

You will feel sore after a massage, and working out will only make this worse. It is best to wait at least 24 hours before you do exercise or any other strenuous activity.

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

How Massages Can Improve Muscle Growth

Why do they say not to shower after a 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.

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.

How long after exercise can you massage?

After exercise, remedial massage is a different story. If you've just completed a major event like a marathon, getting a soft tissue massage immediately after or the next day can help to decrease muscle soreness and facilitate a faster recovery.

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.

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.

Why massage after exercise?

A massage after exercise helps by flushing out waste products and stimulating the body's healing process. Massage helps after exercise by removing waste products and toxins out of the muscles.

Is it better to massage before or after yoga?

It's simple - massage therapy helps to relax and loosen up the muscles, in turn helping to increase your flexibility as well as your range of motion. This means that having a massage before attending a yoga class (or performing a yoga session at home) can massively aid and improve your performance.

Do you exercise after a massage?

To ensure your body has time to recover after a sports massage, you should avoid heavy workouts for at least 24 hours after the massage. Heavy workouts may include running, weightlifting, and climbing. If you want to stay active, try partaking in light exercises, such as walking, swimming, and gentle stretches.

Is it better to massage chairs before or after workout?

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.

Is it better to do lymphatic massage before or after workout?

Applying manual lymphatic massage right after exercising can decrease tissue or muscle damage and aid in removing blood lactate.

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.

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.

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

If you tend to experience muscle tightness or stiffness after workouts, a post-workout massage can aid in releasing tension and promoting relaxation. If your body tends to experience muscle tightness before exercising, a pre-workout massage can be beneficial for improving range of motion and preventing injuries.

Can massage replace exercise?

You might not be lifting weights, but massage is like a mild form of exercise because of the manipulation of your muscles. Like stretching before and after a workout, stretching before and after your massage can help you gain more benefits and help you recover faster afterward.

How long do muscles hurt after a deep tissue massage?

Muscles typically hurt for 24-48 hours after a deep tissue massage. This is a normal response to the pressure applied to muscle fibres.

What are the four T's of massage?

The four T's of massage are:
  • Skin/body temperature.
  • Muscle/facia tone.
  • Muscle or tissue texture, and finally.
  • Tenderness to palpation – which is subjective to the patient.

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.

What is the most favorite body part to be massaged?

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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