Should you exercise before or after a massage?

Author: Opal Toy  |  Last update: Friday, October 17, 2025

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 exercise before or after a massage?

Before a Workout

Increased Range of Motion: Sports massage techniques, such as stretching and deep tissue massage, can help improve flexibility and increase your range of motion. By receiving a massage before your workout, you may experience greater ease of movement and improved athletic performance.

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

Is it okay to get massage after a workout?

Receiving a massage once you've finished working out helps reduce muscle soreness by reducing inflammation and reduces your recovery time by speeding up cell recovery. The key thing to bear in mind is that the massage should take place as soon as possible after exercising.

How long after a workout should you wait for a massage?

As far as event/sports massage goes, shoot for starting the massage 1.5 to 2 hours after you exercise, and for no longer than 60 minutes (45 is better).

Can I go to the Gym After a Massage?

Can you workout the same day you get 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.

What is the best time of day for a massage?

It's always better to get your massage after you have exercised. If you tend to get sleepy from a massage, you should have it as late in the day as possible so that you can just go home afterwards. If you don't want massage to take time out of your day, you can get one early in the morning.

What exercise to do after a massage?

Light exercise, such as moderate walking, gentle stretching or easy-paced swimming, are okay for most healthy individuals after their massage. One view in favor of this recovery period is that sustained pressure on connective tissue, as during massage, makes it softer.

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.

Should I shower after a massage?

While you can shower after a massage, waiting at least 2-3 hours allows your body to fully benefit from the oils. You can take a lukewarm shower (skip the hot water) a few hours after the massage. Remember to use a gentle cleanser to rinse off any excess oil, but stay away from harsh soaps and scrubbing.

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.

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.

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.

Do muscles get stronger after massage?

The result is quicker muscle repair and growth, making massage an essential recovery tool for anyone looking to build muscle mass or maintain strength. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, regular massage therapy can speed up the recovery process between workouts, enabling consistent training and improved performance.

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 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.

What is the best length of time for a massage?

So if you really want specific work AND full body relaxation, it may be worth considering a 90-min session. General relaxation can be achieved in a 60-min session, but if you just want general relaxation in half of the body (front/back or upper/lower) then a 45-min appointment can also work.

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.

Do you tip a massage therapist?

Even though there is no fixed amount, the standard tipping range for massage therapy typically falls between 15-25% of the session cost. The lower end (15%) is generally acceptable for a good experience, while 20% is more common for exceptional service.

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.

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.

What is the first rule of massage?

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

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

The key thing to bear in mind is that the massage should take place as soon as possible after exercising. According to a study in the Journal of Athletic Training this can reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMs) by a massive 30%.

When not to do a massage?

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

Previous article
Can FBI agents have hand tattoos?
Next article
Does retinol help with dark neck?