Should you go in the hot tub or massage first?

Author: Allan Bashirian  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

It reduces inflammation of joints, reduces blood pressure and increases oxygen flow to painful areas. So, the answer to the question,"Hot Tub Before Massage?" is a resounding "Yes!" - you should slip into the hot water before your massage, whether your massage is local, or if you are at a spa resort.

Should I hot tub before or after massage?

It's best to wait at least 1-2 hours before taking a bath after a massage to maximize the benefits of the massage. The massage oils help nourish your skin and the heat from the bath can wash them away. Additionally, hot water can make your muscles tense up again.

Should you massage first or spa first?

Not to mention steam room sessions are also known to offer glowing skin, improved respiration, better circulation, etc. So, it's better to have a steam sauna before going for a massage as it will not only relax you but also make you breathe better. And both these benefits will only enhance your massage experience.

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

Since many massages involve oils, it is best to get your massage treatment later so that none of the massage oils will get in the onsen. Additionally, spending time in the onsen is the perfect way to loosen up your muscles before your massage, so it is as effective as possible in promoting relaxation.

What order should you do things on a spa day?

Give yourself an hour or two to digest before any bodywork, or eat lightly before a massage. Schedule massages before facials, or else all the products that have been applied to your skin may come off on the face cradle. Plan for manicures and pedicures last.

Massage & Hydrotherapy - How good is it?

What is the best order for spa treatments?

All of our experts agree that you should keep your menu of treatments in this general order: steam/sauna, bath treatment, scrub, massage, and then facial.

Should you steam before or after a massage?

Sauna Before Massage

Firstly, the heat from the sauna can help to relax your muscles, making them more receptive to the massage. This can make the massage more effective and potentially more enjoyable. Secondly, the sauna can help to detoxify your body, which can enhance the detoxifying effects of the massage.

Should you massage or soak first?

By soaking in the hot tub before your massage for 15-20 minutes, you'll enjoy a better massage. Your surface muscles will be relaxed by the hot water and the jets making it possible for the masseuse to work deeper with your feeling pain.

Should you go in the pool before or after massage?

If you can fit in a gentle swim and a sauna or steam beforehand, your muscles will be relaxed and ready to "go with the flow". You may well find you benefit more from a massage if you relax first, too. Afterwards, wrap yourself up warm and rest for a while.

What to do at spa before massage?

Shower Before Treatments Taking a quick shower before your treatment helps cleanse your skin and open up your pores, making treatments like massages and facials more effective. Dress Appropriately Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing when visiting a.

What not to do before a massage?

It is best to avoid eating large meals, neglecting your personal hygiene and lying about any injuries or medical conditions before sports massages. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of both you and your Massage Therapist.

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 go in the hot tub before or after the sauna?

Enhanced Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief

Start with the sauna to warm up and loosen tight muscles, then follow up with a soak in the hot tub to alleviate any lingering pain and accelerate muscle recovery.

Should you get a massage before or after heat?

Heat therapy can strategically enhance recovery and performance. Applying heat before a massage warms up muscles, making them more pliable and reducing injury risk during deep tissue work. Post-massage, heat helps reduce soreness and promotes faster recovery by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the muscles.

Is it rude to not shower before a massage?

Be sure to come in fresh and clean before your appointment. You don't want any sweat, chlorine or grime rubbed into your skin. Plus, it's just the polite thing to do for your massage therapist. If you have time, a nice, warm shower can help relax your mind and your muscles before your treatment.

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.

Is it better to have a hot tub before or after a massage?

Just 15 minutes in a hot tub, right before your massage appointment, will make your massage more enjoyable and effective, and easier for your therapist. If you are at a fancy spa, don't show up to your massage appointment dripping wet.

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.)

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.

Is it better to go to the sauna before or after a massage?

If relaxation is your goal, starting in the sauna might be your best bet. But if you're seeking to maximize detoxification and deep tissue recovery, beginning with a massage could be more beneficial. Remember, both are incredibly relaxing, so do whichever combination feels best for your body.

Is it better to swim before or after a massage?

Massages can be a good supplement for your swimming routine. A pre-swim sports massage is best done before you hit the water. The point of this massage is to prep your body for exercise in the water. Make sure to tell your therapist that you want a massage for swimmers.

Do I take my bra off for a massage?

It's up to you. Women usually remove their bras to allow the massage therapist to work on the back and shoulder area without getting massage oil or lotion on the bra. If your problem area is your low back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting or large underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.

What order should you do a spa in?

Follow the correct procedure for your best wellness & Spa experience. Use the services in the following order: First, use the pool, then the whirlpool, then the saunas, and finally enjoy a massage. Never change this procedure! After the massage, just let all its benefits end in the resting room or your hotel room.

Is it better to soak before or after a massage?

A post-massage bath can indeed be very soothing, particularly a hot bath. It helps to extend the relaxing experience and can potentially ease any lingering soreness from deep tissue work.

What can you not do before a massage?

Here are some things you should avoid doing before a full body massage:
  • Eating a heavy meal. ...
  • Drinking alcohol or caffeine, as they can both cause dehydration and reduce the benefits of the massage.
  • Wearing restrictive clothing that makes it difficult for your masseuse to access the muscles they need to work on.

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