What happens if you don't drink enough water after a massage?

Author: Percival Yundt  |  Last update: Monday, December 22, 2025

If you do not drink water after a massage, you may experience some short-term effects such as feeling thirsty or experiencing dry mouth. It is important to drink water after a massage to help your body flush out any toxins that may have been released during the massage.

What if I don't drink water after a massage?

If you don't drink water after a massage, your body may struggle to flush out the toxins and metabolic waste released from the muscles. This can lead to headaches, fatigue, and muscle soreness. Hydration is key to optimizing the benefits of a massage and preventing post-massage discomfort.

How much water do you need after a deep tissue massage?

It is highly recommended to drink around 500ml water immediately after a massage appointment to prevent dehydration. Massage can naturally cause dehydration, therefore it is essential to drink more water than usual to offset this.

Can a massage therapist tell if you're dehydrated?

Dehydration will also be evident as the trigger points in your upper back may demonstrate soreness if enough glasses of water haven't been consumed. Injuries will also be evident, as therapists can feel heat and inflammation, and even dehydrated muscles in more serious cases.

What are the don'ts after massage?

Skip Alcohol and Caffeine: Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeinated beverages right after a massage, as they can dehydrate you and counteract the relaxation benefits. Don't Skip Hydration: While you should stay away from alcohol, remember to drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins released during the massage.

What would happen if you didn’t drink water? - Mia Nacamulli

Why can't you 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.

What are 3 instances when massage is not recommended?

Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

One of the first red flags in a massage session is a lack of communication. If the therapist doesn't take the time to ask about your pain points or preferences before starting, that's a sign of trouble.

What are the red flags for clinical dehydration?

severe dehydration. clinical signs of electrolyte disturbances eg hypertonia, hyperreflexia, convulsions, jittery movements, altered conscious state, irregular heart rate, doughy skin turgor (sign of hypernatremia)

Is it okay to drink cold water after a massage?

Definitely. A good therapist should always advise you to do this. Drinking water helps your body to flush out the waste products released from tense muscles during the massage.

What is the best drink after a massage?

Drinking water improves the body's ability to deal with fatigue and pain in general. Along with hydrating, take a day to rest after a massage, and try to avoid intense exercise to give your muscles a chance to catch their breath.

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.

Does getting a massage burn calories?

Following this formula, an average person would burn around 67 calories during an hour-long massage. Alternatively, some suggest that increased circulation (including an increased flow of oxygen and nutrients around the body) as a result of massage allows muscles to burn more calories and can also increase metabolism.

What not to eat after a massage?

To maximize the benefits of a massage and reduce the risk of pain/cramping, I recommend avoiding alcoholic beverages, fried food and refined sugars for 24 hours post-treatment.

How much water should I drink after a deep tissue massage?

After a deep tissue massage session, depending on the massage intensity, one or two liters of water should be adequate if you have a well-hydrated body. But if your body is not well hydrated, you will need to get your body to a point where it is, by drinking even more water.

Why should you drink water first thing in the morning?

Your metabolism can increase by up to 25% when you drink water on an empty stomach. A faster metabolism will make your entire body feel better and more energetic. Increased energy. Besides the energetic boost from your increased metabolism, drinking water on an empty stomach also increases your red blood cell count.

What drink will hydrate you the fastest?

The researchers found that while water — both still and sparkling — does a pretty good job of quickly hydrating the body, beverages with a little bit of sugar, fat or protein do an even better job of keeping us hydrated for longer.

What are 5 symptoms of severe dehydration?

Dehydration
  • feeling thirsty.
  • dark yellow, strong-smelling pee.
  • peeing less often than usual.
  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
  • feeling tired.
  • a dry mouth, lips and tongue.
  • sunken eyes.

How can I check myself for dehydration?

You can quickly check for dehydration at home. Pinch the skin over the back of the hand, on the abdomen, or over the front of the chest under the collarbone. This will show skin turgor. Mild dehydration will cause the skin to be slightly slow in its return to normal.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

Signs that your massage therapist may be doing something wrong include:
  • Ignoring your requests or boundaries.
  • Applying excessive pressure without your consent.
  • Making inappropriate comments or gestures.
  • Failing to maintain proper hygiene or sanitation practices.

What are the 4 stages of massage?

Here we will summarise the four most commonly recognised categories of technique that form sports and many other forms of massage. They include effleurage, petrissage, frictions and tapotement.

What should you not do during a massage?

Avoid talking too much.

Talking during a massage is not conducive to staying relaxed. You should let go mentally and emotionally and allow your body to relax. Conversations block the healthy benefits of a massage.

What body parts should not be massaged?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.

What areas are off limits during a massage?

These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.

What is the biggest safety issue for elderly clients receiving massage?

“Avoid extreme mobilizations, which may harm a client with osteoporosis.” Because falling is the most common safety issue for people over 65, be sure the walkways—both outdoors and inside your practice—are clear.

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