It is generally recommended to eat a light meal or snack about 1 to 2 hours before your massage session. This allows enough time for your body to digest the food and ensures that you have enough energy during the massage. Opt for easily digestible foods like fruits, vegetables, or a small portion of lean protein.
Here are some things you should avoid doing before a full body massage: Eating a heavy meal. It's best to eat at least 2-3 hours before your session to ensure optimum comfort. Drinking alcohol or caffeine, as they can both cause dehydration and reduce the benefits of the massage.
Generally, abdominal massage is safe for most people, provided it is done in a gentle and safe manner. It is advisable to not eat any large or spicy food for a few hours before and after an abdominal 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.
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.
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.
1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.
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.
It is best to wear comfortable, loose-fitted clothing to your treatment. I tend to wear my gym clothing, as it's easy to slip on and off and is super comfortable.
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.
After a massage, you may feel hungry. This happens due to the increase of blood circulation, which maximizes body systems function including, our digestive system. And, by eating a large meal, you will end up feeling bloated, sluggish, or lethargic.
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.
It is generally recommended to eat a light meal or snack about 1 to 2 hours before your massage session. This allows enough time for your body to digest the food and ensures that you have enough energy during the massage. Opt for easily digestible foods like fruits, vegetables, or a small portion of lean protein.
For many others, the best time to get a massage is in the evening. It may be the calmest, least busy part of your day while also aligning with goals for unwinding before bed. Getting a massage in the evening is great for stress relief as well as for helping your body recover from the normal wear and tear of the day.
Rest. If clients are feeling tired or fatigued after a deep tissue massage, one of the best things they can do is rest. Whether it's mental or physical fatigue, a nap, a good night's sleep or simply just doing nothing for a while can be incredibly restorative and help the body to re-tune itself.
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.
Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.
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.
Many people tip around 15-20% of the massage cost.
This range is a good starting point and is commonly accepted across different settings: at-home or mobile therapists, franchise spas or clinics, or an individual massage therapist. If you're unsure, it's always a safe bet to stick within this range.
Here is a summary of the average cost of massage therapy based on the duration of the session: 30 minutes: $30 to $65. 60 minutes: $50 to $130. 90 minutes: $90 to $175.