Why should you not shower after a massage?

Author: Destiney Hammes  |  Last update: Monday, December 8, 2025

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.

How long should I wait to shower after a massage?

It's generally recommended to wait at least 1 to 2 hours after a massage before showering. This allows your body to continue to relax and absorb the benefits of the massage. Showering too soon can wash away the oils used during the massage and might disrupt the relaxation process.

Why is having a shower after a massage session not good for the client?

Showering after a massage is not recommended because it can cause the muscles to become cold, which can lead to muscle tension and soreness. Additionally, showering can wash away the beneficial oils and lotions that are used during the massage.

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.

Is it bad to wash your hands after giving a massage?

A massage therapist should wash their hands for about 20-30 seconds before and after each massage. Washing before and after each massage ensures that their hands are clean for each massage, and it prevents the spread of germs.

After Massage Tips

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.

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.)

Can massage therapists feel knots?

In conclusion, yes, massage therapists can indeed feel knots in your muscles. Through their extensive training and experience, they have honed their ability to detect areas of tension and release them effectively.

How long should I rest after a massage?

At a minimum, you should rest for at least 24 hours after your massage to ensure your muscles have plenty of time to repair themselves. Post-massage soreness is completely normal after a sports massage, and your muscles may still feel tight after 48 hours, which is a sign they are still recovering.

Should I wash my face after a massage?

In order to get the most out of your treatment, ensure you do the following after your facial massage: Do not wash your face or apply any skincare products for 12 hours. To minimise dryness, skip out on any 'active' products for 3 days after.

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 kind of shower is best after massage?

Epsom salt baths are an excellent way to relieve muscle soreness and promote relaxation after a massage therapy session. The magnesium in Epsom salt helps to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and relax muscles. Adding Epsom salt to your bath water can also help to reduce muscle cramps, spasms, and pain.

Why do I feel tired after a massage?

Feeling fatigue after a massage is a common and normal reaction. Massages influence blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate, resulting in feelings of tiredness. Additionally, the body's relaxation response contributes to this sensation.

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.

Why masseuse burp when massaging?

It's possible that a masseuse burps because he or she receives the effect of the massage itself. “I mean, masseuses use their energy when applying pressures. So maybe, since they're using their own hands, and the therapy oils, there's a stimulation on their palms.

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.

Can I skip shower after 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.

Why do you sleep better after a massage?

Massage also has positive effects on the nervous system, which can aid in sleep, explains Dana Davis, massage therapist and owner of Midnight Sun Massage. “Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of the body's rest-and-relaxation response,” she says.

What shouldn't you do after a massage?

After a massage, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and get plenty of rest. You should also avoid smoking, drinking caffeine, working out, and taking hot baths or showers. If you have any questions about what to do or not do after a massage, please ask your massage therapist.

Where should a massage therapist not touch?

Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.

How to know if a massage is working?

“It's about how the client feels after a massage — if range of motion gets better or if their muscle pain went away.” Tweet This. The right pressure is also crucial because it allows RMTs to know which technique to use. “Each client has their own pain scale and some people can't even take light pressure,” Fung said.

Can a massage therapist tell if you're stressed?

A guest with an agitated mood typically indicates stress. Stress creates tension in body and over time may cause “holding patterns” that are evident when performing a massage. It is easy to tell whether a guest is relaxed or not as soon as they lay down on the table.

Why do I smell after a massage?

In conclusion, it is not uncommon to notice a smell on your skin after receiving a massage. Factors such as the type of oil used, sweating during the session, and poor hygiene practices can all contribute to any odors present.

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

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.

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.

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