What’s the Best Way to Prepare for a Massage? (And What NOT to Do)
What’s the Best Way to Prepare for a Massage? (And What NOT to Do)
You finally booked your massage. Nice! Now what? Do you stretch? Shower? Eat a protein bar and hydrate like you’re prepping for a marathon? (Okay, maybe don’t do that last one.)
At Stress Less Massage, we get a lot of questions about how to prepare for a session. Most people just want to make sure they’re doing the right thing—or at least not doing the wrong thing. So let’s break it down.
DO: Show Up Clean
You don’t have to roll in smelling like lavender, but yes—please shower if it’s been a while. Not only is it respectful to your therapist, but it also helps your body relax more easily when it’s clean and warm. Bonus: A quick shower can even improve circulation right before your session.
DON’T: Work Out Right Before
We get it—you’re busy. But hitting the gym or going for a run right before a massage is not ideal. Your muscles are already inflamed and full of lactic acid post-workout, which can make the massage more uncomfortable and less effective. If you want to work out, do it after, not before.
DO: Hydrate (But Not Too Much)
Drinking water before a massage is great. It keeps your tissues hydrated and helps with muscle pliability. That said, don’t chug a gallon right before your appointment, unless you want to spend half your session wondering if you should ask for a bathroom break.
DON’T: Eat a Heavy Meal
You don’t want to be starving, but you also don’t want to lie face-down on a table with a belly full of cheeseburger. Eat something light if you’re hungry, and save the big meal for after your massage.
DO: Arrive a Few Minutes Early
We know, life happens. But if you show up right at your appointment time (or worse, late), you’ll probably feel rushed—and that stress can carry into the session. Give yourself a few extra minutes to breathe, use the restroom, and settle in.
DON’T: Overthink It
You don’t need to stretch, foam roll, meditate, or light incense beforehand. Just show up. We’ve got the rest.
Bonus Tips for First-Timers:
Wear comfortable clothing. You’ll undress to your comfort level, but having something easy to get in and out of helps.
Communicate clearly. Let your therapist know if you have any injuries, sensitivities, or goals for the session.
Silence your phone. You deserve the peace.
What If You Forget Something?
Don’t stress. Really. We’ve seen it all—clients who forgot deodorant, spilled coffee on themselves, showed up in pajama pants… it’s fine. You’re human. Just aim for comfort, hygiene, and hydration, and you’re already ahead of the game.
At Stress Less Massage, our whole goal is to help you stress less—before, during, and after your session. So show up, relax, and let us do the heavy lifting (literally).
