The Insider's Guide: What to Know Before, During, and After Your Massage

It’s no secret massage therapy has a ton of health benefits, including improved range of motion, chronic pain relief, anxiety reduction, better blood and lymph circulation, and even better quality sleep—but are you sure you’re making the most of your massage sessions? From etiquette and clothing tips to hygiene and massage myths, here’s a list of everything your massage therapist wants you to know so you can receive the best massage ever. 

1. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. 

If you arrive exactly at your appointment time, you’re already late. Your appointment time is when your massage should be starting. Before your massage, you’ll need to fill out or update paperwork, discuss problem areas or health conditions, and possibly use the restroom. Give yourself a few extra minutes so you can arrive relaxed and unrushed. 

2. Fill out your intake form completely and accurately. 

Certain massage techniques could be dangerous under some circumstances. If you neglect to provide your complete health history or medication list, you are putting yourself at risk for injury. Other questions on the form may seem less serious, yet they provide your massage therapist with information that allows them to customize your massage to best fit your wants and needs. 

3. Be clean. 

Bathe as close to your appointment time as possible. The warmth of a shower or bath helps begin the process of relaxing your muscles and readying you mentally for your massage. It’s also true that massaging skin with bacteria is unhygienic (and potentially harmful) for both yourself and the massage therapist working on you. 

4. Hydrate. 

Your massage therapist can tell when you’re dehydrated, as your muscles and fascia are much less pliable and receptive to treatment. Get the most out of your bodywork sessions by drinking lots of water for a couple days leading up to your appointment. And don’t forget to hydrate after your session. 

5. Have a general idea of what you want before arriving. 

Do you want a full body massage? Or are you okay with some areas being skipped to prioritize time for focus areas? Is there anywhere you want avoided? Your massage therapist should ask questions before the massage begins, but it’s best to communicate anything that doesn’t come up so you leave happy with the experience. And don’t forget to let the receptionist know what you’re looking for while making your appointment. That way you can be matched with the therapist most suitable to your preferences. 

6. It’s not possible to get a full body, deep tissue massage in 60 minutes. 

True deep tissue involves working through surface muscles into deeper layers. This takes time and less pressure than you might think. Your therapist can give you a full body deep pressure massage in 60 minutes, but that’s not the same as deep tissue. Many spas and wellness centers enforce this misconception by upcharging for deep tissue massages. At Therapeutic Kneads, we offer Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial, sports massage, or a combination of several different modalities for the exact same price. Talk to your therapist if you’re unsure what kind of massage you want or if you need clarification. 

  7. Give feedback. 

Massages DO NOT need to be painful in order to be effective. In fact, no matter how much you think you can take it, your muscles will start tensing and rejecting the treatment if you’re feeling too much pain. On the flip side, if you feel like you’re being feathered and could use a little more pressure, speak up. If there’s a certain technique you really like (or one that you’re not a fan of), let your therapist know. Your therapist will do their best to accommodate all requests within reason, and they want to make you happy. 

8. Breathe. 

A good rule of thumb is to breathe like you’re meditating during the massage. It keeps the blood and muscles oxygenated and most receptive to the bodywork. It’s especially important to breathe deeply while tender areas are being worked on. 

9. Skip the post-massage workout. 

It may not seem like it while in a state of relaxed bliss, but a massage in itself is a workout—especially if you receive deeper work. Your muscles need time to recover, so save your workout for the following day. 

10. Do your best to keep your body relaxed, and let your therapist move you. 

If you are engaging the muscles your massage therapist is trying to relax, the treatment may not be as effective. And let’s be real, nothing is more awkward than trying to massage an arm that is sticking straight up in the air. Let your therapist move your neck, arms, and legs (unless they tell you otherwise). 

11. Eat before your massage, but keep it light. 

You don’t want to be so hungry during your massage that you can’t relax, but you also don’t want to eat such a large meal that it feels uncomfortable to lay on your stomach. 

12. If you get too hot (or too cold), let your massage therapist know. 

If you start feeling heated, there’s a good chance you’ll start sweating. Sweat mixed with skin lubricant makes for an overly slippery surface—one that is not ideal for properly gripping muscles.  

13. Remove all clothing, including underwear. 

The lack of fabric allows your massage therapist to better work your lower back and legs. If you’d prefer to leave them on, however, that’s perfectly fine. Your therapist can still do their job regardless. Just as an added FYI, your private areas will be covered at all times, even if you do decide to ditch the underwear. 

14. Remove jewelry and put your hair up. 

If your massage therapist is continuously sweeping your hair out of the way or gingerly working around jewelry, time is being wasted which could be spent relaxing you or working on problem areas. 

15. You don’t need to shave your legs (or your back). 

It doesn’t change your massage, and your massage therapist doesn’t mind either way. If it makes you feel better though, go for it—but preferably the day before your appointment so there are no fresh nicks on the skin. 

16. Do your part outside the treatment room. 

This one is key. Keep active, stretch on your own at home, and manage stress as best you can. Massage therapy treatments are so much more effective when they’re a team effort. Another note, one massage a year or just on special occasions can certainly be helpful and relaxing, but if you don’t stay consistent with regular bodywork, you won’t have lasting results. Ask the receptionist about packages so you can get the most bang for your buck. 

That’s it! That’s everything your massage therapist wants you to know so you can get the most out of your massage sessions. Call TheraKneads at 410-549-7711 with any questions or concerns or book your appointment online.

About the author: Kayla Crocker is a licensed massage therapist & certified personal trainer at TheraKneads Wellness Center in Eldersburg, Maryland. She loves helping her clients manage chronic pain, alleviate stress, and identify postural imbalances. In her free time, Kayla enjoys hiking, cooking, and practicing yoga.