Finding out the best time to get a massage is a great way to enhance your overall massage experience. Still, the specifics of when you should get a massage vary greatly from person to person. What may work for you might be separate from someone else.
There is no set time to have a massage. You can have a massage that best fits your schedule and what works for your massage therapist. Be that as it may, there are a few points to know that can help figure out what time is helpful for you to get a massage.
Lifestyle
If you live an active life, you should plan your massage on your rest days. Getting a decent massage when you’re inactive is the ideal option. Unless a trainer recommends getting a sports massage during an active day, the best time to get a massage is on your off days.
On the other hand, if you’re relatively inactive, a massage specialist will assist you with picking the best timetable for your massage. The massage therapist will likewise help you make changes to enhance your overall massage experience.
Availability
Besides being aware of your lifestyle requirements for a massage, you must also know about your availability. It’s ideal to schedule your massage when you’re less busy, making your free moments the best time to get a massage. Some go for a massage in the morning, during their lunch break, after work, or on a day off.
Some people love to go for a massage right after work, around 4 PM, so their bodies have enough time to digest their food. Just make sure you schedule an appointment to avoid long wait times. That way, you have enough time to get a massage and return home to have dinner with your family.
Regardless, every massage studio is different with its hours of operations, how they set up appointments and their busy hours. A good rule to follow is to reach out and see what they recommend to you. Availability isn’t necessarily only when you’re free, but the ideal time for your massage therapist too.
When Should You Not Get a Massage?
As great as knowing the best time to get a massage, there are many other points to consider. First and foremost, you should know when not to get a massage—understanding when you shouldn’t head to a massage therapist to help you understand when it’s ideal for a massage.
Generally speaking, you should stick with your schedule if you’re extremely busy and don’t have time for one. Try to free up some time in the future for a massage since the benefits are worth the experience. Some main points to be mindful of with not getting a massage include:
- Being Busy
- New Physical Injury
- Fever
- Contagious Diseases
- Blood Clots
- Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions
- Cancer
- Inflammation
- Uncontrolled Hypertension
Is a Massage Better in the Morning or Evening?
Some experts swear that getting a massage in the morning or evening is better than the other. In reality, it solely depends on your lifestyle. The morning is advantageous if you’re extremely busy later in the day.
On the other hand, the evening can be beneficial if you have busier mornings due to work or family matters. Some other factors to consider include exercising, physical activity, time-off, and injury recovery. Try both options to see which fits you the best and move ahead in that timeframe.
Morning Massage:
- Start the Day Relaxed: A morning massage can help you start the day feeling relaxed and less tense. It may set a positive tone for the day ahead.
- Improve Posture: If you have a desk job or will be sitting for long periods, a morning massage may help loosen up your muscles and improve your posture for the day.
- Boost Circulation: Morning massages can stimulate blood flow, which might help you feel more awake and alert.
- Time to Absorb: Having the whole day ahead allows your body time to absorb the benefits of the massage, such as increased flexibility or reduced muscle tension.
Evening Massage:
- Better Sleep – Many people find that a massage in the evening helps them relax and improves the quality of their sleep.
- Stress Relief – After a long day, an evening massage can help you unwind and de-stress, making it easier to relax and prepare for the next day.
- Muscle Recovery – If you engage in physical activity or have a physically demanding job, an evening massage can aid in muscle recovery.
- Lowered Blood Pressure – Massages can help lower blood pressure, which may be particularly beneficial in the evening as you wind down.
- No Rush – You might feel less rushed or less likely to jump back into stressful activities after an evening massage, compared to a morning massage, where you might immediately head off to work or other engagements.
Is it Better to Get a Massage Before or After Dinner?
Determining the best time to get a massage, before or after dinner, heavily depends on your preference; still, it’s never ideal for getting a massage on an empty stomach. Always make sure you have something in your stomach an hour before your session.
As for it being before or after dinner, that’s entirely up to you. If you go after dinner, allow your food to digest for at least an hour before heading over. If you choose to before dinner, make sure you eat something beforehand, even if it’s a small snack. A massage stimulates the body’s digestive system, causing you to feel hungry after the session.
What Should You Not Do After a Massage?
Getting a massage may appear like a simple task. After all, all you’re doing is getting your body rubbed for a solid hour, alleviating pain, and making yourself for people. In reality, people make many mistakes after getting a massage that can significantly hinder the massage effects.
First of all, make sure you hydrate yourself after a massage. Although it might not seem like it, you’d be surprised how easy it is for your body to dehydrate after a massage. Also, be aware of how much you eat after a massage, give yourself an hour before to eat dinner, and go back to regular activity.
- Don’t Forget to Drink Water
- Don’t Shower Immediately
- Don’t Shower With Hot Water
- Don’t Eat a Heavy Meal After a Massage
- Don’t Head Outside
- Don’t Do Anything Strenuous
What Should You Do on the Day of a Massage?
The most significant point to be aware of when getting a massage is eating. Make sure you have something in your stomach an hour before your massage. Also, ensure you’re hydrated and are prepared for the therapy session. The massage therapist will also outline anything you’ll need to bring and what you can expect from the session. You may also find it beneficial to do some light stretching before your session.
Want to Learn More About the Best Time to Get a Massage?
If you hope to learn more about the best time to get a massage, visit or contact us at Soul 2 Sole Massage Studio. We have flexible hours to accommodate your busy schedule and 7 locations in Edmonton and St. Albert!
