How to Prepare for a Massage

Riley Speers • February 12, 2022

What you should expect during a massage and how to prepare for one

You may have a lot of questions about how to prepare for a massage if you've never had one before or are looking to try something new. What should I wear to a massage? Will I have to get completely undressed for one?


Our registered massage therapists at BlueBird Health gave us some tips and advice on everything you want to know when you get a massage.

What is massage therapy good for?

The goal is to enhance the flow of blood and fluid in the lymph nodes, which will help to reduce muscular tension, stimulate or sedate the nervous system, and promote tissue healing.


Registered massage therapy may be recommended for the following:



  • Reduces muscle tension and stiffness
  • Increased joint flexibility & range of motion
  • Relieves tension and overall stress
  • Helps induce better and deeper breathing
  • Improves the healing speed of soft tissue injuries
  • Reduces soft tissue scar tissue
  • Improves overall skin health
  • Improves and promotes improved posture
  • Reduces emotional and physical stress
  • Improves mental health and increases mental well-being


woman drinking water from glass bottle

How to prepare for a massage

Relax


The greatest approach to receiving a relaxing massage is to try to relax before you come for your session. Make certain you don't hurry and that you are calm and at ease. This will enable your body to relax more quickly into the treatment, allowing you to get the most out of it.


What you should wear to your massage


It's preferable to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your treatment. I prefer to wear my gym clothes since they're easy to slip on and off and are extremely comfy. It's best not to put anything tight-fitted in the way back because the massage oil may remain on your skin after the treatment and cause discomfort when you return your


You can decide whether you wish to be naked or not


The simple answer is no, you don't have to get completely naked for a massage if you'd feel more comfortable wearing your underwear.


Clients are most often expected to undress for their massage, particularly if it is a full-body treatment where the therapist will be working over your entire body. It's entirely up to you what you want to wear during your massage.


It's possible that some patients find it more comfortable to keep their underwear on while undergoing the treatment. If you're wearing a bra, take it off so the therapist can work on your back properly. At all times, you will be adequately covered with a blanket or a large towel for your comfort. A skilled massage therapist will work with the cover so you never feel fully exposed during your massage.


The therapist will leave the room briefly to allow you to undress and relax in bed beneath the blankets on the massage table.


Drink plenty of water


Before and after a massage, it is critical to stay hydrated. Stressed muscles create inflammation and accumulation of toxins that can prevent needed nutrients and oxygen from getting to where they are needed. This is why individuals feel pain and stress. The toxins in your muscles break down and discharge as your muscles loosen when you have a massage. If you drink plenty of water before and after your massage, these toxins will be flushed out of your system quicker.

  • Can I drink alcohol before a massage?

    It's not a good idea. As previously said, before a massage, you should be as hydrated as possible, and if you've had a drink, you'll most likely be depleting yourself. Furthermore, the therapeutic properties of the massage will release additional toxins into your circulation and magnify the effects of alcohol – so you may feel drunker after your massage.

  • Can I eat before a massage?

    There's nothing wrong with eating before a massage if you're not feeling very full and don't want to feel bloated, but keep in mind that because you'll be on your stomach, it may be more pleasant not to eat a large meal beforehand.

  • Should I shower before a massage?

    You should always try to shower before your massage as a courtesy to your massage therapist!


     Having clean skin will help the massage oil spread across your skin as well, make sure you prepare as best as possible to make your therapist's job easier!

  • Can I talk to my massage therapist during my massage?

    If you can, schedule some time to talk with your therapist before going for your massage. This allows you to let them know if there is a certain region where you would prefer they not touch, or if you're feeling pain in a specific area and want them to focus on it. 


    If at all possible, arrive early to complete your treatment questionnaire so you get as long as possible for your massage booking time.

  • Is it rude to fall asleep during a massage?

    No, many massage patients fall asleep during their massage. The purpose of the massage is to relax you and your muscles, so if you fall asleep, it indicates that the treatment is working and your therapist won't be upset!

Need to Make an Inquiry?

Have any questions or want to book an appointment? Get in touch with us!

Contact Us

Man receiving acupuncture in shoulder

Can You Get A Massage Before Acupuncture?

By Riley Speers • February 12, 2022
Can you get a massage before or after acupuncture? Check out the facts. Should you have that massage before your acupuncture appointment? We have all the answers.
Top 10 Benefits of Massage Therapy

Top 10 Benefits of Massage Therapy

By Riley Speers • February 12, 2022
Check out our list of the top 10 benefits of regular massage therapy. Massage therapy can help alleviate many different health conditions and symptoms. We've put together a list of the top 10 benefits you can receive from massage therapy.
Share by: