What to Do Before and After a Massage

Massage is one of the best ways to release stress and tension in the body. Ever wonder what to do before and after your massage to have the best experience? Whether it’s your first massage or your hundredth, we’ve put together the best tips from our massage therapists to get the most out of your service at Viva Day Spa + Med Spa in Austin, TX. 

What To Do Before A Massage

Your appointment is scheduled. Now what? Before you head out the door for your treatment, here are a few recommendations:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for your health. It also helps prep your muscles for an optimal massage session. Hydrated muscles are softer and more workable for your therapist. Plus, the water in your muscles will help remove waste that builds up in your system. This also helps minimize soreness or the sluggishness you might feel after your service. 

Show Up Fresh & Clean

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. 

Get Comfortable

No need to get dressed up before a massage. In fact, Viva’s massage therapists recommend wearing something loose, soft and comfortable to prepare for total relaxation post-massage.

Leave Jewelry At Home

You’ll be asked to remove necklaces, bracelets, and long earrings before most spa and med spa treatments, so best to leave them at home. 

Move & Stretch Your Body

If you’re feeling excessively tight and you have 5-10 minutes to spare, we recommend some light stretching or yoga to prepare your body for deep tissue release.

Stay Out Of The Sun

Staying out of the sun is no easy task in Austin, Texas. Apply sunscreen and skip the sunbathing before a massage. Mild, first-degree sunburns can be safely massaged. However, working on a deeper or peeling sunburn could damage the new tissue your body has developed as part of the healing process.

Eating Before A Massage

To eat or not to eat? Our therapists recommend eating a light meal or coming in on an empty stomach prior to your massage. Eating too much too close to your service can leave you feeling too bloated on the table. It’s also best to avoid drinking alcohol or limiting the amount of alcohol you consume prior to your appointment.

Get There 15-20 Minutes Early

You’ll want to arrive 15-20 minutes before your appointment. This will give you time to fill out the intake forms that we’ll use to customize your treatment. You’ll also enjoy quiet time in our relaxation room to unwind, sip on hot tea or cucumber water, and use the restroom before your service. 

Set An Intention For Your Massage

Are you suffering from aches and pains? Do you just want a little luxe pampering? It’s up to you! Your massage therapist will be happy to help you get the relaxation, pain relief, or pampering (or all three!) you deserve. If it’s your first massage in Austin at Viva, you will fill out an intake form with your medical history and treatment preferences in advance. 

Make It Your Massage

Shortly before the massage, you’ll want to have a good discussion with your massage therapist. Start by mentioning any existing wounds. If you have any cuts or abrasions, keep them covered up.

If you have any medical conditions that could impact your massage, review this before you get on the massage table so your massage therapist can curate the right experience for you.

What To Wear During Your Massage

Your massage therapist will use a draping technique with the sheets on your massage table to cover sensitive areas at all times during your treatment. Only the part of your body being worked on will be uncovered. 

How much clothing you wear during your massage is completely up to you. Viva Day Spa’s massage therapists use massage lotion. We recommend being fully undressed for an optimal massage. However, they can work around the areas you choose to cover.

You’ll be asked to remove your clothing for most massages, (you can decide whether to keep your underwear on or not) and your massage therapist will discuss your massage with you. 

What To Do After A Massage

Ahhhh. After your massage, you’re experiencing the yummy, relaxing feels of post-massage euphoria. Your skin feels smooth and hydrated, tension and aches have faded, and you’re ready for a great night of sleep.

You can make that extraordinary blissful feeling last longer and make the most out of your massage with these post-massage tips: sip, soak, and stretch,

Get Up Slowly

Your muscles will feel very relaxed and you may even feel slightly dizzy if you just hop off the massage table. Allow yourself some time to take a few deep breaths and soak-in that well-cared for feeling. Then gradually roll to your side and push yourself up with your arms to ease yourself off the table.

Drink Plenty Of Water

After you get dressed, you’ll want to drink water to rehydrate. At Viva, your massage therapist will be waiting outside the treatment room with water for you. Why sip on H2O after a massage? Massages can dehydrate you because they stimulate the flow of fluids towards your kidneys. In fact, you may need to head to the restroom after your massage. So, let us know if you need to stop by before you check out.

Keep The Self-Care Going At Home

Self-care starts and ends at home. At Viva Day Spa, your therapist will send you home with recommendations for stretches and recommended home care products (like muscle rub and bath salts) to help your body feel more relaxed in between massage visits. Here are some things to avoid for several hours after your massage: intense exercise, alcohol, and caffeine.

Schedule Your Next Visit 

Keep a good thing going and invest in your self-care! Regularly scheduled massages have incredible health benefits like improving circulation and immune function, lowering heart rate, and reducing stress and tension. Not to mention that feeling cared for simply feels good. 

You might also want to think about what would make your next treatment even better. A longer session or deeper pressure? Or more focus on a specific body area — like your neck, lower back, or feet. Consider elevating your experience even more with a massage upgrade or indulge in a pampering full-body massage package in Austin.

Are There Different Before & After Routines for Different Massage Types?

The before and after treatment guidance is the same for all massage types, even though the techniques feel very different. For example, a Swedish massage is all about relaxation and tension relief. While more intensive techniques like deep tissue or sports massages may leave your muscles feeling a little sore after your bodywork — especially if you’re not used to them. A magnesium supplement or Epsom salt bath can help flush out additional lactic acid to help your muscles heal faster. Learn the difference between a Swedish and Deep Tissue massage here.

How Can Taking the Right Steps Before and After Maximize the Benefits of a Massage?

The goal of a massage is to help you relax and to soothe aches and tension. By taking a few steps beforehand, you’ll arrive at the spa for the best possible experience. The right post-massage ritual will help you avoid soreness and extend your relaxation even longer. It’s easy to maximize your experience with just a few extra minutes.

Book A Massage In Austin 

At Viva Day Spa in Austin, we believe a massage should be a full-sensory experience that makes a positive impact on your life. It’s why we pay attention to all the little details. All of Viva Day Spa massage treatments include aromatherapy, a warm neck pillow, and a hot herbal steam towel treatment for the ultimate indulgence. It’s one of the many reasons that Viva is awarded Best Massage in Austin, Texas year after year.

Book an appointment online today at any of our four Austin and Round Rock spas. Or buy a spa gift certificate for someone who deserves to be pampered. 

Viva 35th

Viva Lamar

Viva Domain Northside

Viva Round Rock