What to do before and after a massage session

Because It’s More Than Just Lying on a Table — Recovery Starts and Ends with You

✅ Before Your Massage

1. Hydrate (but don’t chug before you show up)
   Water helps your muscles and tissues respond better to hands-on work. Aim to be hydrated throughout the day, not just right before your session.
2. Eat something light
   You don’t want to be starving or stuffed. A small meal or snack 1–2 hours before is perfect.
3. Skip intense workouts right before
   If you’re training hard, book your massage after, not before. Your muscles will be inflamed and less responsive pre-lift.
4. Shower and wear comfortable clothing
   Clean skin = better treatment. And if your therapist needs to assess movement before or after, it helps to wear something you can move in.
5. Know your goal
   Whether you’re here to relax, recover, or target specific pain — let your therapist know. No guesswork = better results.

🧘 During Your Session

• Breathe normally. Don’t hold your breath. Let your nervous system chill.
• Speak up if anything feels off. Too much pressure? Not enough? Weird angle? Say so.
• You don’t have to talk. Total silence or chatting? Your call.
• You’re in control. Always.

✅ After Your Massage

1. Move slowly when getting off the table
   Your system just downshifted — give it a sec before you bounce back into full speed.
2. Hydrate again
   Massage boosts circulation and lymph flow. Help your body flush out the junk and rehydrate.
3. Skip the heavy stuff (for a bit)
   Give your body at least a few hours (or a full day) before hitting a tough workout, especially if the massage was deep.
4. Expect some soreness
   If you had focused work done, light soreness is normal. Like a “good workout” kind of sore. It means your body’s processing change.
5. Move gently
   A walk, light mobility, or easy stretching will help reinforce what your therapist just did. Don’t just sit for 6 hours after — your body wants movement.

Final Tip: Massage Works Best When It’s Part of a Plan

One-off massages feel great. But if you’re recovering from injury, dealing with stress, or building performance, consistent treatment works better than occasional “treat yourself” sessions.

Want to get more from your massage?
Book your session at YFS (Your Form Sux) — where we don’t just rub muscles. We help rebuild movement, reset tension, and support real results.