Why does preparation make a difference?
Preparation before a massage session is important to make the most of this moment of self-care. Many people think that coming to a massage session is simply about lying on the table and letting it be done. And yes, relaxing is a key part of the process, but what you do before the session can greatly influence how your body responds to treatment and the benefits you will notice afterward.
I'm speaking from experience: I've been working with all types of patients for over 15 years—from people with chronic muscle spasms to athletes and people simply looking to unwind from stress—and I've seen how good preparation improves not only the experience during the massage, but also the medium- and long-term results.
For example, when a patient arrives early, unhurried, with a light stomach, and after discussing how they're feeling that day with me, I can tailor the massage much more precisely. The body isn't tense or on alert, and this allows me to work deeper tissues, unblock areas more easily, and achieve deeper relaxation.
Furthermore, preparing the body and mind is a way of give value to the moment of the massage, to start connecting with yourself before physical contact begins. It's like telling your body, "Hey, now it's time to take care of ourselves."
In the following sections, I'll explain in detail how to do it right and what to keep in mind so you can get the most out of your next session.
Food and drink: what to eat (and what to avoid) before your massage
One of the most common mistakes I see in consultations is coming to a session right after eating a lot... or coming completely fasted. And believe me, neither of those are ideal.
🍽️ What to eat before a massage?
It's best if you eat something. light and easy to digest About 1.5 to 2 hours before your massage. Consider a light salad, some rice with vegetables, yogurt with fruit, or a small snack. This way, your body has energy but isn't busy digesting a heavy meal.
What to avoid?
- Large and fatty meals
- Caffeine or stimulants
- Alcohol
And the drink?
Drink water yes it is recommended, but in moderation. Ideally, you should be well hydrated from the morning, not chugging half a liter right before bed. A hydrated body responds better to massage: tissues are more elastic, circulation improves, and the effects of the massage (especially if it's draining or muscle-relaxing) are much more effective.
In summary: Eat light, hydrate well, and avoid anything that upsets your digestion or nervous system.Your body will thank you from the first minute of massage.
Clothing and comfort: how to dress and what to bring
Although it may seem like a minor detail, How you dress for your massage session can have a big impact. in your comfort and the natural flow of the treatment. It's not about coming as if you were going to the gym, but rather wearing clothes that help you feel relaxed from the moment you walk through the door.
What kind of clothing is best?
Ideally, you should come with clothes comfortable, loose and easy to take off and put onThe less you have to worry about clothing, the easier it will be for you to relax before and after your massage.
I always have everything you need ready for the appointment—sheets, towels, soft music, oils—but if you come in clothes that allow you to move and change easily, everything flows more smoothly.
An important detail: the socks
It seems silly, but if you can bring clean, comfortable socks, better. Often, after a massage, the body enters a state of deep relaxation and the feet may cool down a bit. Wearing warm socks helps maintain thermal comfort and prolong that feeling of well-being.
What should you bring?
In general, you don't need to bring anything If you're coming to a consultation like mine, I've already prepared everything for your comfort. But if you want to come even more comfortable, you can bring:
- A hair tie if you have long hair, so it doesn't get in your face during the massage.
- A bottle of water for after the session.
- If you are taking medication or have relevant medical reports (for example, if you have had a recent injury), please bring them or let me know.
And above all, It makes you want to disconnect, to breathe deeply and to let your body express itself without rushing..
Hygiene and body care before the session
Taking care of hygiene before a massage is not only a matter of respect for the therapist, but also a way to prepare your body and mind by the time you receive a massage session.
A shower beforehand: the first step to relaxation
Whenever you can, Take a shower before coming to the massage, especially if you're coming in after work, exercising, or sweating. You don't need to apply cologne or cream; just soap and water to remove sweat, natural body oils, and any traces of cosmetics.
I assure you that your body will notice: clean skin. absorbs oils and creams better, and it makes it easier to work. Plus, that little routine already puts you in "relaxation mode."
Avoid creams or perfumes?
Yes, it's best to avoid using body creams, oils, or strong perfumes before your session. Some creams can create a barrier on the skin that makes manual work difficult, and strong perfumes can be bothersome, both for you and me, especially in enclosed spaces.
Also, in long or very deep sessions, massage can cause the skin to react a little more, and mixing several products is not always a good idea.
Nails, feet and little things that are appreciated
- If you know that we are going to work on feet or hands (like in reflexology or a full massage), check them before: Clean, short nails, without strong nail polish, help make contact more pleasant.
- You don't have to be perfect, but A minimum of care shows that you take the massage moment seriously., just as I take it seriously when I prepare each session.
In short: come neat and with natural and clean skin improves the quality of the massage, facilitates manual contact and makes both of us more comfortable throughout the session.
Emotional State: How to Relax Mentally Before You Start
Although massage is a physical therapy, the body and mind are deeply connectedI've had many patients who come in with their bodies tense, not from carrying weight, but from everything they're thinking about: worries, rushing, anxiety, sadness...
Therefore, prepare yourself emotionally before getting on the stretcher. can make a big difference in how your body receives the massage and in the depth of the work we can do.
Slow down, even if it's just for a few minutes.
Try to arrive at the appointment with at least 5-10 minutes to spare. Not only to avoid rushing, but also to give your nervous system time to shift gearsComing home from a busy meeting, from traffic jams, or from constantly using your phone, and suddenly falling onto the stretcher... it's like braking a car from 100 km/h.
Many of my patients take advantage of those minutes to sit in silence, breathe deeply or simply to remain silent without doing anythingIt may not seem like much, but your body appreciates it.
A simple trick: breathing
One technique I often recommend is to take three deep, slow breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth as if you were sighing. It's so basic that we sometimes forget, but The simple act of breathing well begins to relax the body from within.
If it helps, you can think of something as simple as, “Now is my time,” or “I’m going to let go of what I don’t need.”
And if you feel moved… say it
Sometimes, before a massage, you feel more emotionally sensitive. Either because you're going through a difficult time, or simply because your body is asking for more attention. It's okay, and you don't have to hide it.
I always appreciate it when a patient tells me, "I'm a little nervous today," or "I'm feeling very emotionally charged." That helps me adapt the pace, intensity, and even the type of massage so that it becomes truly therapeutic.
Because in the end, massage not only releases muscles… it also releases emotions that the body has been storing for a long time.
Talking to your therapist: sharing important information about your body
A good massage session begins before putting your hands on the skinAnd that first step is the conversation. It doesn't have to be long or overly technical, but it does have to be honest and clear. The more I know about you and how your body is feeling that day, I'll be able to help you better.
What things should you tell me?
- Current discomfort: Sometimes a small tension can be related to other imbalances.
- Past or chronic injuries: The body stores memory, and that determines how I work on certain areas.
- General health statusIf you're taking medication, have high blood pressure, diabetes, circulatory problems, are pregnant... everything counts. It's not about judging anything, but rather adapting the technique to your situation.
- Level of stress or fatigue: Often, the body doesn't hurt, but it's exhausted or saturated. Knowing this helps me choose a gentler pace or focus on more relaxing techniques.
Trust and communication: the basis of a good massage
For me, massage is a team effort. Good preparation before a massage session requires close collaboration. I provide the technique, sensitivity, and experience, but you provide me with the information and trust to make it all work.
And of course, During the session you can also talkIf anything bothers you, if the pressure is too strong, if you notice an area needs more time… just let me know. This isn't a spa; it's a treatment tailored to you.
What to do if you have discomfort or are sick
Sometimes situations arise where you're not quite sure whether you should come in for a massage or not. Something hurts more than usual, you have a cold, you woke up feeling strange... And the typical question is: Should I go or leave it for another day?
The answer depends on the case, but here are some clear guidelines so you know how to act.
If you are sick (infections, fever, viruses…)
If you have fever, flu, severe cold, gastroenteritis or any active infectious process, it is best to reschedule the appointmentMassage stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system, which can worsen your symptoms or cause your body to become more exhausted.
If you have localized pain or new discomfort
There are nuances here. If the pain is mild or you're already familiar with it (overuse, recurring tension, etc.), massage can help a lot. But if the pain has come on suddenly, is very acute, or you can't move well, The first thing is to evaluate it well.
But if there is a suspicion of a serious injury (hernia, rupture, acute inflammation), I would recommend that you first see a doctor or have tests done. It's not about forcing yourself to come, but about listen to what the body needs at that moment.
And if you're not sure... talk to me
Often, with a call or a message, we can quickly clarify whether it's better to come or postpone. I'm here to help you, not just with my help, but also with guidance and support.
Your body appreciates every little detail
Self-care shouldn't be a luxury, but a natural way of life. And when you decide to treat yourself to a massage, you're not just "relieving pain" or "treating yourself": you're sending a clear message to your body and mind:
“I hear you. I care about you.”
All those little gestures you do before coming—eating light, arriving early, taking deep breaths, sharing how you feel— These are not minor detailsThey are signs that you are present, that you are willing to contribute to your well-being.
And believe me, the body notices it.
Throughout these years as a chiropractor and osteopath, I have seen hundreds of times how The quality of the massage improves when the person arrives prepared and receptiveThe muscles relax more quickly, breathing becomes deeper, the mind shuts down, and manual labor is more effective.
So, the next time you come to a session, don't think of it as a break from your day. Live it like a act of connecting with yourself, and you'll see how little by little, session by session, your body gives it back to you in the form of well-being, balance, and energy.
Because in the end, Taking care of yourself starts long before you get on the stretcher.
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