What Not to Do Before a Massage
Preparing properly for a massage can make a big difference to how effective your treatment is. At Advance Body Massage in Wollongong, I often see clients unknowingly do a few things beforehand that can limit the benefits of their session.
Here’s what I recommend avoiding before your massage — whether you’re coming in for remedial massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, dry needling, or cupping therapy
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Don’t Arrive Dehydrated
Hydration plays a big role in how muscles respond to massage. Dehydrated tissue is tighter, more sensitive, and slower to recover.
Try to drink water throughout the day before your appointment, but avoid drinking a large amount right before you arrive. Well-hydrated muscles respond better to remedial and deep tissue massage and tend to feel less sore afterwards.
Don’t Eat a Heavy Meal Right Before Your Massage
A full stomach can make it uncomfortable to lie face down and can draw blood flow away from muscles that need it during treatment.
I usually recommend:
Avoiding heavy meals 1–2 hours before your massage
Having a light snack if needed
This helps your body relax fully and get the most out of the session.
Don’t Train Hard Just Before Your Appointment
While massage is great for recovery, doing an intense workout immediately beforehand can leave muscles fatigued and overly sensitive.
If you’re booked in for a sports massage or deep tissue massage, it’s best to:
Train earlier in the day or the day before
Use your massage as part of recovery, not punishment
This allows me to work more effectively without overwhelming the tissue.
Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up About Pressure
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they need to “push through” discomfort.
Massage should feel purposeful, not unbearable. Everyone’s tolerance is different, and pressure can always be adjusted — especially during deep tissue massage or dry needling.
Letting me know what feels right helps you get better results and prevents unnecessary soreness.
Don’t Forget to Mention Injuries or Health Changes
Even small details matter. New injuries, ongoing pain, changes in training, or medical conditions can all affect how I approach your treatment.
As a sole operator, every session at Advance Body Massage Wollongong is tailored to you — and the more I know, the better I can help.
Don’t Rush In Stressed or Tight
Arriving flustered or running late can make it harder for your nervous system to settle.
If you can:
Arrive a few minutes early
Take a few slow breaths before your session
Give yourself permission to switch off
Massage works best when your body feels safe and relaxed.
Final Thoughts
A little preparation goes a long way. Avoiding these common mistakes before your massage helps your body respond better, recover faster, and get more lasting results from treatment.
If you’re ever unsure how to prepare for your appointment, I’m always happy to guide you — because massage isn’t just about the time on the table, it’s about what you do before and after as well.