How to Prepare for a Massage: A UK Client's Guide

Before Your Appointment

• Avoid eating a heavy meal — eat lightly 1–2 hours before. A full stomach makes lying face-down uncomfortable.
• Hydrate — drink plenty of water before and after. Massage releases toxins and hydration helps your body process them.
• Shower — arrive clean out of courtesy to your therapist.
• Arrive early — arriving 5–10 minutes early lets you fill in any health questionnaires and relax before you start.

What to Tell Your Therapist

At your first appointment (or any appointment where things have changed), let your therapist know about:

• Any injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions
• Areas of pain or tension you want focused on
• Areas you'd prefer not to have touched
• Pregnancy
• Any skin conditions on areas that will be massaged

During the Massage

• You don't need to make conversation — it's completely fine to stay quiet and relax
• Always speak up if the pressure is too hard or too light
• You can ask to skip any area at any time

After Your Massage

• Drink extra water for the rest of the day
• Avoid alcohol for at least a few hours
• Rest if you can — your body benefits from downtime after deep tissue work
• Some people feel a little sore the next day after a deep tissue session — this is normal

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