Massage is one of those moments when you can truly pause and focus on yourself. A moment of silence, relaxation, and releasing tension – all of this makes you feel lighter, calmer, and better after leaving the treatment room. But how to prepare for a massage to get the most out of the session? We have some tips!
Why is it worth preparing properly for a massage?
Massage is more than just relaxation – it is a moment when the body and mind can genuinely regenerate. Whether you are visiting a local salon or planning a seaside holiday at a hotel with a SPA and wellness area, proper preparation allows you to fully utilize its potential. With a few simple actions:
you will increase the effectiveness of the massage – relaxed muscles and calm breathing improve tissue work,
you will ensure comfort – freedom and lack of tension make it easier to relax,
you will improve your well-being – not only during the massage but also long after it.
Seemingly small details have a real impact on the quality of the entire experience – it's worth taking care of them before you even step into the massage room.
How to prepare for a massage? Practical tips
Relaxation, classic, or therapeutic massage is a treatment that affects the entire body. It's worth preparing properly to feel the full benefits – both physical and mental. A few simple steps are enough to enter the room calmly, without tension and... without unnecessary worries.
Don’t come hungry or overly full
It’s hard to relax on an empty stomach, and even harder with a full one. It’s best to eat a light meal 1-2 hours before the massage. This way, you will avoid feeling sleepy, weak, or, conversely, discomfort from a full stomach when lying on your belly.
Avoid alcohol and strong coffee
Massage supports the body’s natural regeneration processes. Alcohol and strong coffee can disrupt this rhythm – affecting circulation, dehydration, and your overall feeling. That day, it’s better to stick to water or herbal tea.
Take a warm shower or bath
It’s not only for hygiene reasons. Warm water relaxes muscles and has a calming effect – thanks to this, the masseur can immediately focus on the proper work with your body, and you can more easily enter a deep relaxation state.
Be punctual
Haste and stress can effectively ruin your mood – even before the most pleasant treatment. It’s worth arriving a few minutes early to calmly change, talk with the masseur, and get into the rhythm of the massage without tension.
Remove jewelry, watch, and other accessories
A necklace or bracelet can bother both you and the person performing the massage. Safe lockers for your belongings are usually available in the salon, but it’s good to remember to leave them in your hotel room beforehand.
Preparation for the massage and appropriate attire
If before your first visit to the SPA you have doubts about what to bring and how a classic, relaxation, or therapeutic massage actually looks – don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people feel stressed because they don’t know whether they need special attire, how the preparation goes, or what to do if they feel uncomfortable with touch. But it’s a moment when you should feel free. What do guests of our SPA hotel in Świnoujście most often ask?
Do I need to have my own attire? No. At our hotel SPA, you will receive everything you need on-site – a towel, disposable underwear, a robe, and slippers. You don’t have to bring or buy anything special beforehand.
What does preparation in the salon look like? Before the massage, you will be asked to undress and remain in disposable underwear or your own, if you prefer. The masseur will leave the room to ensure your privacy. You will lie on the table, and your body will be covered with a large towel – only the parts being massaged will be uncovered. Thanks to this, you can always feel comfortable.
What if someone feels embarrassed? It’s normal – especially during the first massage. If something stresses you out, tell the masseur. You can ask for the massage to be done with a shirt on, choose a treatment performed by a person of the same sex, or start with a back or foot massage to gradually get accustomed.
The masseur is there to ensure your comfort. You don’t need to know the procedures or ask “if it’s appropriate” – every question is okay, and every need can be respected. This is your space and your time for regeneration.
How to communicate with the masseur? Speak openly!
A good massage starts with a conversation. Even the best specialist cannot read your thoughts – so it’s worth telling them at the beginning (or before the treatment) what you expect and if there are any issues they should pay attention to.
Above all, tell them if something hurts. Do you have a stiff neck, muscle pain, or simply don’t tolerate pressure around your feet? Let them know. The masseur will adjust the technique and intensity so that the treatment is effective and comfortable. Before the treatment, also report any contraindications or ailments. The person performing therapeutic, relaxation, or classic massage must know your health condition and be aware of any illnesses, injuries, skin allergies, or medications you are taking. Some contraindications exist for certain treatments, so the masseur – as much as possible – will suggest a safe alternative.
If you don’t know which massage to choose – we’re here to help. The SPA team is not just therapists but also advisors. If you’re unsure which massage will be suitable – relaxation, classic, or maybe therapeutic – a short conversation is enough. The specialist will suggest something tailored to your needs and well-being. You don’t need to know the names of techniques or specific types of massages. Just say how you feel and what you want to achieve – relaxation, a boost of energy, improved mobility. Good communication really changes the quality of the whole experience.
Not only preparation – what to avoid after the massage?
Massage affects the body and mind – it relaxes, loosens, and often calms. To keep the effect as long as possible, it’s good to take care of yourself after the treatment as well. Here are a few things better to avoid:
intense physical effort – don’t plan gym, running, or major cleaning after the massage. Muscles need a moment to rest and fully benefit from the relaxation effect,
hot baths and sauna – the body can be heated after a massage, so additional heat sources might deepen weakness or cause dizziness,
heavy meals and alcohol – massage stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system, so it’s good to give your body time to regenerate and hydrate,
hurry and stress – if possible, reserve some extra time after the treatment. A short walk, relaxation in a chillout zone, or a moment with a book – these are good complements to the massage.
A small effort is enough to prolong the pleasant effect of the massage on your body and mind.
Contraindications to massage – when to skip the treatment?
Massage can be a great support for health and well-being, but there are situations when it’s better to avoid it. For safety – yours and the therapist’s – it’s worth informing about all ailments, injuries, or medications before the treatment. The most common contraindications to massage include:
broken skin continuity (including post-surgical),
acute skin inflammations and skin changes,
cancers,
infectious diseases,
fever,
thrombotic changes,
hypertension,
atherosclerosis,
varicose veins,
aneurysms,
infections.
If you have any doubts, it’s worth consulting a doctor or therapist beforehand. A well-chosen massage can bring many benefits, but safety always comes first.
Proper preparation for a massage is a simple step that can make a big difference – you gain greater comfort, better effects, and deeper relaxation. If you have the opportunity to enjoy a massage during your stay in Świnoujście – not only when looking for activities on a rainy day – give yourself space for this moment. Your body (and mind) will surely thank you.
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