Don’t Ruin Your Massage: 10 Things to Avoid After Treatment
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Quick Summary
Taking care of your body doesn’t stop when your massage ends. This article highlights 10 common mistakes people make after massage therapy and explains simple steps you can take to protect your results. From avoiding heavy workouts to staying hydrated and listening to your body, you’ll learn how to keep that relaxed, refreshed feeling going long after you leave the clinic.
Whether you are a local Vancouver client or new to massage therapy, these practical tips will help you get the most out of every session.
Getting a massage is one of the best ways to hit pause, whether you're dealing with stress, sore muscles, or need a moment to reset.
But what happens after your session matters just as much as what happens on the table.
At West End Wellness, right here in the heart of Vancouver’s West End, we see it all the time, folks walking out of a great massage feeling amazing, only to unknowingly undo the benefits by diving back into daily life too quickly.
That’s why we put together this guide, not to overwhelm you with rules, but to share a few helpful tips that make your massage work even harder for you.
Whether you’re a local looking for trusted care in your neighbourhood or someone curious about post-massage dos and don’ts, we hope this article helps you feel more informed, supported, and ready to get the most out of every session.
1. Jumping Right Back Into a Workout
It’s super common to walk out of a massage feeling like a new person. No pain, full range of motion, a bit of a glow. That energy rush can trick you into thinking, “I’m all fixed! Time to hit the gym and make up for lost time.”
One of our regulars, Jamie, made that exact call. He’d been nursing tight quads for weeks, finally got them loosened up during a deep tissue session, and then, boom, decided it was a perfect day for hill sprints around his favourite run around the seawall. He was back two days later with even tighter quads and a sore lower back.
The thing is, after a massage, your muscles need a little recovery time. They’ve just been worked in a good way, but they’re also more pliable and sensitive. So instead of heading straight to the squat rack or your spin class, try something slower.
A walk along the seawall, a stretch at home, or just letting your body coast for the rest of the day is actually what helps the massage stick.
2. Heading Straight for Happy Hour
You’d be surprised how many people book a massage and then head off for drinks. And honestly, we get it, your body's in relaxation mode, you're floating a bit, and meeting up with friends for a glass of wine feels like a continuation of the self-care vibe.
But here's the catch: Massage gets your blood and lymph moving, helps your body flush out waste, and can leave you a bit lightheaded or dehydrated. Toss alcohol into that mix and you're basically asking your body to do double duty, detox and deal with booze.
One client told us she felt “extra tipsy” after just one glass of wine following her massage and ended up calling it an early night. The wine wasn’t stronger; her body just wasn’t ready for it.
Instead? Stick to water or a calming herbal tea. If you really want to celebrate, wait a few hours or even the next day. Your body will thank you, and your head will too.
3. Ignoring How You Feel
After a massage, it’s pretty common to shrug off little signals your body might be sending.
Maybe you feel a bit dizzy, extra tired, or even more emotional than expected. Most people think, “Oh, I’m probably just relaxed,” and carry on as if nothing’s different.
One client, Priya, popped into our clinic on her lunch break, got a massage to ease her stress, then rushed back into back-to-back Zoom calls. She told us later she felt foggy the whole afternoon and regretted not taking a bit more time to reset.
That post-massage daze is actually your nervous system downshifting, and it’s a good thing.
But it also means your body’s asking for rest. If something feels off, even in a subtle way, slow down. Cancel a chore or push that errand until tomorrow. You booked this massage to feel better, not to exhaust yourself further.
4. Grabbing a Large Coffee Right After
It’s automatic, right? You finish your massage and walk past your favourite café, thinking a latte will round out the day perfectly. But that hit of caffeine can jolt your system just when it’s trying to stay relaxed.
We had a client named Adam who always booked morning massages. One time, he followed it with a double espresso and wondered why his shoulders tensed up again halfway through the day. It turns out that caffeine can raise your cortisol levels, spike your heart rate, and essentially undo the calm your massage worked to create.
Instead, try giving yourself an hour or two before that next coffee. Sip on water or herbal tea and see how your body responds. You might find that you don’t even need the caffeine; the massage has already done the work.
5. Sitting in the Same Position for Too Long
Ever gone from the massage table straight to your desk? We’ve all done it. You feel amazing at first, relaxed, mobile, then a few hours later, your back aches again, and your shoulders feel like bricks.
One of our regulars, Susan, came in raving about how great she felt... then admitted she sat through a four-hour meeting right after, barely moving. By the next morning, her neck pain was back.
Your circulation improves during a massage, and your body thrives on that movement. So even if you’re heading back to work, try to get up every hour or do a few stretches at your desk. Your massage will go further, and your muscles will stay happier for longer.
6. Skipping Meals
It’s easy to forget to eat after a massage, especially if your session runs over lunch or you leave feeling so relaxed that food is the last thing on your mind. But massage stimulates your metabolism and nervous system, which can leave you a bit lightheaded if you haven’t eaten.
One client, Daniel, booked a late afternoon massage and figured he’d just wait until dinner. On his way home, he got super shaky and had to sit down at the bus stop near Robson because he felt faint. He admitted later that he should’ve grabbed a snack.
The fix is simple. Keep something light and nourishing nearby, a smoothie, a granola bar, or even a banana. You don’t need a feast, just a little fuel to help your body bounce back.
7. Soaking Too Long in a Hot Bath or Shower
A warm soak after a massage sounds like heaven, and it can be, but go easy. If the water’s too hot or you stay in too long, you might feel drained or even dizzy afterward.
One of our long-time clients, Emma, loves baths and decided to take a 45-minute soak with Epsom salts after her session. She called the next day, saying she felt wiped out. The massage already had her circulation flowing and her muscles relaxed. The extra heat just pushed it a bit too far.
A warm, short shower is usually all you need. Or if you do want that bath, keep it under 20 minutes and drink lots of water afterward. Balance is key.
8. Cramming in Other Treatments on the Same Day
Some clients like to make a “self-care day” out of it, massage, facial, chiropractor, waxing, the works. But sometimes, less is more. Stacking treatments doesn’t give your body a chance to process each one.
We had a client named Megan who scheduled a massage, then a float tank, then acupuncture all in one afternoon. She ended up feeling overwhelmed, not relaxed. Her nervous system didn’t know what to do with itself.
If you’re booking multiple services, give your body some space. A day or two between appointments lets each treatment do its job and helps you notice what’s actually working.
9. Jumping Back Into Stressful Tasks
You finish your massage, feeling grounded and calm... and then walk right into a conflict-heavy Zoom call or a pile of unopened bills. That peaceful post-massage state disappears fast.
One client told us she went straight from her massage to having “a talk” with her partner about their vacation budget. Half an hour later, her shoulders were back up near her ears.
Try to give yourself at least an hour buffer before anything high-stress. If you can’t avoid it, even five minutes of deep breathing or sitting with a tea can help you hold onto the calm just a little longer.
10. Thinking One Massage Will Fix Everything
This is probably the most common one. People come in with months of built-up tension, get a single massage, and hope it’ll all disappear. While even one session can bring real relief, long-term change takes consistency.
One guy, Mark, had serious neck and upper back tension from working at his home office setup (aka, the kitchen table). He felt great after his first session, but didn’t book again for six months and came back feeling worse than before.
Massage is like going to the gym. One workout helps, but regular sessions make the biggest difference. Discuss a schedule with your RMT that aligns with your goals. You don’t have to come every week, but staying consistent can significantly improve how your body feels every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prolong the benefits of my body massage?
The best way to make your massage last is to take it easy afterward. Allow your body time to recover by avoiding intense workouts, staying hydrated with plenty of water, and maintaining a relaxed state. Gentle movement, such as walking or light stretching, also helps. Regular massages and open communication with your therapist about what’s working also go a long way.
What is the most effective massage technique?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; the most effective massage technique depends on your body and your goals. For deep muscle tension, deep tissue massage works well. For stress and overall relaxation, Swedish massage is often the go-to. If you're recovering from an injury or dealing with chronic pain, myofascial release or trigger point therapy may be more effective. The best technique is one that’s tailored to your needs, so always discuss with your RMT what you’re hoping to achieve in your session.
How to maximize deep tissue massage?
To get the most from deep tissue work, prepare by hydrating and letting your therapist know what areas need attention. Afterward, skip intense activity, rest, and use heat or gentle stretches if needed. Deep tissue can stir up soreness at first, but following aftercare helps speed recovery and makes the results last longer.
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Final Thoughts
A good massage isn’t just about what happens in the room; it’s about how you carry that care with you afterward. At West End Wellness, we love seeing our Vancouver clients leave feeling lighter, more relaxed, and ready to take on the day.
However, we also know that the little choices you make after your session can either build on that feeling or quietly erode it. Whether you're new to massage or a long-time client, we hope these tips help you get the most out of your time with us.
If you’re looking for a trusted massage therapist who truly cares about your health and recovery, we’re right here in the West End and ready to support you. Book your next session online or reach out if you have questions; we’re happy to chat.
If you have any further doubts or questions regarding this subject or another treatment, contact one of our experienced Acupuncturists or Registered Massage Therapists here at West End Wellness Clinic. You can either give us a call or make an appointment.
Disclaimer: Please remember this article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider or someone with the correct qualifications before starting any new exercise or treatment program.