7 Habits That Secretly Annoy Massage Therapists - The Healthy

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2. Eating a big meal right before​

It’s important to remember that bodies are going to do what they do—and when it comes to hunger or digestion, your gut is going to make noises. While noises are nothing to be embarrassed about, Barlett suggests eating at least an hour before an appointment to prevent discomfort, such as indigestion, nausea, or an upset stomach during your service.

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3. Not speaking up​

While it might feel like your massage therapist knows exactly what you need, the truth is, even the most skillful and experienced massage therapists aren’t mind-readers. So, like any relationship, communication is key. This starts by providing your therapist with medical information such as areas to avoid, previous surgeries, medical conditions, and current prescription medications you might be taking, says Barlett.

During the service, Barlett says it’s important to let your therapist know if something feels uncomfortable and not to worry about offending your therapist, as they’ll appreciate the information. “Remember to speak up readily regarding pressure, your comfort level, and any sensations you’re noticing as the therapist works, or if you’d like to move on from a certain spot,” she says.

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4. Not hydrating after your massage​

One of the most common mistakes people make is not properly hydrating after a massage. Because massage releases toxins from your soft tissues, University of California San Francisco Health cites the importance of drinking water to help flush out your system.

In speaking with Barlett, the findings were supported. “During a massage, lactic acid buildup is released, lymph is moved around, and circulation is increased,” she says. “Water is vital for these processes and also helps prevent soreness after massage.” If you slack on drinking water after a session, chances are good you’ll feel sore and groggy the following day.

In addition, she suggests steering clear of strenuous activity post-session, such as exercise, jogging and yardwork, as well as excessive caffeine, liquor, and other dehydrating beverages.

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