Is There a Best Time to Get a Massage?

Getting a massage is a self care activity aimed at boosting your physical and mental well-being. That means you want to ensure you’re scheduling your massage experiences at the optimal time to maximize their potential benefits. Knowing the best time for a massage that melds with your lifestyle and schedule will help you avoid missed massage appointments or excess stress that negates its purpose.

What is the best time to get a massage? Today, we’re answering that question and more as we discuss ways to make the most of this essential self care routine. We’ll help you determine which time works best for you and take a look at factors to consider along the way.

Factors for the Best Time to Get a Massage

Getting consistent massages has a profound positive impact on your overall health and wellness. Since every person’s schedule and lifestyle is different, however, that means the best time to get a massage depends on a variety of factors.

Some of the factors you should consider when determining the best time for a massage include:

• Personal schedule: Try to schedule massage appointments during periods when you are the least busy. This keeps your mind from wandering while you’re trying to relax and, ideally, gives you at least an hour for self care afterward to recover and reap the benefits of your massage.
• When you eat: You should try not to eat roughly 90 minutes prior to your massage and only a light meal if you do eat earlier in the day. This gives your body time to digest the food and prevent discomfort during your massage. Afterward, you can have a light healthy snack of nuts or fruit to satiate any hunger you may be experiencing.
• Exercise habits: It’s best to get a massage after you exercise for the day. Massage helps with the muscle recovery process and may prevent uncomfortable conditions like Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
• Health conditions: Before getting a massage or using a massage chair, you should be mindful of any health conditions you’re experiencing. Consult your doctor before starting any massage routines to ensure it's safe for you to do so. Massage may provide benefits to some health conditions, making it an important part of your health regimen.
• Goals for your massage: Determining the best time to get a massage also depends on your goals. Are you wanting to increase energy levels throughout the day? Want help unwinding in the evening? Your massage goals will play a major part in choosing the right time.

Due to the individual nature and variety of factors for choosing the best time for a massage, many people have turned to the benefits of massage therapy at home. Instead of having to schedule traditional massage therapy appointments in advance and hoping your schedule still aligns on the day, one of the biggest benefits of owning a massage chair at home is that you can use it whenever you want. It makes getting a massage that much easier when you can experience full-body massage programs at the touch of a button.

Furthermore, owning a massage chair makes it easier for multi-member households to each have access to massage when they need it without driving up the cost associated with so many traditional appointments.

Best Time of Day to Get a Massage

Is there a best time of day to get a massage? The truth is, any time will do. There is no biologically-ideal time for our bodies to experience a massage. That said, the factors we covered will have a major impact on what’s best for you. 

It’s always best to get a massage during your least busy time of day so you can focus on being present and without distraction. The hour or so immediately following a massage is crucial self care time that facilitates further benefits, so you don’t want to immediately undo them by hopping in the car and stressing about making a work meeting, picking up a child from school, or meeting friends for dinner.

Morning Massages

For some people, the best time to get a massage is in the morning. To avoid rush hour traffic or spiking stress levels so early in the day, morning massages are an ideal time for using a massage chair vs human massage. You can enjoy your cup of coffee or tea then further your relaxation by choosing which type of massage you need.

Morning may be the best time of day to get a massage for those looking to boost their energy levels and take on the day ahead. This could be beneficial if you’re an early riser, looking to enhance your morning routine. Morning massages are also ideal for people who don’t want their massage to take up part of their day. Getting a massage in before the day starts sends you off with those benefits working throughout your body without feeling like you’re simply adding another task to your day.

Afternoon Massages

While it may seem counterintuitive, the afternoon can be the best time to get a massage for some people, as well. While the best time will ultimately be different for every person, the late afternoon is commonly beneficial. 

In the late afternoon around 4 pm, traffic is typically between the lunch crowd and evening rush hour, making it less likely you’ll be stressing about traffic or making it to and from your appointment with ease. Additionally, it’s not directly after any meal times nor are many massage therapy locations frequently busy at these times.

People using a massage chair in place of traditional massage appointments may also find afternoon massages beneficial for giving them a boost of energy for the rest of the day, for relaxing after a morning workout, or as part of a self care home spa day.

Evening Massages

For many others, the best time to get a massage is in the evening. It may be the calmest, least busy part of your day while also aligning with goals for unwinding before bed. Getting a massage in the evening is great for stress relief as well as for helping your body recover from the normal wear and tear of the day.

While evenings may be the best time for a massage, once you’re home you may want to stay home. What should you do? This is another example of why so many have turned to the benefits of full-body massage chairs at home instead of continuing with traditional massage appointments. The ability to unwind and choose from many different types of massage programs from the comfort of home makes you more likely to make massage a part of your regular recovery routine without elevating your expenses.

Furthermore, bonus massage chair features like heat therapy, chromotherapy, and zero gravity reclining capabilities make them ideal for deepening relaxation and improving sleep quality. An evening massage will quickly become part of your night time self care routine, creating a healthy habit that boosts your health and wellness. 

Other Times to Get a Massage

Sometimes, the best time to get a massage isn’t just a time of day, but a result of various circumstances. Where getting massages regularly is dependent on your day-to-day schedule, there are some situations where massage can help alleviate acute pains or discomforts.

A few scenarios that may qualify as the best time for a massage include:

• During pregnancy: Having a prenatal massage routine may be beneficial for both you and your baby. It could help with common symptoms experienced during pregnancy such as stress, swelling, and inflammation. Massage is safe for most pregnant women but consult your doctor beforehand for guidance and approval.
• After a long flight: World travelers may find the best time for a massage is after a long flight. Jetlag isn’t the only issue you may face, as sitting for long periods of time may put excess stress on the back and shoulders. A massage after a long flight could also help with stimulating blood circulation.
• Post-workout: A massage after a strenuous workout helps with muscle recovery and keeps you in optimal condition. Sports massage helps with range of motion and accelerated faster recovery after injuries.
• Age-related diseases: Massage has been shown to be beneficial for a variety of age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis treatment, and more. Using a massage chair, you can adjust your setting each time to deliver the exact massage experience you need.

Is there a best time to get a massage? The answer to that question is yes, but it’s different for each person. To determine the best time for a massage, think about the factors that affect your schedule, your daily routine, and your overall health. Choose the best massage chair for you, and experience the perfect massage on your terms!