How to Get the Most Out of Your Massage

Written By Brittany DiGesare

Massage is an opportunity to support your nervous system, reduce tension, improve circulation, and reconnect with your body. Whether you receive massage regularly or are preparing for your first session, a few mindful steps before and after your appointment can help you get the maximum benefit from your treatment.

Here are some simple ways to prepare your body and mind so you can fully enjoy and integrate your massage experience.

Before Your Massage: How to Prepare

1. Hydrate Well

Many of us are chronically underhydrated without even realizing it. Proper hydration helps support circulation, muscle function, and the health of your connective tissues—all of which can improve your massage experience.

A good general goal is to drink approximately 2–3 liters of water per day, adjusting based on your activity level, climate, and personal needs.

Coming into your massage well-hydrated helps your muscles and fascia respond more effectively to bodywork.

2. Avoid Eating a Heavy Meal Right Before

It’s best not to arrive overly full. A light meal or snack is ideal so your body can fully relax without discomfort while lying on the table.

3. Arrive Early

Try to arrive about 10 minutes early for your session whenever possible. This gives you time to settle in, use the restroom, silence your phone, take a few breaths, and mentally transition out of “go mode.”

Rushing into a massage stressed and distracted makes it harder for the nervous system to fully relax.

4. Communicate Clearly

Your massage therapist wants to create the best experience possible for you. Open communication helps tailor the session to your unique needs.

This is one of the reasons I have new clients fill out a health history form before their first session. This allows me to:

  • Review important health information

  • Ask follow-up questions

  • Identify potential contraindications or considerations

  • Better understand your goals and needs

This starting point creates a thoughtful foundation for our conversation before your session begins.

Be sure to share:

  • Areas of pain or tension

  • Injuries or health conditions

  • Pressure preferences

  • Areas you’d like avoided or focused on

There is no “correct” way to receive massage. Your comfort and safety matter.

5. Avoid Intense Workouts Immediately Before

Deep exercise right before a massage can leave muscles inflamed or overly fatigued. Gentle movement or stretching is fine, but it’s usually best to save intense training for another time.

During Your Massage

Remember to Breathe

Many people unconsciously hold their breath when an area feels tender or emotionally charged. Slow, deep breathing helps the body relax and allows the work to be more effective.

It’s All About You

Some people enjoy quiet during their massage, while others prefer conversation. Some love deeper pressure, while others need a gentler touch.

During your session, I will follow your lead and continuously adapt the experience to help you feel safe, supported, and comfortable.

Massage is a collaborative experience centered around your needs.

After Your Massage: Supporting Integration & Recovery

1. Continue Hydrating

Massage encourages circulation and movement within the tissues. Drinking water afterward helps support recovery and often helps people feel their best after treatment.

2. Plan a Relaxing Day if Possible

One of the best things you can do after a massage is avoid immediately rushing back into stress or an overloaded schedule.

If possible, plan a more relaxing day:

  • Take a gentle walk

  • Eat nourishing food

  • Rest

  • Spend time outdoors

  • Journal or reflect

  • Enjoy a calm evening

Allowing yourself time to integrate the session can deepen the benefits significantly.

3. Emotional Release

Massage affects both the body and nervous system. Occasionally emotions may surface afterward—this is completely normal. The body often stores stress and experiences physically, and relaxation can create space for release.

Be gentle with yourself if this happens.

4. Stretch Gently

Light stretching, walking, or gentle movement after a massage can help maintain mobility and extend the benefits of the session.

5. Listen to Your Body

After a massage, many people notice:

  • Improved sleep

  • Reduced tension

  • Increased awareness of posture or stress patterns

  • Greater emotional calm

Pay attention to what your body is communicating and try to honor those needs in the following days.

Massage as Part of a Wellness Routine

Massage works best not as a one-time “fix,” but as part of an ongoing wellness routine that supports your physical and emotional well-being over time.

When combined with practices such as mindfulness, movement, hydration, rest, and stress management, massage can become a powerful tool for helping you feel more connected, balanced, and at ease in your body.

Interested in Scheduling a Massage in Tuscany?

If you are visiting or living in Tuscany and are interested in scheduling a massage with me, I’d love to hear from you.

I offer personalized sessions designed to support relaxation, nervous system regulation, pain relief, and overall well-being in a calm and supportive environment.

✨ Please reach out to schedule your session or ask any questions. Your wellness experience begins long before you get on the massage table. ✨

Brittany DiGesare
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