We all know the feeling of a looming deadline, a stiff neck from staring at a computer, or the ache in our legs after a long workout. In these moments, nothing sounds better than a professional massage. You can almost feel the knots melting away and the stress leaving your body. But have you ever stopped to wonder if the time you book your appointment matters?
Believe it or not, timing plays a massive role in how your body responds to treatment. Whether you are looking for an energy boost to start your day or a way to fall into a deep sleep, choosing the best time to get a massage can be the difference between a “good” session and a life-changing one.
In this guide, we will explore the benefits of morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, and help you decide the optimal time for your specific needs.
Why Timing Matters for a Massage Experience
A massage isn’t just a luxury; it’s a biological reset. When a therapist works on your muscles, they are influencing your nervous system, your blood circulation, and your lymphatic drainage.
If you get a deep tissue massage right before a high-stress meeting, you might feel groggy and “out of it” when you need to be sharp. Conversely, if you get an energizing Shiatsu massage right before bed, you might find yourself lying awake with a racing heart. Matching the massage type and timing to your body’s natural rhythm your circadian rhythm ensures that you get the maximum ROI (Return on Investment) for your relaxation.
Morning Massages: Starting Your Day Relaxed
For many, the best time for a relaxation massage is first thing in the morning. While it might seem counterintuitive to relax right when you’ve woken up, there are several biological advantages to early sessions.
Morning Massage Benefits:
- Reduced Stiffness: We often wake up with “sleep crust” in our joints and muscles. A morning session helps loosen up the body after hours of inactivity.
- Mental Clarity: Instead of reaching for a third cup of coffee, a morning massage stimulates blood flow to the brain, helping you feel alert but calm.
- Consistency: Booking an early slot ensures that the “chaos of the day” doesn’t get in the way. You won’t have to cancel because a meeting ran late.
If you are an athlete or a fitness enthusiast, a post-workout massage in the morning (after a light session) can set a positive tone for your recovery throughout the day.
Afternoon Massages: Midday Recharge and Stress Relief
The “afternoon slump” is real. Around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM, our cortisol levels fluctuate, and we often feel a dip in energy. This makes the afternoon an excellent time for massage therapy after workouts or a midday stress break.
Why choose the afternoon?
- The Perfect Reset: If you’ve been sitting at a desk since 9:00 AM, your shoulders are likely creeping up toward your ears. An afternoon session breaks the cycle of tension.
- Physical Recovery: If you worked out in the morning, the afternoon is the optimal time for pain relief massage because it addresses inflammation before it settles in for the night.
- Stress Management: Taking an hour for yourself in the middle of a hectic day can lower your heart rate and improve your mood for the remainder of the evening.
Evening Massages: Unwinding After a Long Day
For the majority of people, the best time to get a massage is in the evening, specifically between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This is the ultimate “off switch” for the brain.
Evening Massage for Body Relaxation:
- Better Sleep: Massage triggers the release of serotonin, which is a precursor to melatonin (the sleep hormone). Many people find they have the best sleep of their lives following an evening session.
- Processing the Day: It allows you to physically “wash away” the stress of the day.
- No Post-Massage Rush: One of the best parts of an evening massage is that you don’t have to go back to work. You can go straight home, take a warm bath, and slide into bed.
How Your Schedule Affects Your Massage Choice
The “best” time is ultimately personal. When deciding, ask yourself these three questions:
- What is my goal? (Energy vs. Sleep)
- What does my “After-Massage” look like? You should never rush into a high-stress environment immediately after a session. If you have a busy afternoon, don’t book a noon massage.
- When do I feel most tense? If you suffer from tension headaches that start at 4:00 PM, booking a 3:30 PM session might prevent the pain from escalating.
Best Time for Pain Relief or Muscle Recovery Massages
If you are dealing with chronic pain or sports injuries, timing becomes more scientific.
Best time to get a sports massage: Usually, a sports massage is best 24 to 48 hours after a major event or an intense workout. This allows the initial acute muscle soreness to subside so the therapist can work deeper into the tissue.
For muscle tension relief, many experts suggest the late afternoon. This is when your body temperature is highest, making your muscles more pliable and receptive to deep pressure. Whether it’s a deep tissue massage or a Swedish massage, your body is more “warmed up” in the afternoon than in the early morning.
The Right Time for Shiatsu and Relaxation Massages
Different techniques require different timing.
- Smoothing Relaxation Massage: These are best in the evening. The goal is to calm the nervous system, so doing this when you have nowhere else to be is ideal especially when enjoying a Smoothing Relaxation Massage.
- Shiatsu Massage for Recovery: Shiatsu involves rhythmic pressure on acupuncture points. It is incredibly effective for balancing energy. Many visitors to the Shiatsu Massage Center Waikīkī find that a mid-morning Shiatsu session provides a “second wind” of energy that lasts all day without the jitters of caffeine.
Conclusion
Finding the best time to get a massage comes down to listening to your body. Do you need to be energized for the day, or do you need to shut down your brain so you can finally sleep?
If you’re looking for the ultimate experience, try different times of day to see what sticks. Perhaps a Friday evening session is your perfect way to transition into the weekend, or maybe a Monday morning massage is what you need to face the work week with a smile.
Don’t wait until your back is in knots or your stress levels are through the roof. Book your massage session today and give your body the maintenance it deserves.
FAQ
1. When is the best time of day to get a massage?
Generally, the evening (between 6 PM and 8 PM) is considered the best time for most people because it promotes better sleep and allows the body to recover overnight. However, the “best” time depends on your goal morning is better for energy, and afternoon is better for midday stress.
2. What time is best to have a massage?
If you are looking for muscle tension relief, the late afternoon is best as your muscles are naturally warmer and more flexible. If you want to improve your mood for the day, 9 AM to 11 AM is ideal.
3. Is it better to get a massage in the morning or evening?
It depends on your post-massage plans. If you have a relaxing evening ahead, the evening is better. If you have a long, demanding day of physical labor, a morning massage can help prepare your joints for the strain.
4. How often should I get a massage?
For general maintenance and stress relief, once a month is standard. If you are using massage for post-workout massage recovery or chronic pain relief, once a week or every two weeks may be more effective until the issue is resolved.
5. Is it okay to get a massage if I’m feeling tired?
Yes! In fact, being tired is a sign that your nervous system is overtaxed. A massage can help shift your body from the “fight or flight” mode into the “rest and digest” mode, helping you recover from exhaustion.
6. What should you not do before a massage?
- Don’t eat a heavy meal: Digesting a large meal while lying on your stomach can be very uncomfortable.
- Don’t drink excessive caffeine: It makes it harder for your muscles to relax.
- Don’t arrive late: Rushing to your appointment creates stress, which defeats the purpose of the session.
- Don’t take painkillers: You want to be able to feel the therapist’s pressure so you can tell them if it’s too much.
