Sometimes day after day of work and city life can get to you, and the stress may be taking a toll on your body. When you’re feeling sore and strained, it’s time to consider scheduling a men’s massage to ease the tension. You might be unsure of the proper etiquette before heading to your appointment. To guide you through your rejuvenation, the staff at New Paradise Men’s Spa of Manhattan, NY, shares some helpful tips.

The Do’s & Don’ts of Receiving a Men’s Massage

1. Do Shower Before Your Appointment

There are a number of reasons to show up clean to an appointment. A warm shower relaxes your muscles and eases some of your tension, making it more comfortable for you and easier for your therapist. Additionally, massage therapists often use oils, herbs, or lotions for reduced friction and moisturization. Your skin is more likely to take to these components while clean.

2. Do Show Up on Time

It’s important to never be late to your appointment, especially if it’s your first time. Reception has paperwork for you to fill out about health, allergies, and injuries, and it’ll take a few minutes to get undressed and start the massage itself. This will cut into your allotted time, so show up about 10 to 15 minutes early. Even if you’re a regular, you’ll want to make time for health updates.

3. Do Communicate

Don’t be afraid to let the massage therapist know if anything they’re doing is unpleasant or painful, and inform them of any recent or past injuries. They won’t be offended—these are important factors in determining how your treatment will go, and it’s their job to help you feel better and increase your wellness. Massages are meant to be relaxing, so your clarifications will make the experience much more pleasant for you and the therapist.

4. Don’t Eat Too Much

It’s good to eat something light an hour or two before your appointment, but skip the big meal. Massages can stimulate digestion, which is going to make you feel bloated and very uncomfortable. If you want to avoid stopping in the middle of your session to run to the restroom, stick to something low in fiber, grease, and fats.  

5. Don’t Smoke, Drink, or Do Drugs

You shouldn’t smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or do drugs within a day of your appointment. During the treatment, the toxins from cigarettes are flushed out through your skin by the immune system, resulting in an unpleasant smell that sticks for days. Massages increase your circulation, boosting the effects of alcohol and narcotics in your system. For those under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the past 24 hours, this could mean ending your session inebriated and unable to drive.

6. Don’t Come in Sick

If you’re under the weather, don’t be afraid to cancel your appointment. The spa will appreciate it, and you won’t get the staff or any of the other clients sick. Achieve a full recovery before you reschedule because massages can worsen symptoms. As previously mentioned, massages increase circulation, pushing the virus through your body faster and bombarding your sinuses. Staying home sick is the safest choice for everybody.

For the best men’s massage in Hell’s Kitchen, come unwind at New Paradise Men’s Spa. They have a number of different treatments and packages to choose from, and their professional, fully licensed staff will have you feeling relaxed and recharged by the end of your session. For the full men’s spa treatment, take a look at their waxing, facial, manicure, and pedicure options as well. To book an appointment, call (646) 559-1621. You can also look at their massage options online.