Can you eat before a massage?
3 minute read. Written by the Back in Health team, Kelowna.
In short
Yes, you can eat before a massage, and there is no need to fast. A normal meal with time to digest, or a light snack closer to the appointment, is usually comfortable. A very large meal immediately beforehand may make lying face-down uncomfortable. Follow any meal plan required for your health and tell your practitioner if you feel unwell.
There is no fasting rule
Registered massage therapy does not require an empty stomach. Eat on your normal schedule rather than skipping a meal for the appointment. If the session falls at lunch or dinner, a light snack beforehand can be more comfortable than arriving hungry.
The practical issue is comfort, not treatment effectiveness. Lying face-down soon after a very large or rich meal can feel unpleasant, so leave some time if you know that affects you.
Plan around the appointment length
A 60- or 90-minute appointment includes intake, positioning and hands-on treatment, so plan for the full time. Eating earlier is useful if you tend to become hungry or light-headed when meals are delayed.
If a health condition or medication affects when you need to eat, follow your usual care plan. Bring what you normally use and let the practitioner know if you feel unwell before treatment starts.
Drink normally too
Arrive ordinarily hydrated and use the washroom if you need to. Massage does not require excessive water before or after the appointment, and drinking extra water does not flush toxins released by treatment.
Afterwards, return to your usual food and fluid routine unless your own regulated health professional has given you different instructions.
If the meal makes positioning uncomfortable
Tell your RMT. The table angle, pillows or position can often be changed, and side-lying or semi-reclined treatment may be more comfortable. You do not need to tolerate nausea, reflux or pressure just to finish the appointment.
Book registered massage therapy in Kelowna at Glenmore or Kirschner.
General information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. If something is getting worse, or you are unsure whether it is right for you, speak to a clinician.