Alcohol, Drugs, and Massage: Why They Don’t Mix
Sometimes, people wonder if they can get double the benefit from a massage if they use alcohol, marijuana, or pain medication before their appointment. Whether it’s relaxation or extra pain relief the client is seeking, we strongly recommend not using alcohol or drugs before a massage. Beyond not being beneficial, the use of these substances before a massage can actually be harmful.
It makes sense that clients seeking a relaxing spa day may think alcohol will provide enhanced relaxation, because alcohol on its own can feel relaxing. However, interactions between the effects of massage and the effects of alcohol make it specifically unsafe. Alcohol thins the blood and gets stored in the muscles, while massage increases blood flow and helps flush toxins from the muscles. Therefore, a massage can amplify the effects of alcohol and decrease the benefit of your massage.
Additionally, we always recommend increasing hydration after massage as a part of recovery, and alcohol does just the opposite. It dehydrates you. This could lead to an intense hangover and more difficult recovery from the massage.
Pain relief is another big motivation for massage therapy. Medical marijuana, prescription pain medication, and even over-the-counter pain relievers are treatments a person with a painful injury or chronic pain may use. However, some of these drugs (as well as alcohol) may prevent clients from feeling the full effect of their massage in the moment.
If using marijuana or narcotic pain medication, clients may not be able to feel if their therapist is using too much pressure or if the massage is causing pain to an injured area. Using these substances also hampers communication with your massage therapist and may lead to more pain when the effects of the drugs wear off. These medications, plus some OTC pain relievers, can also increase the chance of bruising from deep tissue massage.
CBD oils work differently than marijuana and do not contain the compounds that provide a high. At Resonance, we are proud to offer them as a safe way to enhance your massage. Some of the pain relief and relaxation benefits that clients may be seeking through marijuana can be found with massage and CBD oil together.
Driving safety is a problem for all three substances. With the increased effect of alcohol on the body caused by massage, a single drink may make driving unsafe. Narcotic painkillers and marijuana make driving to and from the appointment unsafe as well.
For clients with a recent injury or who are on long-term prescription painkillers, the timing of your massage appointment is crucial for safety. Always continue to take medicine as prescribed by your doctor, but plan your massage toward the end of the dosage window when the effects of painkillers are at their lowest. Do not schedule a massage directly after taking your prescription medication, and always tell your massage therapist if your medications have changed.
We want you to have a safe, relaxing experience and get the most out of your massage. That means avoiding alcohol, marijuana, and prescription pain medications prior to your massage and ensuring you stay well hydrated after your massage.
