Morning Massage

Ideal for:

• Starting the day relaxed and focused
• Relieving morning stiffness (especially with chronic pain)
• Days when you have commitments in afternoon/evening
• People who naturally wake early

Benefits:

• Sets the tone for the rest of the day
• The relaxing effect accompanies you through the following hours
• Stiff muscles from sleep benefit from work early
• Less interference with schedule

Considerations:

• May feel sleepy afterward, not ideal if you need immediate energy
• Need to wake earlier if you have commitments
• Some don’t like interaction right after waking

Typical time: 8am-10am

Lunch Hour Massage

Ideal for:

• Professionals working from home
• Those needing a mid-day break
• Combating post-lunch energy drop
• Intense work days

Benefits:

• Breaks the day, renews energy for afternoon
• Relieves tension accumulated from morning
• Can replace heavy lunch + nap
• Good transition between tasks

Considerations:

• Don’t eat too much before, makes lying down hard
• May be difficult to relax if you have afternoon worries
• Schedule may be tight with commitments

Typical time: 12pm-2pm

Late Afternoon Massage

Ideal for:

• Transition from work to rest
• Marking the end of workday
• Before dinner plans
• Those with full morning schedules

Benefits:

• Releases tension accumulated during the day
• Prepares for a relaxed evening
• Doesn’t affect day’s productivity
• Enough time for effect before bed

Considerations:

• May not want to go out afterward (for those with plans)
• If too relaxed, might cancel evening plans
• Popular time, may have less availability

Typical time: 5pm-7pm

Evening Massage

Ideal for:

• Preparing for a good night’s sleep
• Those who work until late
• Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep
• Deep relaxation without following worries

Benefits:

• Direct transition to sleep
• Significantly improves sleep quality
• Don’t need to do anything afterward
• Naturally calmer environment

Considerations:

• May be too relaxing, careful if you need to do something after
• Some therapists don’t work very late
• May want to eat before (light) or after

Typical time: 8pm-10pm

By Goal

Choose timing based on what you want to achieve:

Improve sleep: Evening, 1-2 hours before you want to sleep. A Swedish massage induces relaxation that facilitates falling asleep.

Increase productivity: Morning or lunch hour. Start the day or afternoon more focused and with less tension.

Post-workout recovery: Right after exercise, regardless of time. If you train in the morning, massage in morning. If you train at night, massage at night.

Reduce work stress: Late afternoon, at work→home transition. Clearly marks the end of professional worries.

Treat chronic pain: Morning, to start the day with less stiffness and pain. The effect extends through the following hours.

Pure relaxation: Evening or weekend. When you don’t have to do anything afterward and can simply enjoy. Learn how to prepare your space for maximum relaxation.

By Day of the Week

Monday: Good for starting the week balanced. Morning or lunch massage prepares you for the days ahead.

Wednesday: Mid-week, when stress has started to accumulate. A pause for reset.

Friday evening: Popular. Marks the end of the work week, prepares for a relaxed weekend.

Saturday/Sunday: No rush, no commitments. You can choose any time. Weekend mornings and afternoons are particularly relaxing.

Practical Considerations

Work: Choose a time that does not create additional stress. If you will be worrying about emails during the massage, you are not relaxing.

Meals: Avoid eating heavily in the 1-2 hours before. It makes lying down difficult and can cause discomfort.

Exercise: If you trained, the massage should be after, not before. But let 30-60 minutes pass to cool down. Read our guide on post-workout massage timing.

Commitments afterward: If you have something important next, you may not be able to fully relax. Choose a time with margin.

Alcohol: Avoid drinking before the massage. It affects circulation and can cause discomfort.

Home Massage and Scheduling

One of the biggest advantages of home massage is scheduling flexibility. At a spa, you are limited to business hours (typically 9am-8pm). At home, you can book from 8am to 10pm, including weekends and holidays.

This changes the equation entirely:

• 9pm Sunday massage: Prepare the week with quality sleep. No spa in Porto is open at that hour
• 8am before work: Start the day stress-free, without needing to travel before the office
• 1pm working from home: Perfect mid-day break without leaving the house
• 8pm Friday couples massage: Start the weekend right, no queues or cancelled restaurant reservations

The flexibility also lets you experiment with different times until you find what works best. Many regular clients test 2-3 different schedules before settling on their ideal slot.

The Truth

Honestly? The best time is when you can do it. A massage at 2pm on Tuesday, even if not “ideal,” is infinitely better than the “perfect” massage that never happens.

Ideal timing is academic if your life’s reality only allows certain hours. Work with what you have. Benefits exist regardless of time. What changes is the intensity of some specific effects.

If you have total flexibility, great. Choose based on your goals. If you can only do Thursday at 11am, book for Thursday at 11am. Your body appreciates it at any time. The benefits of regular massage apply regardless of when you schedule. Consistency matters more than timing: a weekly massage at a “non-ideal” hour beats an occasional session at the “perfect” time. Start with what fits your life, and adjust from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get massage right after waking?

Yes. Some people love it. Helps with morning stiffness and prepares the body for the day ahead. You just need to feel awake enough to appreciate the experience. Many clients who work from home choose this time to start the day tension-free.

Will evening massage keep me awake?

Usually not. In fact, the effect is the opposite. Relaxation massage induces sleep by lowering cortisol levels and activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and recovery. Only very stimulating massages (pre-event sports) could energise too much.

How long before bed should I do it?

1-2 hours is ideal. Gives time for the body to process relaxation and prepare for sleep. Some clients prefer their massage right before bed and go straight to sleep afterward, which also works well.

Can I get massage every day at the same time?

You can, if budget allows. Creating a routine at the same time helps the body anticipate and maximise benefits. Check our prices and packages for regular session options that make frequent bookings more affordable.