This comes up a lot - especially if you’re booking a massage because you’re sore. The reassuring answer is: yes, you can take painkillers beforehand, and for many people it simply makes the session more comfortable.
Massage works best when your body can relax. If pain relief helps you settle into the treatment instead of bracing or guarding, that’s a good thing.
Common over-the-counter options like paracetamol (for example Panadol) or ibuprofen (such as Nurofen) can slightly reduce how intensely you feel pressure. This isn’t dangerous - but it does mean you should communicate clearly with your therapist about pressure and comfort during the massage.
A good massage therapist will always adjust based on your feedback, not just how your muscles feel to them.
There’s no benefit to arriving in unnecessary pain. Being able to lie comfortably and breathe normally helps your body respond better to treatment.
Stick to recommended doses and any guidance from your GP, especially if you have health conditions or take other medications. Always communicate to your therapist if you have taken pain medications.
