Drinking enough water before a massage helps keep muscle tissue more pliable, which can make deeper work more comfortable. It’s generally best to avoid a heavy meal right before your session, since lying face-down or side-lying can feel uncomfortable on a full stomach.
After your treatment, continuing to hydrate helps flush out the metabolic waste released during massage, which is part of why some people feel mildly fatigued or notice increased bathroom trips in the hours afterward — this is normal and temporary.