Why have a Pre/Post Event Massage?

These are techniques designed to help sportspeople not only perform at their best but also aid recovery.

A pre-event massage can be carried out a day prior to an event but is most beneficial immediately before the activity. This usually takes just 5 to 10 minutes.

The main benefits include:

• Increased blood flow to muscles – helps with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of waste products. Primes the body for exercise.
• Improved joint mobility/ flexibility – optimum range of movement for the activity.
• Ensures muscles are at their right length, optimum force generation and contractibility.
• Stress reduction – helps pre-competition anxiety

A post-event massage is normally performed just after the completion of an event and will take approximately 10 minutes, depending on the availability of therapists and queue length!!

Main benefits include:

• Prevention/ reduction of delayed onset muscle soreness – less pain is good!
• Removal of metabolic waste/ lactate – helps with recovery
• Restores muscle resting length – reduces the feeling of tightness.
• Improves perceived fatigue levels – the feel-good factor!

After 72 hours, a recovery/ corrective massage session lasting around 30 to 45 minutes will be beneficial to aid the healing process and reduce chronic injuries.