Sports events can bring out the best in athletes—whether it’s a marathon, a soccer match, or a weekend cycling race. But when the body isn’t fully prepared, it can lead to tight muscles, slower performance, or even injury. That’s where a pre event sports massage comes in. The timing of this massage makes a big difference. Get it too early, and the benefits wear off. Too late, and your muscles might feel too loose or even sore.
In this blog, we’ll break down the best time to book your massage and how it fits into your overall training or game-day routine.
What Is a Pre-Event Sports Massage?
A pre event massage is a short, focused massage that’s given before physical activity. It’s not meant to relax you in the usual way. Instead, it’s meant to wake up your muscles, improve blood flow, and get your body ready to move. It’s usually done within 24 hours of an event—sometimes even 30 to 60 minutes before. The goal is to boost performance, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve focus.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, athletes who received a pre-event massage showed improved flexibility and faster warm-up results compared to those who didn’t. (Source: J Sports
When Is the Best Time to Schedule It?
The best time depends on the intensity of your event and how your body responds to massage.
- For high-intensity events like races or matches: Try to schedule your massage 1 to 3 hours before the start. This gives your body time to adjust while keeping muscles activated.
- For lower-intensity workouts or games: You can book it the night before or early in the morning if your event is later in the day.
The massage should be light and quick—about 10 to 15 minutes. It’s more like a warm-up for your muscles, not a deep-tissue session.
How Does It Help Performance?
Here are just a few benefits:
- Increases blood flow, helping muscles get the oxygen they need.
- Warms up the body, making movements easier and more natural.
- Reduces stiffness, especially in cold weather or early morning events.
- Improves mental focus, because it gives you a few quiet moments before all the action starts.
Many athletes say they feel looser, lighter, and more confident heading into an event after a quick massage session.
What to Avoid Before Your Massage
Don’t eat a heavy meal or drink too much caffeine just before your massage. Also, skip any deep stretching or foam rolling right before—your muscles don’t need to be overly relaxed. This type of massage is meant to energize, not sedate.
It’s also important to communicate with your massage therapist. Let them know what event you’re preparing for, how your body feels, and any areas that need special attention.
What Happens After the Event?
Once your race, game, or workout is done, your muscles might feel sore or tight. That’s where a post event sports massage helps. This massage is slower and deeper than a pre-event one. It helps remove built-up lactic acid, eases soreness, and helps you recover faster.
Experts from The American Massage Therapy Association say post-event massage can reduce muscle fatigue and even help prevent injuries over time
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So, if you're making room for a pre-event massage, try planning ahead for the post-event one too. Your body will thank you.
Why River North Massage Therapy Center is a Great Choice
If you're looking for expert massage therapists who truly get what athletes need, River North Massage Therapy Center is a solid pick. Their team understands how to work with the body before and after physical activity. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or you’ve been doing Ironman races for years, they know how to prepare muscles for performance—and how to help them recover.
They’ve worked with everyone from weekend warriors to professional athletes, and their approach is always thoughtful, friendly, and professional. Plus, they offer flexible scheduling, which is perfect if you’re planning around a big event.
Final Thoughts
Booking a pre event sports massage might seem like a small step, but it can have a big impact on how your body performs and how you feel afterward. When scheduled at the right time, it helps muscles move better, lowers your chance of injury, and gives you a mental boost before hitting the field, court, or pavement.
For those in the Chicago area, River North Massage Therapy Center offers personalized support and skill you can count on—whether it's your first event or your 50th. Pair it with a post event massage, and you’ve got a winning combo for both performance and recovery.