Pre-Event & Post Event Massage

PRE-Event Massage

Pre-event massage can be performed from two days to two minutes before an event. Two days before an event, the massage can be deep, thorough and relaxing. Specific problem areas may take a day or two to recover from, so should therefore not be given too close to the event (no closer than five days). Just prior to the event it may be necessary to relax and calm the athlete down a little with rocking and shacking movements rather than working deeply into the tissues, as the muscles should not be relaxed too much. For someone who is well trained and properly prepared for his event the effect of the massage should be more psychological than physical. Treatment may be given through clothing.

Slow techniques will have a relaxing and calming effect, working vigorously will be stimulating.

Massage should not be a substitute for a proper warm-up.


POST-Event Massage

Massage after an event can be an adequate substitute for a warm-down, as it can achieve much the same effect by removing muscle waste and stretching the tissues. Superficial stroking should be used first to help identify any acute problems. Ice can be placed on an affected area while massage is applied around and away from it. The ice can be removed after a few minutes and light massage applied over the injured area to dissipate swelling, the ice can then be re-applied. Although massage is believed to be contra-indicated in the acute stage, the method of ice/massage/ice so soon after the injury can be remarkably effective. Gentle passive stretching of the muscles can be carried out at the end.