Getting the timing of your sports massage right can be the difference between peak performance and a sluggish event—or worse, injury. For athletes preparing for competition or recovering afterward, the type and timing of massage matter just as much as the training itself.
Pre-Event Massage: Boost Performance, Not Relaxation
A massage before competition is all about activation, circulation, and mental focus—not deep relaxation. Typically done within 24 hours of the event (and ideally 2–6 hours before), pre-event massage aims to:
Increase blood flow to key muscle groups
Enhance neuromuscular readiness
Reduce pre-race tension and stiffness
Improve range of motion
Decrease the chance of cramping or pulls
The strokes are lighter, faster, and more rhythmical—stimulating without sedating. Deep tissue work is avoided here, as it can leave muscles temporarily sore or fatigued.
At Muscle Therapy By Tom in Slough, pre-event sessions are tailored to the specific sport or discipline, targeting commonly stressed areas without interfering with your competition readiness.
Post-Event Massage: Recovery Starts the Moment You Cross the Line
Massage after competition focuses on flushing out metabolic waste, reducing soreness, and speeding up recovery. The ideal window is 1–24 hours post-event. The goals include:
Decreasing DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
Flushing lactic acid and cellular debris
Rehydrating the fascia and soft tissue
Calming the nervous system
Spotting early signs of strain or overload
This is when deeper techniques like trigger point therapy or fascial release may be introduced—especially if tightness or minor injury symptoms show up. For endurance athletes and contact sports players, a post-event massage is a must for staying injury-free across multi-day competitions or back-to-back events.
Should You Book Both?
Athletes competing at a high level or those with recurring tightness benefit most from both pre- and post-event massage, scheduled strategically:
Pre-event: 24–2 hours before, short session (30 minutes)
Post-event: Within 2–24 hours, deeper work (45–60 minutes)
Recovery massage follow-up: 2–4 days later to address any residual tension or inflammation
Tom works closely with local athletes in Slough to customise this schedule around their training and competition calendars. Whether you’re gearing up for a half-marathon, CrossFit competition, or football match, massage isn’t just recovery—it’s performance care.
Common Mistake: Getting Deep Tissue Right Before a Game
A deep tissue massage one or two days before a big event is a bad idea. It may feel productive, but deep work can cause inflammation or soreness that slows you down on race day. Stick to lighter, energising techniques closer to competition and save deeper sessions for the recovery phase.
Local Support for Slough’s Athletes
At Muscle Therapy By Tom, the approach is clinical, effective, and athlete-focused. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, Tom’s massage sessions are built around your event schedule—not just booked at random.
He sees regular clients from The Gym Group Slough, local running clubs, football teams, triathletes, and martial artists—all benefitting from targeted recovery and performance massage.
🏁 Competing soon? Book your massage at the right time.
📍 Visit www.muscletherapybytom.co.uk to schedule a pre- or post-event session in Slough.