Pre- and Post-Event Sports Massage: What to Expect at Sean Elder Therapies
For athletes and active individuals, a well-timed sports massage can make all the difference in performance and recovery. Whether you’re preparing for an event or winding down afterward, a targeted sports massage can optimise your body’s function, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance your overall well-being.
At Sean Elder Therapies, our sports massage Therapist, Kat Foster, utilises her extensive experience in pre and post event sports massages in order to help our clients’ with their physical performance; ensuring every treatment is tailored to their specific needs.
Whether you’re an elite athlete or simply committed to your personal fitness journey, our sports massages are designed to keep your body performing at its best.
What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a specialised form of massage therapy designed to prepare the body for peak performance, reduce recovery time, and support injury prevention. A well timed sports massage would usually occur 24 hours before an event and 24-36 hours after an event. Unlike a deep tissue or remedial massage, which primarily focuses on relieving chronic tension and dysfunction, a sports massage is dynamic and outcome-driven.
It incorporates techniques such as effleurage, petrissage, compression, stretching, and deep muscle manipulation to enhance circulation, improve flexibility, and support tissue health.
Our massages aren’t just for professional athletes. Runners, gym-goers, cyclists, and weekend warriors can all benefit from the focused techniques we use in our sports massage therapy.
Our aim is to help you move better, recover faster, and train smarter, so you can stay active and injury-free for longer.
The Difference Between Pre- & Post-Event Sports Massage
There are a few key differences its beneficial to consider when opting for our well-timed pre- and post- event sports massages, such as:
Pre-Event Sports Massage
A pre-event massage is designed to prepare the body for activity. This treatment is typically performed 24 hours before the event, be that a competition or intense training, and focuses on stimulating the muscles, increasing blood flow, and enhancing range of motion.
Techniques Used:
Fast-paced, rhythmic strokes are used to warm up the muscles, combined with joint mobilisations and dynamic stretching to activate movement pathways.
Key Benefits:
Increases circulation
Reduces muscle stiffness
Enhances neuromuscular coordination
Mentally prepares you for peak performance
What to Expect:
This treatment is invigorating rather than deeply relaxing. It’s designed to leave you feeling energised, limber, and mentally focused; primed and ready to perform at your best.
Post-Event Sports Massage
After an event or intense training session, the goal shifts to recovery. A post-event massage should be scheduled 24-36 hours after an event, depending on the level of intensity, and its goal is to help the body cool down, flush out metabolic waste, and accelerate muscle repair.
Techniques Used:
Slower, more soothing strokes are used to calm the nervous system, along with gentle compressions and passive stretching to relax fatigued muscles and reduce tension.
Key Benefits:
Reduces muscle soreness
Prevents stiffness
Promotes relaxation
Speeds up recovery by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage
What to Expect:
This session is restorative and focused on helping your body heal. Many clients report reduced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and a faster return to training after incorporating regular well timed post-event massages into their routine.
Why Choose Sports Massage at Sean Elder Therapies?
Kat Foster’s background as a PT and CrossFit coach means she understands the physical demands placed on the body during both training and competition. Her firsthand knowledge of functional movement allows her to identify and treat the specific needs of your sport or activity.
Her approach combines hands-on expertise with evidence-based practice, creating a personalised treatment that not only addresses current issues but also helps prevent future injuries. Whether you’re gearing up for a triathlon, recovering from a tough lifting session, or just want to feel better in your day-to-day movement, Kat’s Sports Massages are designed to support your goals.
Kat continually sharpens her skills and knowledge through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), ensuring that the care you receive is aligned with the latest advancements in sports therapy.
Our studio offers a welcoming, professional environment where your comfort and wellbeing are the top priority. With a deep understanding of biomechanics, sports performance, and injury rehabilitation, Kat will help you get the most out of every session - before or after your event.
Who Can Benefit from a Sports Massage?
You don’t need to be training for a marathon or lifting heavy to benefit from a sports massage. At Sean Elder Therapies, we see clients of all fitness levels who want to feel stronger, move more freely, and recover faster.
Whether you’re dealing with tight calves from running, shoulder strain from swimming, or lower back tension from desk work, a sports massage can bring significant relief and improved mobility.
Regular sessions can be a powerful tool in your health and fitness routine, helping you train consistently, reduce downtime, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Book Your Sports Massage Today
If you feel a pre- or post-event sports massage could support your performance or recovery, we’d love to welcome you to the studio. You can find out more or arrange a session with Kat at Sean Elder Therapies by contacting our team.
Invest in your performance, prioritise your recovery, and discover the difference a professional sports massage can make at Sean Elder Therapies.
