When Is the Best Time for a Pre Event Massage?John Miller2025-12-05T17:52:35+10:00
Optimise Your Performance with Pre-Event Massage
The Key to Enhancing Your Athletic Ability
Pre-Event Sports Massage Applied To The Calf To Help Prepare Athletes For Competition.
What is a Pre-Event Massage?
A pre event massage is a massage session before a workout, competition, or sporting performance. The primary goal of a pre-event massage is to enhance performance by increasing blood circulation, improving flexibility, and mentally preparing individuals for the upcoming activity. It is typically a brief and targeted massage treatment that sits alongside your usual sports massage and training program.
Deep tissue massage is recommended 3-5 days before the event. This type of massage can effectively release muscle knots, alleviate muscle fatigue, enhance the range of motion, and provide a much-needed respite from the regular training schedule.
Timing is crucial in optimising the advantages of pre-event and post-event recovery massages. Please schedule your pre-event massage for deep tissue techniques 48 to 72 hours before the exercise event so any mild soreness can settle before you compete.
Within 24 Hours
On the day of the event or the day before, limiting the massage to light techniques is crucial. Deep tissue or intense massages can leave the muscles tender or sore, affecting performance during the event.
On the other hand, light massages can still provide relaxation, increase blood flow, and promote a sense of calmness without causing undue strain on the muscles. These gentle techniques can help maintain flexibility, relieve minor tension, and ensure that the body is optimal for the upcoming activity. Many athletes also combine a light pre event massage with an active warm up and simple recovery massage strategies after the event.
Discuss Timing with Your Massage Therapist
It would be best to communicate your preferences and event schedule to your sports massage therapist, who can tailor the session to provide the most suitable light massage techniques for your specific needs.
If you have an upcoming sporting event, discussing the specific timeframes with your sports massage therapist is essential. Ensure that your muscles are in optimal condition on the event day. If you are also managing a recent strain or niggle, your physiotherapist can integrate your pre event massage into a broader sports injury management plan.
For more information on sports recovery massage, sports massage, and frequently asked questions about massage and related products, please refer to the following resources:
How long before an event should I get a pre event massage?
Athletes usually book a pre event massage 2–3 days before competition to keep muscles loose without leaving post-massage soreness.
Is a massage the day before a race too close?
Light massage is generally fine within 24 hours of a race, but deep or heavy pressure may leave you feeling heavy or tender on race day.
Can you get a massage on the same day as an event?
Same-day pre event massage should be brief and gentle, supporting warm up, circulation, and mental preparation without changing how your muscles normally feel.
Should I choose deep tissue or light massage before an event?
Deep tissue work is best 48–72 hours before an event. Light techniques are more suitable in the last 24 hours or on the day of competition.
Who should avoid a pre event sports massage?
You should avoid pre event massage if you have an acute injury, open wounds, fever, infection, or if your doctor or physiotherapist has advised against massage.
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Massage Products
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Davis HL, Alabed S, Chico TJA. Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2020;6(1):e000614. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32426160/
Dakić M, Toskić L, Ilić V, et al. The effects of massage therapy on sport and exercise performance: a systematic review. Sports (Basel). 2023;11(6):110. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37368560/
Buoite Stella A, Ruzza FR, Callovini A, et al. Immediate effects of sports massage on muscle strength, power and balance after simulated trail running in the cold. Sport Sci Health. 2025;21:1107–1117. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11332-025-01348-3
Mine K, Lei D, Nakayama T. Is pre-performance massage effective to improve maximal muscle strength and functional performance? A systematic review. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018;13(5):789–799. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30276011/
