We understand that athletes both professional and recreational are always looking for ways to improve performance, reduce injury risk, and speed up recovery. One of the most effective yet often misunderstood tools in an athlete’s wellness toolkit is sports massage.
But when should you schedule one before or after your game or workout? Let’s break it down.
Pre-Game Sports Massage: Get Your Body Game-Ready
A pre-game sports massage is designed to stimulate muscles, enhance blood circulation, and increase flexibility. Typically performed 15–45 minutes before an event, this type of massage is quick, invigorating, and focused on warming up key muscle groups.
Benefits of Pre-Game Massage:
Boosts energy and muscle responsiveness
Reduces the chance of strains or injuries
Mentally prepares you for intense activity
Improves range of motion and muscle activation
Unlike deep tissue or relaxation massages, a pre-game massage uses fast-paced techniques such as tapotement and brisk effleurage. It’s not meant to relax you it’s meant to rev you up.
Post-Game Sports Massage: Recovery and Repair
A post-game massage happens within hours after the game or training session. The focus here is on soothing sore muscles, reducing lactic acid buildup, and accelerating recovery.
It’s slower, deeper, and more therapeutic than the pre-game version.
Benefits of Post-Game Massage:
Speeds up muscle recovery and repair
Reduces soreness and fatigue
Improves circulation to remove toxins
Helps prevent delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
Post-game massage encourages the parasympathetic nervous system to take over, helping you rest, relax, and heal faster.
Which Should You Choose?
The right massage depends on your goals and schedule. For maximum benefit, many athletes book both types as part of a full performance plan.
Pre-game massages get you in top shape to perform; post-game massages help you recover like a pro.
At Revives Home Spa, we bring personalized sports massage therapy right to your home designed to meet your body’s needs, whether you’re gearing up or winding down.
Book your pre or post-game session today and give your muscles the treatment they deserve!