Sports massage before a race?

[simonwilliamstutor]

Anyone had a sports massage before a race? How long before and did you notice any great benefits?

[benwill Marathon]

My friend swears by them he has them a week before the race for any marathons or longer, but I have never bothered. I also read somewhere its better to have them after.

But i have a dodgy kee so maybe i should do something like that.

[marco83 Marathon]

I never mess up with my muscles before a race, but I am not an expert... definitely give it a week or two, maybe do it just before the taper weeks, I can see how it could benefit.

[Realfoodieclub Marathon]

I'm always scared just before as a friend went a couple of weeks before the london marathon then went for just be last run and got injured as apparently it can leave muscles vulnerable. I suppose its different if you rest them properly after a sports massage but I've always been a bit scared to try.

[simonwilliamstutor]

Thanks everyone! Maybe I'll leave it till after the race as a "treat".

[misswobble Marathon]

I have discussed the various therapies with my pal. Her husband is a health professional and he doesn't bother with any of it and doesn't believe it's necessary. His wife does, and regularly has post-run treatments which she swears keep her on the road. If you think it does you good then it probably does. It could be all in the mind but whatever it takes .....

I think I would rather have a post run massage when your body is at it's most beat up. I can't afford such luxuries so it's an Epsom Salts bath for me, although a post run soak is heavenly of course