MASSAGE FOR RUNNING RECOVERY

It’s training season for the Pittsburgh Marathon.

While most runners will have a plan for their running workouts, most don’t incorporate plans for their recovery. 

Rest, regular sleep, and proper nutrition all work to improve training and performance. But what about massage? In this blog, let’s look at how massage may help sports performance and running recovery.

Massage & Sports Performance

Most people feel better after a massage. You relax and get into a “zen” state of mind.  

But do regular massages help with sports performance? Research shows questionable results.  Massage does not seem to directly affect sports performance, but it can help improve your mental status. For some athletes, that can have an indirect effect on how they perform.

Massage for Running Recovery

While massage may not help directly with sports performance, one research review showed that it can help prevent delayed onset muscles soreness (DOMS)  and improve flexibility.

More work needs to be done to better assess how regular massage may help athletes. Experts also need to work out the optimum length of massage and preferred techniques to best improve recovery.   

For myself, I’ve found massage a useful adjunct for training. Along with dynamic stretching and strength training, it’s provided benefit after hard training sessions allowing me to recover faster for the next workout. 

I’ve also found that it has helped me recover more quickly from any muscle strains or injury.

Massage for Runners at PFP

If you are interested in getting a massage as part of your recovery routine, book a massage with one of our great therapists here at PFP! Your first 60-minute massage is just $90.