A pre-event massage is usually not more than 10 or 15 minutes in duration and performed on the day of the event. The pace of the massage should be stimulating and brisk. The trainer wants to bring warmth to the superficial tissue of the body and increase blood flow to the deeper muscles. A good approach is to run the joints through their ranges of motion to increase lubrication and then to stretch the muscles gently.

The general rule of pre event massage is that the closer the massage is to the time of competition, the less invasive it should be.

Sports massage during the event or competition is helpful to quickly restore energy levels, balance psycho-emotional state, prevent injury, cramps, spasms, and relieve pain in case of micro-trauma or chronic problems. Massage session can vary approximately from 1 – 2 minutes to 15 – 20 minutes.

Post event massage is administered immediately after the event or competition. Post-event massage is done to decrease muscle soreness and/or cramping and to facilitate a faster return to training after an athletic event.

A post-event massage is designed to aid the athlete in recovering from the activity; flush out the lactic acid buildup, reduce post-exercise soreness; and re-establish range of motion and blood flow to tight muscles. It also can give the athlete a big psychological lift. Before administering the massage, the athlete needs to cool down and rehydrate.

An on site post-event massage is administered for approximately 10 to 15 minutes up to 30 minutes. A typical post-event leg routine might consist of compressive effleurage for calming the nervous system and pushing fluid; pettrisage for easing tension in the muscle; compression for spreading muscle fibres and restoring blood flow; broadening strokes to lengthen tight muscles; and compressive effleurage as a finishing stroke to soothe. Following the massage, therapeutic stretching can be administered to relieve muscle tension and restore range of motion.

An effective post-event massage helps an athlete feel better immediately following a competition. Along with the great psychological boost, it allows the athlete to recover more quickly. Most athletes look forward to seeing massage therapists at an event because they know they will enjoy their well-deserved post-event massage treatment.