TL;DR: Key Takeaways
You don't need to stretch before a sports massage appointment. Your therapist can assess your movement and identify suitable treatment without a separate stretching routine.
Gentle stretching after a sports massage may be appropriate, but it depends on your symptoms, treatment and upcoming activities.
Research suggests sports massage may produce small improvements in flexibility, but it doesn't necessarily improve athletic performance.
Long periods of static stretching immediately before demanding exercise may temporarily affect strength and power.
Stretching should feel manageable. Forcing a painful stretch isn't necessary to improve mobility.
At My Massage Therapist in Liverpool, NSW, I consider your training goals and movement restrictions before recommending stretching or exercise.
You've booked a sports massage because your calves feel tight after running, your shoulders feel restricted during overhead lifts, or your legs are uncomfortable after a demanding training week.
But should you stretch before your appointment, wait until afterwards, or avoid stretching altogether?
If you're wondering whether to stretch before or after a sports massage, the answer depends on what you're trying to achieve.
You generally don't need to stretch before your appointment. Afterwards, gentle stretching may be useful in some circumstances, but it isn't compulsory.
Your training schedule, symptoms and response to treatment are more important than following a universal rule.
Should You Stretch Before a Sports Massage?
You don't need to stretch before a sports massage appointment unless you've been given a specific reason to do so.
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