Why Massage Therapy is important for runners

Mar 20

1. Massage Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Necessity for Athletes

Too many athletes still think of massage as a luxury, something reserved for professional athletes or post-race recovery. But regular massage can be a game changer for anyone, whether you're training for your first 5k or competing at an elite level.

Massage improves blood flow, breaks up muscle adhesions, and promotes quicker recovery between workouts. It’s an investment in your performance, helping to keep muscles pliable and responsive. By staying ahead of tightness and soreness, you reduce your chances of injury and keep yourself training at your best.

If cost is holding you back, think of it this way: a few targeted massages now could save you from expensive injury treatments later. Regular bodywork is an essential part of a balanced training program. It keeps you performing at your highest level, not just when you’re injured, but every day.

2. Time Management: Fitting Massage Into Your Schedule

Training schedules can be brutal. Between long runs, strength work, and cross-training, it’s easy to feel like there’s no room for anything else. But when you’re working that hard, recovery is just as important as the training itself.

A consistent massage routine helps you bounce back faster, recover more completely, and get back to your workouts feeling refreshed. Massage sessions don’t have to be long—sometimes 30 minutes is all it takes to release tight muscles and prevent bigger problems down the line.

Think of it as part of your training, not an extra chore. You carve out time for speed work, long runs, and gym sessions, so why not make space for a little bodywork? Fitting in regular massage will keep your muscles in top shape, reduce recovery time, and ultimately make you more efficient in training.

3. Preventing Injuries: Why Massage Matters Even When You’re Not Hurt

Many runners only think about massage after they get injured. But the truth is, regular massage can keep those injuries from happening in the first place. By loosening tight muscles and improving flexibility, massage helps prevent the overuse injuries that can sideline you for weeks or months.

Routine bodywork addresses muscle imbalances and adhesions that you might not even know are there, reducing the risk of strains, pulls, and tears. The best part? You don’t have to be in pain to get the benefits. Massage helps maintain muscle health, improves circulation, and keeps your body feeling strong and mobile.

Don’t wait until you’re nursing an injury to start taking care of your muscles. Incorporating regular massage into your training plan can keep you healthy, reduce recovery time, and ultimately, help you achieve your running goals.

4. More Than Stretching: What Massage Can Do for Your Muscles

Stretching and foam rolling are great tools for maintaining flexibility, but they can only do so much. Massage goes deeper, working on the muscle tissue itself to break up adhesions and release tension that stretching can’t reach.

When you’re pushing your body hard in training, muscles can develop knots and tight spots that aren’t always easy to loosen on your own. Massage therapists target those areas specifically, helping to improve your range of motion and keep your body in balance.

Stretching and foam rolling should still be part of your routine, but adding massage takes your recovery to the next level. By giving your muscles the care they need, you’ll feel the difference in your performance and your ability to recover quickly between tough workouts.

5. First Time? What to Expect from a Massage Session

If you’ve never had a professional massage, the idea might seem intimidating. You might wonder, will it hurt? Will it help? What if it’s not for me?

The truth is, massage can be tailored to fit your needs. Whether you need deep tissue work to release stubborn knots or a lighter approach to soothe sore muscles, every session is designed with your comfort and goals in mind.

I always start by talking with you about your training, any pain points, and what you’re hoping to achieve. From there, we work together to make sure you leave feeling better than when you walked in. Regular massage is one of the best tools to keep your body performing at its best, whether you’re recovering from a race or preparing for your next big goal.

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Josh Jackson

Josh ( LMBT #19673) began his massage career after many years of working in retail. In need of a life change, he pursued a diploma in massage therapy. After experiencing the benefits of massage to aiding his own running and recovery, Josh knew he found his calling in sports massage. Josh excels in working with people coming back from injuries, recovering from muscular surgeries, and working to increase range of motion and flexibility. He has worked with collegiate and professional athletes, age group record holders, CrossFit competitors, triathletes, cyclists, tennis athletes, moms, dads, and many more.

Josh was a multi-sport athlete growing up. He received his bachelors degree in Business Management from the University of Georgia. Following years of a sedentary lifestyle, in college, he picked up hiking as a new hobby to help preserve his physical and mental health. Hiking led to trail running and trail running has led to an obsession with ultra marathon running and racing at all distances. Josh has trained for and competed in races from 5k to 50 miles, finding most success in longer trail races with difficult terrain.

When he is not practicing massage, he is training for the next race or exploring new trails with his dogs. If you want to take increase your athletic performance and feel better doing so, sports massage with Josh is what you need.