April 10, 2025

Should I get a massage after my marathon?

You did it. You ran 26.2 miles. Whether it was your first marathon or your fiftieth, crossing that finish line is a huge achievement. But recovery? That’s where the real work begins. And a targeted sports massage could be your body’s best post-race investment.

At Bodyset, we offer post-marathon sports massage treatments designed to reduce muscle soreness, speed up recovery, and prevent injury, getting you back on your feet and ready for your next challenge, faster.

Why recovery matters after a marathon

Running a marathon puts your body through stress, both physical and mental. From the thousands of footstrikes to the energy depletion and muscle breakdown, the 26.2-mile distance is a full-body event.

If recovery isn’t managed well, you may experience:

• Persistent soreness and muscle tightness
• Delayed return to training
• Disrupted sleep and fatigue
• Higher risk of future injury

This is why it’s so important to plan your recovery, just like you planned your training.

So, should you get a massage after your marathon?

Short answer? Yes. A sports massage can:

• Reduce muscle soreness and tightness
• Boost circulation and lymphatic drainage
• Flush out metabolic waste like lactic acid
• Improve range of motion and joint mobility
• Support sleep and relaxation
• Help prevent future injuries

A sports massage isn’t just about feeling better, it’s about setting yourself up to perform better next time.

When should you book your post-race massage?

Within 24–72 hours post-race is ideal for a light recovery massage. This won’t be deep tissue work, it’s a gentle, restorative treatment designed to reduce inflammation, boost circulation and calm the nervous system.

After 3–5 days, your body will be ready for more targeted work. At this stage, a deeper sports massage can work into tight areas, address specific issues, and support your return to running or strength training.

Need help deciding? Book a FREE 15-minute Physiotherapy 1-2-1 to chat with one of our experts and find the best plan for you.

What does a post-race massage involve?

At Bodyset, sports massage isn’t just a one-size-fits-all solution. Your clinician will:

• Talk through your race and how you’re feeling
• Focus on key muscle groups used in running (calves, hamstrings, quads, glutes, lower back)
• Tailor the massage to your recovery stage, gentle flushing early on, with deeper techniques introduced as appropriate

You’ll leave feeling looser, lighter, and back in tune with your body.

Should you avoid massage straight after the race?

There are a few red flags to look out for. Hold off on massage if you’re:

• Dehydrated or dizzy
• Experiencing nausea or feeling faint
• Extremely sore or still inflamed

In these cases, rest, hydrate, and give your body time to stabilise. A post-race massage should feel soothing, not stressful.

Should I combine massage with other recovery tools?

Absolutely. Massage works best alongside:

• Sleep – your #1 recovery tool
• Nutrition – refuel with quality carbs, protein and hydration
• Gentle movement light walking, mobility work or swimming
• Compression garments or boots for blood flow and swelling
• Cold exposure ice baths or contrast showers for inflammation

Together, these strategies help your body bounce back quicker, stronger and smarter.

Set for your next PB with expert sports massage from Bodyset.

You’ve earned this recovery. Give your body the attention it deserves so you can come back better than ever.

Book a Sports Massage at your local Bodyset clinic and keep the momentum going.