Question 1

How often should runners get massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

For recreational runners training 3-4 times per week, monthly maintenance massages work well. If you're training for a marathon or increasing mileage significantly, bi-weekly sessions during peak training blocks help prevent injury. During taper periods and post-race recovery, more frequent sessions can accelerate healing. Catherine will help develop a schedule that matches your training cycle.

Question 2

When should I schedule massage around my races?

Accepted Answer

For optimal race preparation, schedule your last deep session 5-7 days before your event to allow tissue recovery. A lighter, shorter session 2-3 days before can help with final tuning without creating soreness. Post-race, wait 24-48 hours for inflammation to settle, then a recovery massage can significantly speed up healing and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness.

Question 3

Can massage help with IT band syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Yes, massage therapy can be very effective for IT band syndrome. Catherine uses myofascial release and targeted techniques to address not just the IT band itself, but also the hip muscles, quadriceps, and glutes that contribute to IT band tension. Combined with proper stretching and strengthening, massage can help resolve this common runner's complaint.

Question 4

How does massage help prevent running injuries?

Accepted Answer

Regular massage helps identify and address muscle imbalances, tightness, and trigger points before they become injuries. By maintaining muscle flexibility, improving circulation, and reducing accumulated tension from training, massage helps your body recover properly between runs and reduces the risk of overuse injuries like stress fractures, tendonitis, and muscle strains.

Question 5

What running injuries respond best to massage therapy?

Accepted Answer

Common running injuries that benefit from massage include plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, runner's knee (patellofemoral pain), shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, hip flexor tightness, piriformis syndrome, and hamstring strains. Massage addresses the muscle tension and imbalances that contribute to these conditions, supporting faster recovery.

Question 6

Should I get massage before or after a long run?

Accepted Answer

Both have benefits! Pre-run massage should be lighter and focused on warming up muscles and improving circulation—not deep work that might leave muscles tender. Post-run massage helps flush metabolic waste, reduce muscle soreness, and begin the recovery process. For long runs over 15km, a recovery massage within 24-48 hours is particularly beneficial.

Question 7

Can massage improve my running performance?

Accepted Answer

While massage won't make you faster directly, it supports performance by helping you train more consistently with fewer injuries, recover faster between workouts, and maintain optimal muscle function. Many runners report improved range of motion, better running economy, and the ability to handle higher training volumes when incorporating regular massage into their routine.

Question 8

What techniques does Catherine use for runners?

Accepted Answer

Catherine combines sports massage techniques, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and targeted stretching based on your specific needs. For runners, she focuses on the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, glutes, and IT band—the muscle groups most stressed by running. She also addresses compensatory tension patterns that develop from your individual running gait.

Massage Therapy for Runners in Toronto

Runner-Focused Benefits

Common Running Injuries We Treat

IT Band Syndrome

Plantar Fasciitis

Runner's Knee

Shin Splints

Achilles Tendonitis

Hip Flexor Tightness

How I Support Your Running Journey

Pre-Race Prep

Post-Race Recovery

Injury Prevention

Performance Optimization

Questions Runners Ask About Massage

Related Services for Runners

Sports Massage

Knee Pain Relief

Hip Pain Relief

Foot & Ankle Care

Ready to Run Stronger and Recover Faster?