Massage the day before a big meet (for me)

I have a meet tomorrow and I got my massage on Wednesday at lunch. It was a "firm Swedish/light Sports" type massage and I had no soreness. But if you are in some pain/sore I wouldn't get it the day before like others have said. Good luck!

Hi gang, I'm curious about the benefits of getting a good massage on my shoulders and back today before I trudge down to New Orleans and swim in the season's last SCM meet. Is it wise to go deep? My shoulders really are in pain and I'd like to loosen them up. How much water, electrolytes should I consume post massage? Anyone a pro here with this area of knowledge? I'm feeling great in the water but the shoulders are really sore due to some modified stroke changes. Thanks in advance. I would recommend a deep tissue massage about 3 days prior to your meet. Lots of water (32oz+) the day of your massage and lots of water after to help flush out your muscle tissues.

I had a deep tissue massage earlier this fall that left me with some serious muscle soreness for about a week. Granted, this occurred while I was training for a marathon and in retrospect the timing was not ideal. But given the result, I would be wary on the day before a meet.

I went anyway and it was a deep painful mofo of a massage. But I have consumed 3 liters of water and will take an epsom salt bath tonight before heading off to dreamland. I did swim about a thousand and did some sprints tonight and my shoulders and joints have never felt better. WOW. I will learn the results of my choice tomorrow night. Thanks for the pointers. I will let you know if anyone is curious.

Tomorrow is the meet; as well as Sunday. Just wanted to know if its too late.

At this point, I think you will be happier with a massage post meet.

I wouldn't get one the day before a meet. I tried it once. My muscles were more sore right after the massage. I swam like CRAP. Now, about 3 days later, I felt really good. If you aren't use to getting them on a regular basis, don't do it the day before a meet. Wait til it is over.

The massage was a great help. The tightness was gone and I have to say that I got a very deep painful massage. The water and bath I'm sure, helped. I recommend this to anyone who can't get loose for a meet the day before. I was extremely pleased with my swims as a result.

Does anybody else get one of those quick 10-15 minute massages you sometimes see on the pool deck of larger meets? We used to get those on our age-group team and so I decided to give it a try before a race at nationals last summer. I thought it really loosened me up nicely for the race. It was better than warming up in the pool. I swam great. I'm not sure I'd get a deep tissue massage that could make me sore, but a nice massage to warm up your muscles before a race? I'm all for that.

I just read this message and I was going to recommend you get it. I'm glad you did. I get massages the day before meets. This is something I started a few months ago and the difference it has made on my swimming has been great so far.