Running a Marathon? Consider Pre and Post Event Massage

Posted on September 12, 2024

Running a Marathon? Consider Pre and Post Event Massage

Participating in a marathon is a significant physical challenge, and preparing both mentally and physically is essential for success. One key element to consider in your training routine is incorporating pre- and post-event massage. These massages not only enhance performance but also aid in recovery, ensuring that your body can handle the rigorous demands of the race.

What is Pre and Post Event Massage?

Pre- and post-event massage refers to targeted massage sessions before and after a race or athletic event. The techniques used in these massages differ from standard sessions, with specific goals designed to prepare the body beforehand and assist in recovery afterward.

What to Expect from a Pre Event Massage?

A pre-event massage is intended to prepare your soft tissue for the upcoming marathon. Unlike regular deep tissue massages, the goal is not to address ongoing issues or focus on injury rehabilitation. Instead, the therapist aims to loosen muscles, improve blood flow, and enhance flexibility, all critical factors for peak performance.

This type of massage is generally lighter in pressure and fast-paced, ensuring muscles are not overworked before the event. Overexerting the muscles during this massage can lead to fatigue or even injury, which is counterproductive right before a marathon. It is recommended to schedule your pre-event massage within 24 hours of the race to maximise its benefits. This timing helps ensure that your muscles are primed but not fatigued by more intense work, such as a deep tissue session.

What to Expect from a Post Event Massage?

After completing the marathon, a post-event massage can play a crucial role in your recovery process. The goal of this massage is to aid the muscles in returning to their pre-event state by addressing inflammation, tension, and stiffness. The massage focuses on lighter pressure, which facilitates recovery rather than adding strain to already tired muscles.

Techniques such as lymphatic drainage are often used during post-event massages. Lymphatic drainage helps to flush out waste products, such as lactic acid, which can accumulate in the muscles during intense activity. This is important because lactic acid buildup can lead to muscle stiffness and discomfort if not properly cleared out. Another commonly used technique is myofascial release, which helps release muscle tension and reduces inflammation.

A post-event massage also helps prevent DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), a condition many marathon runners experience due to the strenuous nature of the race. This soreness usually peaks within 24-48 hours after the event and can be debilitating. A well-timed massage, typically within 30 minutes to 48 hours after the marathon, can significantly reduce the severity of DOMS, promoting faster recovery.

Mental Readiness is Key

While much of the focus of pre- and post-event massage is on physical preparation and recovery, mental readiness is just as important. Preparing for a marathon can be mentally draining, and it’s crucial to align your mental focus with your physical capabilities. A good massage therapist will not only work on your muscles but also support your mental state, ensuring you feel motivated, confident, and focused before the race.

Post-event, the therapist can help you reflect on your achievement and maintain a positive mindset, helping you feel accomplished and ready for future races. Marathon running is a massive accomplishment, and celebrating your success is an important part of the recovery process.

Conclusion

Incorporating pre- and post-event massages into your marathon training routine can provide numerous benefits for both your body and mind. By preparing your muscles effectively before the race and supporting their recovery afterward, these massages help optimise your performance and minimise post-race soreness. So, whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or tackling your first race, consider adding these massages to your training strategy—your body will thank you!

For further information about our event massage services or to make a booking please contact us today.

Livewell Health at the Black Country Half Marathon

Posted on July 8, 2024

Livewell Health at the Black Country Half Marathon: Enhancing Athlete Performance and Recovery

This past Saturday morning in Birmingham, Livewell Health proudly participated in the Black Country Marathon, providing essential pre- and post-race services to runners. The marathon, known for its challenging course and vibrant community atmosphere, was the perfect venue for Livewell Health to showcase its commitment to enhancing athlete performance and recovery.

As athletes gathered at the starting line, the excitement and nervous energy were palpable. To help runners prepare for the rigorous race ahead, Livewell Health set up a dedicated area offering pre-race massages. Our team of professional therapists worked diligently to warm up muscles, increase circulation, and alleviate pre-race jitters. These targeted massages helped runners achieve optimal physical readiness, potentially enhancing their performance and reducing the risk of injury.

In addition to traditional massage therapy, Livewell Health introduced the innovative use of compression boots. These high-tech devices are designed to improve blood flow and expedite the body’s natural recovery process. Before the race, many athletes took advantage of this service, experiencing the benefits of compression therapy firsthand. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with runners noting a significant difference in their muscle readiness and overall comfort.

As the marathon concluded and participants crossed the finish line, the Livewell Health team was ready to assist with post-race recovery. Exhausted but exhilarated runners flocked to our booth, eager for the relief provided by post-race massages. These messages focused on reducing muscle tension, minimising soreness, and promoting relaxation after the strenuous effort. The compression boots also played a crucial role in post-race recovery, helping to alleviate swelling and speed up the healing process.

Livewell Health’s involvement in the Black Country Marathon was a resounding success, highlighting our dedication to supporting athletes at every stage of their journey. By offering comprehensive pre- and post-race services, we ensured that runners could perform at their best and recover swiftly, ready to tackle their next challenge. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the marathon and enhancing the athletic experience for all participants.

If you are running / hosting a large event whether it is a sporting one or not and feel you need our recovery services then please contact our team. Alternatively you can make a booking request via our event booking system or if you would like the full recovery hub experience then you can use our recovery hub booking request.

Official Recovery Partner at SID Crossfit Championships 2024

Posted on July 6, 2024

Official Recovery Partner at SID Crossfit Championships 2024: An Unparalleled Experience

From July 5th to 7th, 2024, the NEC in Birmingham buzzed with the energy and determination of elite athletes competing in the SID Crossfit Championships. As the official recovery partner for this prestigious event, we had the privilege of supporting these remarkable athletes through a comprehensive array of sports therapy and physiotherapy services.

Our team, consisting of 15 highly qualified sports therapists and physiotherapists, brought a wealth of expertise to the event. We provided a diverse range of treatments to ensure athletes could perform at their peak and recover swiftly. Our services included injury assessment, advanced sports massage, and medical acupuncture, addressing both preventative care and acute needs. The inclusion of cupping therapy, taping and strapping, and compression boot therapy offered additional layers of support, tailored to the unique demands of Crossfit athletes.

One of the highlights was our state-of-the-art anti-gravity chairs for lymphatic drainage, complemented by hot steam saunas that facilitated muscle relaxation and detoxification. In our dedicated stretch and recovery zone, athletes had access to theraguns, foam rollers, and trigger balls, providing them with essential tools for self-care and muscle maintenance between events.

The response from the athletes was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed their appreciation for the immediate relief and performance enhancement our services provided. Our therapists were thrilled to witness the direct impact of their work, as athletes returned to competition feeling rejuvenated and ready to excel.

This partnership with the SID Crossfit Championships was not only an opportunity to showcase our comprehensive recovery solutions but also a testament to the critical role that proper recovery and rehabilitation play in athletic performance. The NEC in Birmingham proved to be an ideal venue, allowing us to set up an efficient and welcoming space that catered to the specific needs of the Crossfit community.

As we reflect on this incredible experience, we are proud to have been a part of the athletes’ journey, contributing to their success and well-being. We look forward to continuing our mission of providing top-tier sports therapy and physiotherapy in future events, empowering athletes to achieve their highest potential.

Relaxation Meets Adventure at the ABR Festival

Posted on July 1, 2024

Relaxation Meets Adventure at the ABR Festival in Alcester

This year’s Adventure Bike Rider (ABR) Festival in Alcester was a resounding success, blending thrilling rides, captivating talks, and unique relaxation experiences. Among the many highlights, our on-site chair and table massage services stood out, providing festival-goers with much-needed respite from the bustling activities.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Ragley Hall, the ABR Festival drew enthusiasts from all over the country. The festival celebrated the spirit of adventure with an impressive lineup of bike rides, expert workshops, and engaging seminars. However, the continuous stream of activities and the inevitable physical strain of riding made relaxation a sought-after commodity.

Our team was delighted to offer chair and table massage services throughout the event, bringing a touch of tranquillity to the high-energy environment. Located in a serene corner of the festival grounds, our setup became a haven for attendees looking to unwind and rejuvenate.

Festival-goers eagerly took advantage of our services, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to alleviate tension and fatigue. The chair massages, lasting between 15 to 30 minutes, were particularly popular among riders who needed a quick yet effective remedy for their sore muscles and stiff necks. Meanwhile, the table massages offered a more comprehensive treatment, allowing participants to fully relax and release deeper layers of tension.

The feedback from our clients was overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciated the professional and friendly demeanour of our therapists, as well as the calming ambiance of our setup. Riders reported feeling revitalised and ready to dive back into the festival’s activities after their sessions.

By the end of the festival, we had provided hundreds of massages, each contributing to the overall well-being and enjoyment of the attendees. The ABR Festival in Alcester proved to be the perfect venue for showcasing the benefits of on-site massage, and we look forward to bringing our services to more events in the future.

If you are interested in Festival Massage or any other Event Massage, then please contact us or visit our contact page.

Great Bike Adventure with CBRE

Posted on July 1, 2024

Great Bike Adventure with CBRE

Livewell recently attended the Great Property Bike ride hosted by CBRE for their clients and others looking to raise money for the superb charity, alzeimers society. This all took place at the Sandown Park Racecourse, Sandown Park is a horse racing course and leisure venue in Esher, Surrey, England, located in the outer suburbs of London. It hosts 5 Grade One National Hunt races and one Group 1 flat race, the Eclipse Stakes

The event was exhilarating, well planned and a great fun down out oganised by the incredible team at CBRE, combining the invigorating challenge of a bike ride of up to 70 miles, with a comprehensive event village feauring an area to enjoy the sun, listen to great music whilst eating a range of high quality food supported by our team providing the award winning LIVE|Recover, Recovery Hub which is a mobile recovery unit offering pre and post race/event recovery services. Participants gathered in the picturesque coastal city, ready to embark on a journey that was as much about fitness as it was about recovery and relaxation.

The day began with a scenic bike ride through the stunning towns and villages in Surrey, west London. Cyclists, both seasoned and novice, enjoyed the route that meandered through historic sites, and beautiful countryside. The ride offered a perfect blend of physical challenge and the opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings.

Post-ride, participants were treated to a variety of recovery activities designed to rejuvenate and revitalise. One of the highlights was the ice plunge pods, especially in the scorching heat of 30+ degrees we saw on the day. All 4 ice plunge baths were in full use. Brave souls took the plunge, experiencing the invigorating effects of cold water immersion, known to reduce muscle inflammation and accelerate recovery. Complementing this were the zero-gravity chair experience, anti-gravity chairs with state of the art compression boots were also available, offering a unique way to relieve pressure from the spine and joints and aid in the natural removal of lymph through the lymphatic system, almost like a physical hands on lyphatic massage, but with the ability to drink a beer or glass of wine at the same time! This was a favourite among many, providing a sense of weightlessness and deep relaxation.

Our elite level advanced sports massage therapists were also on hand to provide pre event taping and strapping and also post race injury assessment and more importantly hands on sports massage. We had 4 professional therapists offering personalised treatments which helped ease muscle tension, release tight muscles, increase blood flow for healing and improve lymphatic drainage. If this wasn’t enough, the participants had the ability to relax in our stretch and recover zone where the use of hot and cold theraguns provided targeted relief to sore areas, while foam rollers, trigger point balls and therabands were on hand for participants to engage in guided stretch recovery sessions.

The event was not just about physical recovery but also about fostering a sense of community and well-being. Participants left feeling rejuvenated, having enjoyed a perfect blend of physical exertion and comprehensive recovery. CBRE’s event in the outskirts of London was a testament to the importance of combining fitness with raising money for some charities in need, it really was an unforgettable experience.

If you are interested in hiring our team for your event whether it is a sporting one or not, we can help with a range of event services from massage, yoga, reflexology, acupuncture, cupping and much more. Please contact us today!

Wolf Run June 2024

Posted on June 18, 2024

Our Team’s Impact at The Wolf Run in June 2024: A Comprehensive Recovery Experience

In June 2024, our team proudly participated in The Wolf Run, an exhilarating outdoor event that challenges participants with a mix of mud, trails, and obstacle courses. This year, we brought our expertise to the forefront by setting up and managing the mobile recovery unit, aptly named the Recovery Hub. Our goal was to provide Wolf Runners with top-tier recovery services, ensuring they could rejuvenate and recover effectively after their strenuous efforts.

The Recovery Hub quickly became a vital stop for participants. Our advanced sports massage services were highly sought after, offering runners relief from muscle fatigue and soreness. These massages, administered by our skilled therapists, helped alleviate tension and promote quicker recovery, allowing runners to feel refreshed and ready for their next challenge.

In addition to massages, we introduced ice pod therapy, which provided an invigorating cool-down experience, reducing inflammation and speeding up muscle recovery. For those seeking warmth and relaxation, our hot steam saunas offered a perfect counterbalance, soothing tired muscles and promoting overall relaxation.

Our compression boot therapy, available on anti-gravity chairs, was a standout feature. This innovative treatment helped improve circulation and reduce muscle swelling, making it a favourite among the runners. The mobile injury assessment clinic was on hand to address any immediate concerns, ensuring that all participants received the necessary care and advice.

We also provided Theragun therapy, a cutting-edge percussive therapy tool that targeted deep muscle tension and promoted faster recovery. Medical acupuncture was available for those needing precise, targeted pain relief and enhanced healing.

Finally, our stretch and recover zone offered a dedicated space for runners to engage in guided stretching routines, helping to prevent injuries and enhance flexibility.

Our participation at The Wolf Run 2024 was a resounding success, with the Recovery Hub receiving overwhelming positive feedback. We are proud to have contributed to the well-being of the runners, enhancing their experience and supporting their recovery journey. We look forward to bringing our comprehensive recovery services to future events, continuing to promote health, wellness, and optimal performance.

If you would like to book our recovery hub then please click here alternatively contact us directly for more information.

LiveWell Enhances Wedding Event at Fairmont Windsor Park

Posted on June 10, 2024

LiveWell recently had the privilege of attending a wedding event at the prestigious Fairmont Windsor Park in London, where a team of three dedicated massage therapists provided a touch of luxury and relaxation for the guests. This beautiful occasion was made even more special by ensuring that everyone could enjoy a moment of tranquillity amidst the celebrations.

Our team offered a variety of massage options to cater to different preferences and needs. Guests could choose from soothing chair massages or indulge in the more luxurious couch massages for a deeper relaxation experience. Additionally, we introduced mobile foot massagers, which proved to be a delightful hit among the attendees, offering a refreshing break for tired feet.

The therapists enjoyed every moment of the day, seamlessly blending their services into the chilled and joyous atmosphere of the wedding. They worked diligently to ensure that each guest felt pampered and relaxed, contributing to the smooth flow of the event. The positive feedback and grateful smiles from the guests were a testament to the success of our involvement.

LiveWell Health takes pride in collaborating with event organisers to enhance various types of events, including weddings, corporate functions, and more. Our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each event, providing a range of wellness options designed to add an extra layer of comfort and enjoyment.

For this particular wedding at Fairmont Windsor Park, the focus was on providing relaxing massages and foot treatments. However, LiveWell offers a comprehensive suite of event services that can be customised to suit any occasion. From stress-relief therapies to luxurious pampering sessions, our goal is to contribute to memorable and smooth-running events.

To discover more about how LiveWell can elevate your next event either through event massage or one of our other event services, contact us today. We look forward to bringing our unique blend of relaxation and wellness to your special occasions, ensuring every moment is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Our Specialists at the London Marathon

Posted on June 10, 2024

LiveWell Health Supports Pancreatic Cancer UK at the London Marathon

In October, LiveWell Health proudly provided a team of six skilled therapists to support the London Marathon, specifically assisting runners raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK. This event allowed us to combine our passion for health and wellness with our commitment to charitable causes, making it a truly rewarding experience.

Our therapists were thrilled to participate in the marathon, delivering top-notch Event Massage services to numerous dedicated runners. These athletes put their hearts into running for Pancreatic Cancer UK, a cause close to many, and it was our pleasure to ensure they received the care and recovery they deserved. Our team’s efforts helped runners alleviate muscle soreness, reduce fatigue, and improve their overall well-being, ensuring they felt valued and supported after their gruelling efforts.

What We Do

LiveWell Health collaborates with a variety of large companies and charitable organisations to provide comprehensive wellness services at events across the UK. Whether it’s the London Marathon or smaller, local events, our fully qualified event massage and sports massage therapists, physiotherapists, and personal trainers deliver exceptional care and support. Our extensive experience and dedication to health enable us to offer a full range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of each event and participant.

At LiveWell Health, we are passionate about making a positive impact through our expertise in health and wellness. Working with incredible organisations like Pancreatic Cancer UK at prestigious events such as the London Marathon reaffirms our commitment to giving back to the community. We look forward to continuing our support for charitable causes and contributing to the success and well-being of participants at various events nationwide

If you require our services either pre or post event, then please contact us today and we can talk through our options. If you have a large scale sporting event, why not look at our award winning mobile recovery centre aptly named LIVE|Recover .

Park Run at Sutton Park

Posted on June 10, 2024

RunThroughUK Park Run at Sutton Park: A Day of Support and Recovery

Our team recently had the pleasure of being invited by RunThroughUK to attend the Park Run event at Sutton Park. This event brought together a vibrant community of runners, each eager to challenge themselves and embrace the camaraderie that defines these gatherings. Our team of four sports therapists was excited to be part of this dynamic event, contributing to the runners’ overall experience by offering essential pre and post-race sports massages.

The day was filled with enthusiasm and energy as runners of all ages and skill levels gathered at Sutton Park. Our therapists set up stations to provide pre and post event massages, strategically positioned to catch the runners both before they embarked on their races and after they crossed the finish line. The primary aim was to help the runners prepare their bodies for the physical demands of the race and to aid in their recovery post-race, ensuring they left the event feeling rejuvenated and cared for.

Throughout the event, our therapists interacted with numerous participants, each with unique stories and motivations for running. The pre-race massages focused on warming up the muscles, enhancing flexibility, and reducing the risk of injury. Post-race, the massages helped in alleviating muscle tension, reducing soreness, and promoting faster recovery. It was incredibly rewarding to see the immediate benefits of our work reflected in the relieved expressions and appreciative feedback from the runners.

The Park Run at Sutton Park was not just an event but a celebration of health, fitness, and community spirit. We are grateful to RunThroughUK for inviting us and providing us with the opportunity to support the runners in such a meaningful way. The event was a resounding success, filled with inspiring moments and shared achievements.

As we packed up our equipment at the end of the day, we reflected on the joy and satisfaction that comes from helping others achieve their goals. We look forward to future events and continuing our mission to support the health and well-being of the running community. Thank you, RunThroughUK, for having us, and we hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as we did!

What we do..

LIVEWELL work with more than 200 sporting event providers all over the UK from small family run local community 5k runs to the very large london, birmingham and manchester marathons. With this in mind if you have a sporting event and would like some sports therapists set up to offer a pre and post race recovery service then please contact us today.

Malvern Hills Half Marathon

Posted on June 10, 2024

Malvern Hills Half Marathon

Two of our therapists Jenny & Leon attended the Malvern Hills Half Marathon recently. They had a great day providing pre & post race massages to all the amazing runners taking part in the event. Well done to everyone that competed & thank you for having us!

“A great company. Really helpful from the outset, professional staff & service provided. Thanks for your help”

Dave Talbot, Event Organiser

What we do..

LiveWell Health currently work with a number of sporting events around the UK both large and small providing pre and post event massage. Our team of specialists can be on hand not just for massage but to offer a range of pre and post race recovery services too.

Category: Event Massage