The Best Time for a Post-Workout Massage: Edinburgh Athletes Guide

Post-Workout Massage Edinburgh

Whether you train in one of Edinburgh’s gyms, run around Holyrood Park, lift at PureGym, cycle up Arthur’s Seat, or attend classes at David Lloyd, recovery plays a huge role in your performance. One of the questions athletes ask most is:

“When is the best time to get a post-workout massage?”

As massage therapists working with runners, weightlifters, cyclists, and class-goers every week, here’s our full guide based on real-world experience and the latest recovery principles — tailored specifically for Edinburgh athletes.

Why Post-Workout Massage Matters

A post-workout massage helps your muscles recover by:

• Reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)

• Flushing out metabolic waste

• Improving circulation

• Loosening tight tissue

• Increasing mobility

• Helping the nervous system relax

For athletes in Edinburgh balancing training around work, weather, travel and hills, proper recovery is essential.

1. Within 2–6 Hours: Ideal for Light or Moderate Workouts

If you just finished:

• Gym strength session

• Moderate run

• Spin class

• Indoor rowing

• CrossFit conditioning

• Pilates or barre

Then 2–6 hours after your workout is an excellent window.

✔ Therapist Insight:

“If you’re not extremely fatigued or dehydrated, early massage helps prevent stiffness from building up and speeds up recovery for your next session.”

This is a great option if you train at lunchtime or after work and can visit our Edinburgh city-centre clinic (EH2) the same day.

2. 24 Hours After: Ideal for Heavy Lifting or Long Runs

If you’ve done:

• A heavy leg day

• Deadlifts or squats

• A long run (10k–20k+)

• Hill session in Holyrood or the Pentlands

• High-intensity strength training

Wait about 24 hours before your massage.

✔ Therapist Insight:

“For very intense training sessions, your muscles need a short recovery window first. Massage too soon can be uncomfortable. After 24 hours, the body relaxes and responds better.”

For many Edinburgh runners & gym-goers, the next day is the sweet spot.

3. 48 Hours After: Ideal for Max-Effort or Event Training

For:

• Marathon training

• Sprint triathlon sessions

• Max-effort lifting

• Explosive sports (rugby, football, athletics)

• HIIT circuits

A 48-hour delay gives the nervous system enough time to calm down.

✔ Therapist Insight:

“After very intense sessions, muscles can be sensitive. Waiting 48 hours allows for deeper, more effective work without discomfort.”

This timing is especially useful for Edinburgh Marathon Festival runners.

4. Weekly or Bi-Weekly: Best for Performance & Injury Prevention

If you're training consistently, you shouldn't wait for stiffness or pain.

✔ Therapist Insight:

“Regular massage is one of the most effective ways to maintain mobility, reduce injuries, and keep performance consistent.”

Common frequencies for athletes:

• Weekly: heavy lifters or runners training 40–70 km / week

• Every 10–14 days: general fitness, cross-training, gym routines

• Monthly: maintenance for recreational athletes

5. Should You Get a Massage Before a Workout?

Short answer: Yes — but only if it’s gentle.

Avoid deep tissue before training.

✔ Safe options before training:

• Light massage

• Mobility work

• Assisted stretching

✔ Avoid before training:

• Deep tissue

• Trigger point therapy

• Strong pressure work

We recommend pre-event massage 2–3 days before instead.

What Edinburgh Athletes Usually Book

Based on patterns in our clinic:

45-Minute Session (targeted) Perfect for tight shoulders, calves, hamstrings or glutes.

60-Minute Session (most popular) Full-body + focus area — ideal for weekly recovery.

90-Minute Session (athlete focused) For runners, lifters, cyclists & heavy training weeks.

120-Minute Session (deep reset) For high-volume training blocks or multi-sport athletes.

Every athlete is different — training volume, genetics, recovery speed, sleep, hydration, and stress all affect how your body responds.

But there’s one universal rule:

You should get a massage at the moment your body stops moving well — not when the pain becomes severe.

Sports massage is most effective before things get bad, not after.

Book Your Post-Workout Massage in Edinburgh

Whether you're running Arthurs Seat, lifting at PureGym, or training for a race, a post-workout massage will help you recover faster and move better.

👉 Book your post-workout massage in Edinburgh today.