Sports Massage in Brentwood, CA

Sports massage isn't one-size-fits-all. What your body needs before athletic performance is fundamentally different from what it needs afterward—and using the wrong approach at the wrong time can actually impair performance or slow recovery.

**Pre-Event Protocol (30-60 minutes before activity):** I use rapid, stimulating techniques—compression, percussion, and vigorous effleurage—to increase circulation, warm tissues, and enhance neuromuscular readiness. The goal is activation, not relaxation. Sessions are typically 15-20 minutes, focusing on the muscle groups you'll be using most.

**Post-Event Protocol (within 2 hours after activity):** This is where deep, slow work comes in. I focus on flushing metabolic waste products, reducing inflammation, and preventing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). These longer sessions (60-90 minutes) use compression, gentle stretching, and lymphatic drainage techniques.

**Maintenance Protocol (between training cycles):** This is where we address chronic holding patterns, work on flexibility, and prevent injuries before they happen. These sessions combine deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and assisted stretching based on your specific sport's demands.