Question 1

Should I get a sports massage before or after a workout or race?

Accepted Answer

Both work — they're just different sessions. Lighter prep a couple of days before an event wakes the muscles up without leaving you sore (skip the deep work the night before a PR). Then deeper recovery work 24 to 72 hours after a hard effort helps flush tension and ease fatigue. We tailor the pressure to where you are in your training. And because we're open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday, fitting a session in after a race or a long Saturday run is easy.

Question 2

Is sports massage the same as deep tissue?

Accepted Answer

They overlap, but they're not identical. Sports massage is built around your activity — pre-event prep, post-event recovery, and the specific muscle chains your sport hammers. Deep tissue is more about general, full-body tension release wherever it's built up. A lot of athletes end up blending the two, and we're happy to do exactly that in one session.

Question 3

I run the W&OD Trail — what should I book?

Accepted Answer

Most runners do really well with a 60 or 90-minute Sports Recovery Massage focused on calves, hamstrings, and glutes — the chain the trail beats up most. After a long run or a race, the 90-minute covers that full lower-body chain plus your back and shoulders, which take more of a hit than people expect over a lot of miles.

Question 4

Will it help with DOMS and post-workout soreness?

Accepted Answer

It may ease the post-workout tightness and support recovery, which a lot of athletes find helps soreness settle faster after a hard session. Be realistic, though — it's recovery support, not a cure for a brutal training block. Think of it as one helpful piece alongside sleep, hydration, and smart programming.

Question 5

Can massage help a running injury like IT band or shin splints?

Accepted Answer

If you've got a sharp, acute, or undiagnosed injury, see a doctor first — we're recovery and maintenance, not injury treatment, and we won't pretend otherwise. Once a clinician has cleared you, careful soft-tissue work can ease the muscular tension around the area and support your recovery. When in doubt, get it looked at before you book.

Question 6

Does cupping help with recovery?

Accepted Answer

Plenty of athletes love cupping — a $50 add-on — for tight calves and stubborn backs. It's a different kind of release than hands-on work, a lifting sensation rather than pressing, and it pairs well with a recovery massage. Heads up: it leaves temporary circular marks, and we'll always explain what they are and how long they last before we start.

Question 7

How much is a sports massage in Herndon, and when are you open?

Accepted Answer

Our Sports Recovery Massage is $129 for 60 minutes, $169 for 90 minutes, and $219 for 120 minutes. We accept HSA and FSA, with a superbill available on request. Hours are Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 9am-9pm, and Sun 10am-8pm — so there's plenty of evening and weekend room after a long run. Two locations on Elden Street in Herndon, both with free parking.

Sports Massage in Herndon, VA

Sports Massage in Herndon, VA — Key Facts

Should I get a sports massage before or after a workout or race?

Is sports massage the same as deep tissue?

Our Locations in Herndon, VA