Are You a Runner Struggling With Tightness or Pain? Sports Massage Can Transform Your Training
Running is hugely popular across Chorley, Lancashire and the North West, from beginners working toward their first 5K to seasoned marathon runners, trail runners and Hyrox athletes. But with increased mileage and repetitive impact comes a long list of common running issues: tight calves, painful shins, stiff hips, irritated knees and reduced mobility. At Mollie Elise Aesthetics, we see countless runners who feel held back by discomfort and want to train pain-free again.
If you run regularly and are dealing with ongoing tightness or injury, sports massage can dramatically improve your performance, recovery and comfort.
The Most Common Running Problems
Runners often push through pain, assuming it’s normal. But many concerns are actually warning signs of muscular imbalance or overuse.
Common issues we treat include:
- Tight or burning calves, especially after hills
- IT band tightness or pain on the outside of the knee
- Shin splints or shin tenderness
- Knee pain when running downhill or after mileage increases
- Hip tightness or restricted hip flexors
- Glute tightness causing lower-back discomfort
- Hamstrings that constantly feel “short”
- Stiff ankles restricting stride
- Post-run soreness lasting longer than it should
These problems can affect pace, distance, comfort, and most importantly… consistency.
Why Runners Experience These Problems
Running is repetitive. Every step puts stress on the same muscle groups. Over time, this creates tightness, micro-tears, adhesions and imbalances that impact gait, stride length and shock absorption.
Contributing factors include:
- Increased mileage too quickly
- Hill training
- Speedwork
- Weak glutes or core
- Poor hip mobility
- Desk jobs leading to tight hip flexors
- Uneven terrain or trail running
- Worn running shoes
Unchecked tightness becomes injury, which is why early treatment is key.
How Sports Massage Helps Runners
Sports massage uses targeted techniques to release deep muscular tension, break down adhesions and restore healthy, balanced movement patterns.
Runners from Chorley, Preston, Wigan and across Lancashire often experience:
- Looser, more responsive calves
- Relief from IT band tightness
- Reduced shin pain and prevention of shin splints
- Easier hip mobility and stride length
- Better knee tracking
- Improved recovery between runs
- Less risk of injury during mileage increases
- Greater comfort during long runs and races
It is one of the most effective tools for reducing running-related pain and keeping you training consistently.
Calf Tightness After Running
This is the number one issue we see. Tight calves affect everything; ankle mobility, knee stability, push-off power and shock absorption. Sports massage helps release deep tension and restore elasticity, making running feel smoother and lighter.
IT Band Pain
IT band syndrome is extremely common among runners. Sports massage helps release tension through the glutes, TFL, quads and hamstrings; the structures that influence IT band pressure, significantly reducing knee or lateral thigh pain.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are a sign of tight calves, overuse or poor biomechanics. Sports massage improves circulation, reduces inflammation and restores balance to the lower legs.
Knee Pain or “Runner’s Knee”
This often stems from tight quads, hip flexors or weak glutes. Massage releases the structures that pull on the knee, allowing better alignment and reduced pain during impact.
What to Expect During Your Sports Massage as a Runner
At our Chorley clinic, your therapist will assess your movement, running history, pain points and lifestyle demands. The massage targets specific running muscles and focuses on your problem areas with firm, controlled, therapeutic techniques.
Most runners feel:
- Improved leg mobility
- A smoother running stride
- Reduced pain during and after training
- Faster recovery after long runs
Although sports massage can be intense, it should always be manageable, and runners typically feel the benefits immediately.
How Often Should Runners Have a Sports Massage?
The answer depends on your training load:
- Casual runners:every 4–6 weeks
- Half marathon / marathon training:every 2–3 weeks
- Hyrox or high-intensity training:every 1–2 weeks
- Injury recovery:weekly sessions
Many runners across Lancashire incorporate sports massage into their training block because it keeps them injury-free and performing at their best.
Why Runners Choose Mollie Elise Aesthetics in Chorley
Our therapists specialise in treating the muscular demands of running and endurance training. Whether you’re training for a race, increasing distance or recovering from injury, we understand the patterns and problems runners face.
Clients choose us because we offer:
- Tailored sports massage for runners
- Expertise in treating running-specific injuries
- A luxury, calm environment
- A convenient Chorley location
- Support for athletes of all levels across Lancashire and the North West
Book Your Sports Massage for Running Recovery in Chorley
If you run regularly and are struggling with tightness, pain or reduced mobility, sports massage can help restore comfort, improve performance and keep you injury-free. At Mollie Elise Aesthetics, we’re here to support every phase of your training, from first 5Ks to marathon milestones.