When should you begin to massage a client experiencing pain in the lower anterior leg while running?

The most appropriate timing for beginning massage treatment on a client experiencing pain in the lower anterior leg while running is after 48 hours. This approach is grounded in the understanding of how the body responds to acute injuries.

When an injury occurs, there is typically an inflammatory response that includes swelling, heat, redness, and pain. In the immediate aftermath, particularly within the first 24 hours, applying massage could exacerbate these symptoms or further irritate the injured area. During the first 48 hours, the body is focused on healing through the inflammatory process, and rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are generally recommended to minimize swelling and discomfort.

Starting massage treatment after this critical initial healing phase allows for any acute inflammation to subside, making it safer and more effective to address any soft tissue issues that may be contributing to the pain. At this point, a sports massage can help promote circulation, relieve tension, and facilitate the healing of the affected tissues, which is particularly beneficial for the muscles and connective tissues in the lower leg region.

Once the 48-hour window has passed, and assuming no significant swelling remains, massage can also aid in the recovery process by encouraging tissue repair and improving flexibility for the client to return to their running