Running Takes a Toll. Here's How to Stay Ahead of It.

Every kilometre puts load through your knees, hips, ankles, and lower back. Most runners manage it with rest, foam rolling, and the occasional stretch. That works, until it doesn't.

When tightness becomes pain, or pain becomes injury, what your body needs isn't more rest. It needs targeted work on the specific muscles and soft tissue that are under stress. That's what massage therapy for runners delivers.

What Rita Treats

Rita regularly works with Calgary runners dealing with:

  • Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain): Tightness in the quad and IT band pulling the kneecap off track
  • IT band syndrome: Lateral knee and hip pain from repetitive strain through the iliotibial band
  • Hip flexor and glute tension: Common in distance runners who spend hours in the same movement pattern
  • Plantar fasciitis: Heel and arch pain driven by calf and foot tightness
  • Lower back and SI joint pain: Often tied to hip imbalances that develop over a running season
  • Ankle and Achilles tightness: Especially relevant heading into or recovering from race season

Deep Tissue and Active Release Techniques (ART) for Runners

Rita Klasa is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and one of a small number of Calgary practitioners certified in Active Release Techniques (ART): a targeted soft tissue method that works particularly well for the repetitive strain patterns runners develop over a season.

Where deep tissue massage releases broad areas of tension, ART zeroes in on specific adhesions and restrictions that are causing the movement problem. For runners, that precision matters. The goal isn't just to feel better after a session; it's to address the underlying restriction so the same issue doesn't come back after your next long run.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

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Assessment

Rita takes a few minutes to understand what's going on: where the pain is, when it started, what your training has looked like, and what you've already tried.
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Targeted Treatment

She works through the specific muscles and soft tissue driving your symptoms, adjusting technique and depth based on your body's response throughout the session.
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Between-Session Guidance

You'll leave with a clear sense of what was addressed and any simple things you can do to maintain progress before your next appointment.

Serving Calgary's Running Community from Marda Loop

Mind Body Massage Therapy is located at 2032 33 Ave SW in Calgary's Marda Loop neighbourhood, easy to reach for runners from Altadore, South Calgary, Garrison Woods, Richmond, Killarney, Shaganappi, Currie, and North Glenmore Park.

Rita is accepting new clients and same-day appointments are often available. Whether you're dealing with a nagging injury or looking for regular maintenance during training season, book online and get started.

BOOK TODAY

Common Questions About Massage for Runners

Ideally, book a session 3-5 days before a race to loosen up without leaving your muscles too relaxed, or in the first few days after a hard effort or race to accelerate recovery. Regular monthly sessions throughout a training block are the most effective approach for injury prevention.
For acute issues caught early, 2-3 sessions often make a meaningful difference. Chronic or recurring injuries may benefit from a short series. Rita will give you an honest assessment at your first visit.
Yes. Sessions with a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) are eligible for reimbursement through most extended health benefit plans in Alberta. You'll receive a receipt with Rita's RMT registration number for your claim.
Not at all. Many runners come in for regular maintenance to prevent injuries before they develop, maintain range of motion through a training season, and recover more efficiently between hard efforts.

Ready to Run Without the Pain?

Rita Klasa, RMT, is accepting new clients at her Marda Loop clinic.

Same-day appointments often available. Book online in under a minute.

BOOK NOW
2032 33 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta