Massage prior to exercise delays the onset of the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT).

Background: Functional massage (FM) is a soft tissue technique that incorporates non-end range joint movement with tissue compression to treat musculotendinous pain and dysfunction. FM has been associated with promoting neural excitability and neuromuscular efficiency. In clinical practice, FM may be used at the beginning of a treatment session to prepare fibers of the target muscle and surrounding soft tissues for functional activity.