Sports Massage

What is sports massage?

Sports massage is a targeted form of massage therapy focused on muscles affected by exercise, training and repetitive physical activity. Unlike a general relaxation massage, the treatment is adapted to the muscle groups you use most and the type of activity you do.

Depending on your needs, your therapist may use kneading, focused pressure, soft tissue techniques, trigger point work and gentle stretching. Pressure can range from moderate to firm, with the treatment adjusted to your comfort, training schedule and areas of muscle tension.

You don't need to be a professional athlete to enjoy sports massage. It's also suitable for recreational runners, gym-goers, cyclists, team sport participants and people with physically demanding jobs.

What are the benefits of sports massage?

Sports massage is commonly chosen by active people who want to manage everyday muscle tension, feel more comfortable after exercise and give regularly used muscles some focused attention.

• Ease muscle tension: Targeted massage techniques may help reduce feelings of tightness in muscles affected by exercise, training or physical work.
• Post-exercise comfort: Massage may help ease temporary muscle soreness and encourage relaxation after demanding workouts or sporting activities.
• Relaxation between training sessions: A sports massage provides an opportunity to unwind and give tired muscles some attention between periods of activity.
• Focused muscle care: Your therapist can concentrate on areas such as the calves, thighs, hips, shoulders or back, depending on your activities.
• Comfortable movement: Some people find their muscles feel less restricted and more comfortable after massage, although individual experiences vary.

Sports massage can be a useful part of an active lifestyle, but it isn't guaranteed to improve athletic performance, prevent injuries or speed up healing. Appropriate training, rest and medical care remain important.

Sports massage before or after exercise - which is better?

Sports massage can be adapted depending on whether you're preparing for physical activity or looking to relax afterwards. The timing, pressure and techniques should reflect how your muscles feel and what you have planned.

Pre-event sports massage: Before a race, competition or demanding training session, massage is generally shorter and lighter. The focus is on comfortable muscle preparation rather than intensive pressure that could leave you feeling tender before an event. Let your therapist know about upcoming activities so the treatment can be planned appropriately.

Post-event sports massage: After training or competition, massage may help you relax and ease feelings of general muscle tightness or soreness. Pressure should be adapted to how your body feels, particularly after strenuous exercise when muscles may be more sensitive.

If you have a recent injury, significant swelling or unusual pain after exercise, seek appropriate medical assessment before having massage over the affected area.

Sports massage vs deep tissue massage - what's the difference?

Sports massage and deep tissue massage can use similar techniques, but the way the treatment is planned is different. Sports massage focuses on the muscular demands of your activities, with techniques and pressure adapted to your training, exercise or sporting schedule.

Deep tissue massage generally uses slower, firmer pressure to work on areas of muscular tightness. It's often chosen by people who enjoy stronger massage techniques, regardless of whether they participate in sport.

Sports massage doesn't always need to be deep or intense. A lighter treatment may be more appropriate before an event or when muscles are particularly sensitive after exercise. If you're looking for a treatment focused on specific muscular concerns rather than your sporting activity, you might also consider remedial massage.

What happens during a sports massage?

Your sports massage begins with a conversation about your physical activity, training routine and areas of muscle tension. Let your therapist know about recent exercise, upcoming sporting events, any soreness or injuries and the pressure you prefer.

Depending on your needs, your therapist may use targeted muscle work, kneading, focused pressure, trigger point techniques or gentle stretching. The treatment can concentrate on one or two muscle groups or cover several areas affected by your regular activities.

For example, runners may prefer attention around their calves, thighs and hips, while gym-goers may want more time spent on their shoulders, back or legs. Your therapist can adjust the treatment throughout the appointment, so let them know if any pressure feels uncomfortable.

Frequently asked questions