Sports Massage

Whether you’re a professional athlete or one that participates for fun, sports massage can help improve your performance and relieve muscle soreness. Sports massage therapy combines specialized massage techniques and other mobility, resistance, and stretching activities for physically active individuals.

Different massage styles suit different demographics. Sports massage specialists are trained to recognize and treat muscle tension and injuries common to athletes, including tennis elbow, shin splints, shoulder injuries, and hamstring strains. Sports massage therapy is beneficial at all stages of athlete life, including while training for a big event, muscle maintenance during a big competition, and even during the off-season. Our sports massage services consider your activities of choice, ultimate goals, and immediate needs.

Who Needs Sports Massage?

Sports massage therapy is an ideal treatment for anyone who is physically active. Whether you are a recreational athlete or a competitive one, sports massage can help relieve sore muscles. Sports massage may also be recommended specifically for athletes who had suffered from injuries. A self-care routine of regular massages, stretching, and specialized mobility exercises can help your muscles heal faster from muscle strains. It can also help you recover faster after strenuous workouts and prevent future injuries from happening.

What to Expect from Sports Massage Therapy?

When you book your first sports massage appointment, we will ask you a set of questions to determine your specific needs and athletic goals. You might be asked questions like:

• Have you ever had a sports massage treatment before?
• Which sports do you play or activities do you participate in?
• How frequently do you work out/train?
• Do you have any current injuries?
• Have you had any previous injuries?
• What do you hope to achieve with sports massage therapy?

Your answers will determine the types of therapy you receive. A sports massage session can include stretching, resistance exercises, and mobilization activities in addition to a massage treatment. 

The Benefits of Sports Massage

Sports massage therapy helps alleviate pain in your muscles by lowering overall body stress levels, increasing your blood flow, and relieving muscle tension. The combination of massage, stretching, and resistance exercises also helps to increase your flexibility and overall mobility. This combination helps to prevent future sports injuries as well as assist injured muscles to heal and recover. The combination of deep relaxation and pain relief after a sports massage session can also help you rest better and sleep deeper. 

Sports Massage FAQs

I’ve never tried sports massage before; when is a good time to try it?

If you’ve never tried sports massage before, we recommend new clients think about the timing of their first appointment. Individuals respond to sports massage therapy differently. Until you know how it affects your immediate performance, we recommend not trying it out right before a competition or big race. Instead, we might want to book your first session for after an event.

I have a competition coming up. When is the best time to schedule a sports massage session?

You’ll experience the most benefits if you schedule your sports massage appointment on a day of rest. So as long as you are not booking your very first sports massage session, then you can go ahead and book an appointment before or after an event. If the event is a tournament or other multi-day competition, you can even book an appointment during the event to help keep your body at its best.

What Can I Do at Home to Help Between Appointments?

Regular stretching and staying hydrated during workouts are two easy practices to help your muscles recover between sports massage appointments. Another tip to prevent future injuries is to create a cool-down routine after your workout or training sessions. The worst thing you can do for your muscles is to abruptly stop moving after exercise. Make a habit of light movements, followed by stretching, to allow your muscles to slow down, loosen up, and relax.

Can I eat or drink before a sports massage session?

We recommend not eating anything heavy for 60-90 minutes before your appointment. However, we do recommend that you come to your appointment well-hydrated to increase the recovery rate of your muscles. You’ll also want to drink plenty of water after your session.

Will I be sore after a sports massage session?

It is normal for most people to feel moderate soreness after a sports massage therapy session. When muscle tension is released and the muscles begin to heal, a bit of tenderness is a natural and expected reaction. Allow your body a couple of days after your appointment to recover, and you will feel increased mobility and relaxation. The intensity of your training, the presence of injuries, and your own tolerance for massage will determine the strength of your treatment and your recovery time.

Who is not suited for a sports massage?

Sports massage is a form of massage therapy and therefore is not suitable for everyone. Anyone with injured, broken, or fragile bones should not receive massage therapy. Massage is also not recommended for individuals with burns, painful wounds, blood-thinning medication, or deep vein ailments. If you have questions about sports massage, you can consult with your primary physician to learn if massage is right for you or call our experienced staff to learn more.