Undertsanding Sports Massage
- Akhtar
- Dec 6, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 15
What is Sports Massage?
Sports Massage involves the musculoskeletal system, which, in summary, involves manipulating the muscles, tendons, and ligaments using hands-on techniques to improve efficiency. It is proven to release and reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and encourage removing waste products such as lactic acid during intense activities. It helps the body relax and recover and reduces the chances of injury.
Mobilisation and manipulation of the body's soft tissue and myofascial structures were initially developed for athletes to prevent and relieve injuries that can manifest after repeated strenuous physical activity. However, sports Massage therapy can benefit both athletes and non-athletes.

How is Sports Massage done?
Sports Massage often involves fast-paced Massage, stretching, and other approaches, depending on your pain. It can be tailored as a pre-workout stretch and opportunity to warm up the muscles or as a post-workout Massage designed to reduce soreness and increase flexibility. A session includes direct compression of the soft tissue, picking up and squeezing the skin and muscle, rubbing, compression, cross-fibre friction of the problem area, and trigger devices used for stubborn areas.
When to have a Sports Massage?
A sports Massage can be effective during the preparation, training, and competition.
A routine maintenance Massage is a regular programme devised by a therapist based on the individual's requirements for their sporting level of participation. Focusing on a particular muscle group and regional area to help maintain and improve the range of movement and flexibility in the targeted area increases the likelihood of individual trouble or injuries to assist in the prevention.
The therapist may also recommend stretches and exercises to help the client maintain the benefits of each session.
Sports Massages before and after an event are used for specific purposes.
A pre-event Massage can be used alongside a participant's warm-up to boost circulation, reduce muscle tension, and assist with mental preparation.
Massage given following an event enhances the body's recovery process by reducing muscle spasms and metabolic build-up.
Effective pre-and post-event Massage can also help participants return more quickly to training and competition and reduce the risk of injury.
Rehabilitation: If you return to a sport following injury, sports Massage can aid in the rehabilitation process, speed healing, and reduce discomfort.
The techniques used in sports Massage can be effective for acute and chronic injuries.
Who can benefit from Sports Massage?
Both practitioners and clients have found sports Massage to be beneficial, along with research-based evidence for this modality; these include:
Increased joint range of motion (ROM)
Increased flexibility
Decreased muscle tension
Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed)
Decreased muscle spasms
Increased sense of well-being
Reduced anxiety and improved mood
Better sleep
Increased blood flow
Increased elimination of exercise waste products (lactic acid)
Decreased chance of injury
Reduced recovery time between workouts
Preparation for Sports Massage
Wear loose, soft clothing such as gym clothes, and ensure you do not have a heavy meal before the session.
Shower before you come and wait at least 4 hours after the treatment to shower.
Summary
Sports Massage is a specialised Massage therapy focused on helping athletes enhance their performance and recover from injuries. It incorporates techniques that target specific muscle groups and areas of tension, promoting increased flexibility and muscle elasticity.
Akhtar (SAC. Dip), Lead Clinical Sports Therapist