Sports massage uses a range of hands-on techniques to work with the soft tissues of the body. People come to us for it after hard training, during busy periods at work, or simply because they carry tension and it helps them feel better.
What the evidence suggests
Research into massage and recovery is genuinely mixed. Some studies suggest it may help reduce the feeling of muscle soreness after exercise and support a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. The evidence that it dramatically changes physical recovery markers is less convincing. In short, it may help how you feel, which for many people is reason enough, but it is not a magic fix.
What people commonly notice
- A feeling of reduced muscle tightness and greater ease of movement.
- A chance to relax and switch off, which supports overall recovery.
- Helpful advice on areas that feel tight and how to manage them.
We are honest with our clients. Sports massage is a useful tool, but it works best alongside sensible training, sleep and recovery, not instead of them.
Ryan Wesson, Clinical Director and Lead Physiotherapist
Is it right for me?
You do not need to be a competitive athlete to benefit. Sports massage suits many people, from regular gym goers to those with physically demanding jobs. If you have a specific injury or persistent pain, we would usually recommend a physiotherapy assessment first, so that treatment is targeted to what is actually going on.
Good to know
Sports massage is not suitable in a small number of situations, for example over an acute injury, infection or certain medical conditions. Let us know your history when you book and we will make sure the treatment is right for you.