Sports Massage
A targeted form of massage focused on athletic performance, recovery, and injury prevention.
Sports massage is a form of therapeutic massage applied with athletic demands and goals in mind. It draws on Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, trigger point work, and passive stretching, adapted to address the muscles and patterns most active in a given sport or physical activity. It is used before events for preparation and activation, after events for recovery and inflammation management, and between training cycles for maintenance and injury prevention. Sports massage therapists typically have working knowledge of anatomy, movement patterns, and common sport-specific injuries. It is distinct from general relaxation massage in its focus and technical application.
Massage focused on athletic preparation, performance recovery, and injury prevention.
What to expect: Session length and approach vary depending on timing relative to your event or training schedule. Pre-event sessions are typically shorter (15–30 minutes) and focus on activation. Post-event and maintenance sessions are typically 60–90 minutes and involve more thorough, deeper work. Pressure and technique adjust based on what your body needs at each stage. You should expect direct conversation about your sport, training load, and any areas of concern. A good sports massage therapist will communicate what they are noticing and offer guidance.
Good fit for: You are actively training or competing and have specific recovery goals, You experience regular muscle soreness, tightness, or minor injuries related to physical activity, You want massage integrated into a broader athletic performance or recovery plan, You are preparing for a specific event and want to support your physical readiness
Explore for: Active training or competitive sport and the physical demands that come with it, Recovery from events, heavy training loads, or recurring muscle soreness, Prevention of overuse injuries or management of tightness that affects performance, Support alongside physiotherapy or athletic training programs, Pre-event preparation or post-event recovery for a specific goal
Not the right fit if: You are looking for a relaxation or stress-relief focused massage, You are dealing with an acute injury — get medical clearance first, You are not physically active — general massage therapy may be a better fit, You have a condition where deep pressure or mobilization is contraindicated
How to choose a practitioner: Look for a licensed massage therapist with documented sports massage training or certification Ask about their experience with your specific sport or type of training Ask how they communicate during sessions — pressure and technique should be responsive to your feedback If you have injuries, ask whether they coordinate with physiotherapy or athletic training
Explore all wellness modalities