What to Expect With a Sports Massage

A sports massage is a type of massage therapy specifically designed to help athletes and active individuals prevent injuries, enhance performance, and aid recovery. Here's what you can generally expect before, during, and after a session:

🔍 Before the Massage

• Assessment & Discussion: The therapist will usually ask about your physical activity level, any injuries, areas of soreness or tightness, and your goals (e.g., recovery, injury prevention, pre-competition prep).

• Clothing: You might be asked to undress to your comfort level. Often, you’ll wear athletic shorts or underwear; modesty is respected, and towels or sheets are used for draping.

💆‍♂️ During the Massage

• Techniques Used: The therapist may use a combination of:

  • Deep tissue techniques – targeting deeper muscle layers.

  • Trigger point therapy – focusing on knots or tight spots.

  • Stretching – passive or active stretches to improve flexibility.

  • Friction and compression – to break down adhesions and stimulate circulation.

• Pressure: It can be intense, especially on sore or tight muscles. Communicate openly if it's too much or if you want adjustments.

• Focus Areas: The massage is usually targeted (not full-body), depending on your sport or complaint (e.g., hamstrings for runners, shoulders for swimmers).

🧘‍♀️ After the Massage

• Immediate Effects:

  • You may feel looser, more mobile, or even a bit sore (especially after deep work).

  • Drinking water is often recommended to help flush out waste products from the tissues.

• Next-Day: Some soreness or fatigue is normal—similar to post-workout soreness.

• Improved Recovery: Many people report better sleep, faster recovery, and reduced tension after a session.

🧾 Tips for Getting the Most Out of It

• Communicate clearly with your therapist.

• Hydrate before and after.

• Avoid heavy workouts right after a deep massage (unless it’s a pre-event massage, which is lighter).

• Rest if needed the day after.