What kind of massage do athletes get?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 16, 2026
Deep tissue massage is excellent for more intense sports injuries since they target the deeper layers of tissue and muscle, not just the superficial layers. Swedish massages are beneficial for everyone, regardless of whether you're an athlete or not.
Do athletes get deep tissue massages?
Regular deep tissue massages can help increase an athlete's range of motion because the massage actively breaks down tightness around the muscles. Deep tissue massages also stretch out your muscle fibers and break down your scar tissue, promoting flexibility and agility.
Are massages necessary for athletes?
Getting regular massages increases range and motion and flexibility by increasing blood flow to the muscle tissues, and fascia. "The increased blood circulation helps to relieve muscle tension, reduce soreness and make for a faster recovery," according to Health and Fitness Magazine.
Is a sports massage a full body massage?
During a sports massage, a masseuse will often focus more on specific muscles and areas rather than your whole body. If you have an injury, that is where they will focus, but if not, they will focus on the muscles that you use most for your sport.
What is the difference between sports massage and deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is often administered as a full body massage, rather than focusing on a specific area of the body. Sports massage, on the other hand, is a targeted massage approach that focuses on specific areas of the body that are in need of healing or relief.
26 related questions foundHow often should athletes get massage?
Athletic Performance and Recovery:
Weekly or bi-weekly massage can help get you in proper form and help you recover faster after the event or competition. Serious athletes may need two or more sessions a week to stay in top form. Pre-event massage can warm up and stretch muscles, aiding in injury prevention.
What type of massage is most relaxing?
Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension.
Why do sports massages hurt so much?
A good sports massage is basically like a workout for the body as your muscles are being manipulated in ways that they might not be used to, and the increased rush of blood to the muscles and the toxins being flushed out can be causes of the pain you feel the next day.
What happens during a sports massage?
Sports massage involves a wide range of techniques that include effleurage, kneading, wringing, hacking and trigger pointing. A sports massage is used for general relaxation of the muscular skeletal system as well as being directed towards any problem areas.
How long should a sports massage last?
A typical sports maintenance massage can last from between 30 minutes to an hour and is a very helpful regular addition to a training propgramme, particularly if you're training for an endurance event, such as a half or full marathon.
Why do athletes get sports massage?
Sports massage is proven to release and reduce tension in muscles, improve circulation and encourage the removal of waste products such as lactic acid during high intensity activity and can help to relax the body. All of this helps promote recovery and reduces the chance of muscle injury.
Do sports massages really work?
Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It's also a good option if you're prone to injuries, because it can be used to help prevent them. Sports massage can: increase flexibility.
Does massage improve athletic performance?
The aim of sports massage is to reduce the stress and tension that can build up in the soft tissues of the body during exercise. This form of massage is used to: increase endurance. improve performance.
Who can benefit from sports massage?
Sports massage addresses the muscles and soft tissue in the body, aiming to reducing aches & pain getting you to your optimal posture, avoiding future injuries. A sports massage is beneficial for everyone, from professional athletes to office workers.
What's the difference between a sports massage and a chiropractor?
Sports Massage Therapy
Another option if you are finding that you are in pain and want to seek relief is sports massage. Just like chiropractic techniques, sports massage is hands-on. However, rather than focusing on the musculo-skeletal systems within the body, massage will tackle the muscles themselves.
What are the types of massage?
5 Different Types of Massage Therapies and Their Benefits
- Swedish Massage.
- Deep Tissue Massage.
- Lymphatic Massage.
- Sports Massage.
- Oncology Massage.
Do you keep your clothes on for a sports massage?
Most therapists are happy to work around you and what you're comfortable with but for best results, having no piece of clothing on your top half allows the therapist to massage smoothly without clothing getting in the way.
How long does it take to recover from a sports massage?
This soreness generally becomes evident around six-to-eight hours after exercise. It can peak anywhere from one to two full days after a workout, before finally diminishing after about 72 hours. One Australian study compared two groups of men and women to see if sports massage therapy was effective.
How should I feel after a sports massage?
Your muscles may be a little sore afterwards, especially the first time as they may not be used to being massaged. Sports Massage can release toxins stored in your muscles into your bloodstream, and it is not uncommon for clients who do not drink plenty of water to feel a slight headache or very thirsty later that day.
Are you sore after a sports massage?
It's normal to feel sore after a massage. The technique carries blood and nutrients to your muscles while eliminating toxins. After stimulating muscles that you may not usually use, you might experience delayed onset muscle soreness. This is a physical response to the inflammation as your body heals.
What happens to your body after a sports massage?
Your body will undergo trauma during a sports massage, and while it's likely you will feel a bit sore for a few days, you may also feel cold, thirsty and a faint as your body works to metabolize the waste products removed from the soft tissue. Drinking plenty of water and taking a warm bath will aid this process.
Is it good to feel bruised after a massage?
A: Experiencing sore or tight muscles is normal after a massage, especially if it has been a while since your last massage or you've never had one before. Massage is like exercise: It forces blood into your muscles, bringing nutrients and removing toxins.
What does massage do to muscles?
Massage therapy relaxes muscle tissue, which reduces painful contractions and spasms. Massage can also reduce nerve compression. To understand this, consider that when muscles are contracted, they sometimes compress the nerves around them.
Is too much massage harmful?
Bottom Line. So, is too much massage harmful? The answer is yes, it can be. The best way to answer this is to listen to your body and talk openly with your massage therapist.
What is the most popular type of massage?
Swedish Massage Therapy This is the most common type of massage therapy. It is also known as Swedish massage or simply massage therapy. Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.