What is Sports Massage

Sports massage is a form of massage specifically targeted at the manipulation of soft tissues in anyone participating in regular physical activity, be it on a professional level or just for personal fitness. These soft tissues include muscle, ligaments, tendons, skin and fascia - basically anything that has not hardened into bone and cartilage.

Sports massage therapists aim to address imbalances in these soft-tissues which result from strenuous or repetitive exercise or injury. This can be done before or after exercise to enhance performance, prevent injury or aid in recovery from injury.

Who can benefit?

Anyone who participates in sport or exercise, regardless of their fitness levels or even their age can benefit. Sports massage encourages the natural healing processes that exist in the body aiding in recovery from injury and also shortening recovery time between exercise by increasing circulation to the muscles. Whether you exercise for recreation or competition, the sports massage therapist can help in the early detection of any habits or stresses that might lead to injury or unnecessary compensations and adaptations.

How is sports massage different to other massage?

All massage aims to bring about physical and mental relaxation as well as relieve tired and aching muscles. Sports massage is a form of deep-tissue massage that it is primarily aimed at treating people who participate in some form of exercise or sport to improve performance, prevent injury and aid recovery by helping to maintain the balance between the muscles and the skeleton.