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Therapist Types

Sports Massage Therapists

Sports massage therapists specialise in reducing pain, improving mobility, and supporting recovery from training, injury, or physical stress. Whether someone is an athlete or simply dealing with everyday tension, sports massage offers targeted, effective treatment to restore movement and function

sports massage with elbow onto the back

What Sports Massage Helps With

Sports massage can support a wide range of physical needs, including:

  • Muscle tightness and knots

  • Injury prevention and recovery

  • Reduced mobility

  • Post‑training soreness

  • Chronic pain

  • Tendon and ligament strain

  • Lower back pain

  • Shoulder and neck tension

  • Improved athletic performance

 

Who Sports Massage Is For

Sports massage isn’t just for athletes. It benefits:

  • Runners, cyclists, gym‑goers

  • People with physically demanding jobs

  • Office workers with posture‑related tension

  • Anyone recovering from injury

  • Individuals wanting to improve mobility or reduce pain

 

What to Expect in a Sports Massage Session

Assessment

Your therapist will assess your movement, posture, and areas of discomfort to understand what’s causing the issue.

Hands‑On Treatment

Techniques may include:

  • Deep tissue work

  • Trigger point therapy

  • Myofascial release

  • Stretching

  • Soft tissue mobilisation

Aftercare

You may receive advice on:

  • Stretching

  • Strength exercises

  • Hydration

  • Recovery strategies

Session Length

Most sessions last 45–60 minutes depending on your goals.

 

How Sports Massage Works

Sports massage works by:

  • Increasing blood flow to muscles

  • Reducing tension and adhesions

  • Improving tissue elasticity

  • Supporting recovery after training

  • Enhancing movement patterns

  • Reducing pain and inflammation

These effects help restore balance and improve performance.

 

How to Choose the Right Sports Massage Therapist

A good sports massage therapist will:

  • Understand anatomy and biomechanics

  • Tailor treatment to your sport or lifestyle

  • Communicate clearly

  • Adapt pressure to your comfort level

  • Provide helpful aftercare advice

Look for therapists with experience treating your specific issue or activity.

 

Find a Sports Massage Therapist

Whether you’re recovering from injury, preparing for an event, or managing everyday tension, you can browse our growing network of sports massage therapists and find the right fit.

Are You a Sports Massage Therapist?

Join Therapist Direct to showcase your services, appear in search results, and connect with clients looking for sports massage therapy.

 

Related Articles

  • What to Expect in Your First Sports Massage

  • Sports Massage vs Deep Tissue: What’s the Difference

  • How Sports Massage Helps Injury Recovery

  • The Benefits of Regular Sports Massage for Athletes

 

Related Professions

Sports Therapists

Physiotherapists

Massage Therapists

Frequently asked questions

Question: What does a sports massage therapist do? A sports massage therapist uses targeted techniques to reduce tension, improve mobility, and support recovery from training or injury.

Question: Does sports massage therapy hurt? Some techniques use deeper pressure, but your therapist will always work within your comfort level.

Question: How often should I get a massage? Athletes may benefit from weekly or bi‑weekly sessions, while others come monthly or as needed.

Is sports massage only for athletes? No — sports massage is suitable for anyone experiencing tension, pain, or mobility issues.

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