What is sports massage?

Sports massage is a type of massage therapy designed for physically active people before, during and after their exercise or training.

Sports massage may help you:

• increase flexibility
• prevent injuries
• indirectly improve performance
• recover after a sports-related injury

Sports massage can be tailored to different sports and sporting injuries.

The aims of sports massage are to:

• relax your muscles
• improve circulation (blood flow)
• release stress that can build up in the soft tissues of your body during exercise

What does a sports massage involve?

Sports massage involves kneading and grasping of muscles and other soft tissues. Your sports massage therapist or physiotherapist may use techniques such as:

• effleurage — strokes with the palm of the hand
• petrissage — lifts soft tissues
• tapotement — tapping the muscle gently

Depending on your needs, the massage may be short and target a specific problem area, or it may involve your whole body.

Factors your massage therapist may consider include:

• what types of sport you play
• your current training schedule
• any existing injuries or conditions

Unlike other types of massage, sports massage may not necessarily feel relaxing. You may feel some discomfort during a sports massage. Always tell your massage therapist if you are in any pain or if you are uncomfortable. They can adjust their techniques to make you more comfortable.

There are other types of therapies that may also help with pain and tension related to physical activity. These include:

• remedial massage
• dry needling
• cupping

Read more about massage therapies and complementary treatments.

What are the health benefits of sports massage?

One of the main benefits of sports massage is easing muscle soreness that can develop after exercise, known as 'delayed onset muscle soreness'.

Sports massage can also help you to:

• exercise more efficiently
• prevent common exercise-related symptoms
• recover from a sports injury
• recover after intense training

Sports massage may also:

• help regulate your heart rate and blood pressure
• improve your circulation and lymph flow

What are the possible risks and side effects of sports massage?

Sports massage is generally a safe procedure, though as with any therapy, there is a risk of side effects. The risks may be higher if you are treated by an unqualified sports massage therapist.

Possible side effects depend on the techniques used by your massage therapist, and may include:

• bruising
• soreness
• tiredness

While sports massage is often safe after an injury, it’s not always recommended. If you want to try sports massage for a health condition or after an injury, talk to your doctor or physiotherapist first.

Resources and support

healthdirect's massage therapy guide contains information on:

• the different types of massage available
• how to choose a massage therapist

You can use healthdirect's service finder, a free service that can find your nearest health services. You can use it to search for health services such as:

• massage therapy
• natural medicine practitioners
• physiotherapy
• chiropractors

Always look for a therapist who is registered so that you know they are properly trained. You can find a therapist in your area through:

• Massage & Myotherapy Australia (MMA)
• Association of Massage Therapists (AMT)
• Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
• Massage Association of Australia (MAA)
• Myotherapy Association Australia (MAA)