Sports massage

It's a soft tissue treatment where your therapist rubs, presses and kneads targeted areas to relax the muscles and support faster healing. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which puts your body into a more rested state, reduces imbalance, and improves circulation. One of its main benefits is helping you recover more quickly from intensive training, which is why many athletes build it into their routine.

Usually, yes, though it depends on you. If you have regular treatment, you'll likely be used to exercising the same day. If you're newer to it, your therapist might suggest resting or sticking to gentle activity like walking for around 24 hours before anything more vigorous. They'll talk through your usual activity levels and goals with you first, so their advice fits you specifically.

It shouldn't. Some of it can feel uncomfortable, particularly when your therapist is working through tense or scarred tissue, but that should feel like a satisfying kind of pressure rather than pain. If you're nervous about this, tell your therapist. They'll stay well within your comfort and adjust as they go.

There's good evidence that it supports faster recovery, though it's genuinely hard to isolate its exact effect, since most people combine it with other training and treatment. It won't make you faster or stronger by itself, but by helping your body recover more quickly, it often means you can train more consistently.

Yes, often. Your therapist will look for the actual root of the discomfort, which isn't always where the pain is felt. Lower back pain often changes how people walk or hold themselves, which puts extra strain on the shoulders, glutes or feet, and your therapist can work on those areas too.

Closely. We refer between services all the time. Someone coming in for physiotherapy might be recommended a few sports massage sessions, and equally, someone visiting for a massage might be found to have an underlying issue that's better suited to a specialist physiotherapist. It's rarely an either-or.

Yes. Many of our therapists have completed additional training to adapt treatment safely for pregnancy. Just let us know when you book, so we can make sure you're seen by the right person. Find out more about our pregnancy massage services here. 

Most people can, but it's worth checking with your doctor first if you're being treated for something else, particularly certain heart conditions where a therapist needs to be mindful of how the treatment affects circulation. Your therapist will always ask about anything they should be aware of before starting.

Loose, comfortable clothing that's easy to move works best, shorts and a sports bra or a t-shirt and shorts are typical. Some techniques need skin-on-skin contact for the best effect, though your therapist can work through clothing if you'd prefer. Try not to book immediately after an intense workout, and if you've done something particularly strenuous, like a marathon, it's worth waiting 24 to 48 hours first. Staying well hydrated afterwards helps your body make the most of the treatment.

We offer 30, 45 and 60 minute appointments, so you can choose what suits you. Many people prefer an hour, since it allows your therapist to work on more than one area in a single visit. 

It varies. Some people come in monthly for general maintenance, while a specific issue like a pulled muscle might call for a more intensive weekly rhythm to begin with, easing off as things improve. Your therapist can suggest a schedule that suits your lifestyle and goals.

We offer sports massage at our clinics in Chelsea, Finchley Road, Kensington, Lindfield, Mansion House, Monument, Moorgate and Parsons Green.

A sports massage isn't one single technique, it draws on a range of them, including deep tissue work, assisted stretching, mobilisations and dry techniques over clothing, depending on what you need on the day. Unlike a standard spa massage, it's a bespoke, evidence-based treatment shaped around you rather than a fixed routine.