Why Should I Have Sports Massage?
October 28, 2026
Why Should I Have a Sports Massage?
At Physiotherapy Matters we look at what sports massage can offer to all individuals regardless of their activity level. Desk workers, runners, gym-goers and people who exercise just because they enjoy it can all experience muscle soreness, stiffness or fatigue.
It is importance to also understand what sports massage can and can’t do, it should be used as a tool to help with recovery and relaxation and not a way of preventing injury or automatically improving sports performance. Our team of physiotherapists use hands-on techniques to work on the muscles and soft tissues. The treatment can be adapted depending on training levels and needs. For example, your physiotherapist may concentrate on areas that feel particularly tight, stiff or uncomfortable.
When should I have a sports massage?
There is no single best time for everyone. Sports massage can be used around training and competitions, but the type and timing of treatment should suit the individual.
Regular sports massage
Some people find that having a sports massage from time to time helps them manage areas of the body that tend to feel tight or uncomfortable. Your physiotherapist can focus on these areas and provide advice on stretches or exercises that you can do at home to help maintain your progress between sessions. Having a massage may help with muscle tightness but it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for exercises that help prevent injuries.
Sports massage before an event
A gentle massage before a competition or sporting event may help some people feel calmer and more at ease. If you are thinking about having a massage before an important event, it is worth trying it during your usual training before. This will help you to see how your body responds and whether you find it beneficial.
Sports massage after exercise
A massage after a hard training session or event may help reduce muscle soreness and can make you feel more comfortable during the early stages of recovery. Massage may help ease muscle soreness after exercise and support recovery but the benefits can vary between individuals (Chen et al., 2025).
However, massage is not a replacement for the basics of recovery. Getting enough sleep, eating well, taking appropriate rest and gradually increasing your training are all important.
Sports massage when returning from an injury
If you are returning to sport after an injury, massage may sometimes be included as part of your treatment. Timelines on returning from injuries can differ and therefore a physiotherapy assessment may be more beneficial as a physiotherapist can assess the problem and recommend the right exercises and treatment to help you return to your sport safely.
Should I have a sports massage or a physiotherapy assessment?
If you have some muscle soreness after exercise, feel a little stiff or just enjoy massage as part of your recovery, sports massage may be suitable.
However, if you have ongoing pain, a new injury, swelling, weakness, difficulty moving or a problem that is stopping you from taking part in your sport, we would recommend booking a physiotherapy assessment. A physiotherapist can look at what is causing the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment and exercises. If appropriate massage can be used alongside your treatment plan.
If you would like more information about sports massage or whether physiotherapy is right for you, speak to one of our team on 0191 285 8701, or book online.
References
Chen, J., Cogburn, J., Marcussen, B. and Slayman, T. (2025). Optimizing athletes’ recovery and performance: A review of vibration therapy, compression garments, and massage. Current sports medicine reports, [online] 24(6), pp.177–185. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000001259.