Sports Massage

You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy a therapeutic sports massage. While this form of massage therapy does focus on athletic needs, it’s perfectly acceptable to book a sports massage for any aches and pains. Read on to learn more about this treatment, which is becoming increasingly popular in the locker room and at the spa.

What is sports massage?

Sports massage is a variation of Swedish massage therapy; it focuses on preparing for and rehabilitating after athletic activities. Although similar motions are used in Swedish massage, sports massage tends to be targeted to one area of the body based on needs. So if an athlete were to pull a muscle, that area would be the focus of the treatment. The pressure of a sports massage can vary, but it’s usually more forceful than in a massage used for relaxation purposes. Still, if you get a sports massage, the session should never be painful. This style of massage was developed to help maximize athletic potential by preparing the muscles for activity. Sports massage proponents believe regular massage helps improve performance. The massage is said to increase circulation and prepare the body for the exertion of an athletic event. If an athlete were to undergo a full course of sports massage therapy, he would probably get a massage before the event to prepare muscles, immediately after to release tension, during training to improve blood flow, and as part of a recovery period if he sustained any minor injuries. There’s not much proof to support the claim that sport massage improves performance. But many athletes love the calming feeling that comes with massage and benefit from reduced muscle pain. So even without a correlation to performance, sports massage is a popular choice.

What happens during sports massage?

Like most spa massages, sports massage requires you to be nude, although you can wear your underwear if you like. Most sports massages begin with a consultation. Your therapist will ask you if you have any injuries and if you’re preparing for an athletic event. Then, she’ll leave the room as you undress and slip under a sheet on the massage table. When she reenters, she’ll begin the massage, focusing on the areas you mentioned in the consultation. If you don’t have any problem areas, she’ll probably massage your whole body, working on minimizing knots when she comes across them. After your time is up, the therapist will tell you what she found during your treatment. She may recommend things for you to do to prevent future injuries. Then, she’ll leave the room and allow you to get dressed.

Who should get sports massage?

Anyone can get a sports massage treatment nowadays because the therapy is offered in most spas. People with muscle pain or reduced joint mobility are excellent candidates for the treatment. Sports massage will focus on problem areas, so it’s a good choice if you have a specific need. Of course, athletes commonly choose sports massage as well. If you have a big athletic event coming up, you may want to consider undergoing a sports massage regimen to get you prepared. Some spas call all massages for men “sports massage” because it sounds more masculine than other options. In these cases, regardless of whether you have a need for the treatment, you’ll get what’s called a sports massage. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that if you don’t have a problem, you’ll probably experience something close to a Swedish massage with a little more pressure. Without sore muscles or joint problem, your therapist will massage your whole body, just like in a Swedish treatment. Sports massage is derived from Swedish technique, after all.

Where can I find sports massage?

It used to be that sports massage was limited to athletic training facilities and physical rehabilitation centers. Not so anymore. Now, you can find sports massage in most spa facilities. The style has become fairly standard, so most day spas and resort spas should offer it. If you get your treatment in a place known for athletics, like at a tennis resort, there will definitely be sports massage on the spa menu. Your doctor might suggest a course of sports massage therapy if you’ve sustained a minor injury, like a strained muscle. If this is the case, you might be able to get a sports massage at your doctor’s office, especially if he or she deals with sports medicine. Also, many physical therapy centers offers sports massage to patients as a supplement to their movement-oriented rehab. And if you’re on a sports team, you may have access to a team massage therapist as well.

How much will it cost?

Most sports massage sessions cost about the same as a Swedish treatment--about $75 an hour on the low end. Of course, if you go to a therapist renowned for his sports massage work, you will likely pay more. For sports massage to be truly effective, you’ll have to purchase multiple sessions. Ask about a discount for buying more than one treatment.

Take-away tips:

Sports massage was originally designed for athletes, but now anyone can get this treatment. The treatment focuses on athletic needs, like sore muscles and reduced mobility due to joint inflammation. If you don’t have any specific problems, you’ll probably get a total-body massage much like a Swedish treatment.