What Is Sports Massage?

TL;DR

Sports massage isn’t just for athletes. It’s a hands-on therapy that helps release tension, improve flexibility, and support recovery - keeping your body moving and performing at its best. Whether you’re active, desk-based, or somewhere in between, sports massage can support your overall wellbeing.

What Is Sports Massage?

Sports massage is a structured form of manual therapy focused on optimising the health and function of soft tissues - including muscles, tendons, and fascia.

Although the name suggests it’s designed for athletes, sports massage is suitable for anyone who wants to move better, ease tension, or maintain a healthy body. It can be adapted to suit a wide range of needs, from post-exercise recovery to relieving everyday muscular tightness caused by posture, stress, or repetitive movement.

How Does It Work?

Sports massage combines a range of techniques designed to support the body’s natural ability to repair and recover. These may include:

• Effleurage: long, gliding strokes to warm up tissues and encourage circulation

• Petrissage: kneading and rolling movements to release deeper muscular tension

• Cross-fibre friction: used to address specific areas of tightness or scar tissue

• Compression and trigger point therapy: applied pressure to release knots and promote relaxation

Together, these techniques help improve blood flow, reduce muscular tightness, and enhance tissue mobility.

What Does the Research Say?

A 2008 review published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that sports massage can help reduce perceived muscle soreness and improve flexibility following exercise. Similarly, research by Weerapong et al. (Sports Medicine, 2005) highlights the role of massage in supporting muscle recovery and promoting psychological relaxation.

While everyone’s experience is unique, many people report feeling looser, lighter, and more relaxed after treatment - with improved range of movement and a greater sense of wellbeing.

Who Can Benefit?

Sports massage isn’t just for runners or gym-goers. It can be helpful for:

• Office workers experiencing tension from sitting for long hours

• Manual workers who use repetitive movements or lifting

• Athletes and active individuals aiming to optimise performance and recovery

• Anyone under stress who carries tension in the shoulders, neck, or back

At its core, sports massage is about helping your body move more freely and comfortably -supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.

Sports Massage at Connected Chiropractic

At Connected Chiropractic, our sports massage treatments are tailored to you. We take the time to understand your lifestyle, activity level, and areas of concern before adjusting pressure, techniques, and focus areas accordingly.

Our goal is to create a treatment that feels both effective and restorative - helping you stay active, balanced, and connected with your body.

Written by Jordan Woolfrey, MFHT

Sports Massage Therapist at Connected Chiropractic