Sports massage is more targeted and clinical than your typical spa massage. Whilst relaxation massage uses gentle, flowing strokes designed to help you drift off, sports massage employs deeper pressure and specific techniques to address muscular problems, improve flexibility, and enhance performance. We’re working on particular areas of tension or injury rather than giving you a head-to-toe relaxation experience. Think of it as physiotherapy’s hands-on cousin – therapeutic rather than purely relaxing (though many clients do find it deeply satisfying once they’re used to it).

Absolutely not. Despite the name, sports massage isn’t just for athletes. Yes, we work with plenty of runners, cyclists, and gym-goers, but we also see office workers with tight shoulders, parents carrying toddlers around, gardeners with aching backs, and anyone else dealing with muscular tension or pain. If you’ve got muscles (which, last time we checked, everyone does), you can benefit from sports massage. The techniques we use are effective for anyone with soft tissue problems, regardless of whether you’ve ever set foot in a gym.

This depends entirely on what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re dealing with an acute injury or severe tension, you might benefit from weekly sessions initially. For general maintenance and injury prevention, most people find monthly or fortnightly sessions work well. Athletes in heavy training often come weekly or fortnightly. We’ll discuss a treatment plan during your first session based on your specific situation, goals, and budget. And no, we won’t pressure you into booking more sessions than you need – we’d rather see you when you actually need treatment than have you turn up out of obligation.

Wear whatever you’re comfortable in. Sports massage is usually done with you in your underwear (we’ll provide towels to cover areas we’re not working on), but you can keep as much clothing on as you like. Some people prefer to wear shorts and a sports bra or vest. We need access to the areas we’re treating, so if we’re working on your back, you’ll need to remove your top, but we’re not precious about the rest. Just avoid wearing your best underwear – massage oil can occasionally transfer onto fabric despite our best efforts.

You might experience some soreness 24-48 hours after treatment, similar to post-exercise muscle soreness (DOMS). This is normal and indicates that we’ve worked deep enough to create change in the tissue. It shouldn’t be severe – more of a “I’ve done a workout” feeling than actual pain. Drinking plenty of water after your session and doing any stretches we’ve given you will help minimise soreness. If you’re particularly sore or bruised after treatment, let us know next time so we can adjust our pressure.

Yes, this is one of the primary reasons people have regular sports massage. By maintaining good muscle flexibility, addressing areas of tightness before they become problems, and identifying movement imbalances, sports massage can significantly reduce your injury risk. Many of our regular clients say they rarely get injured now they’re having maintenance sessions, whereas they used to pick up niggles constantly. Think of it like servicing your car – you’re far less likely to break down if you’re getting regular maintenance rather than waiting until something goes wrong.

Don’t book in if you’ve got a fever, acute infection, or are generally unwell. Sports massage isn’t suitable for certain skin conditions, over areas of undiagnosed lumps or bumps, or during the acute phase of injury (roughly the first 48-72 hours when there’s inflammation and swelling). If you’ve got any medical conditions, are pregnant, or are on certain medications, mention this when you book so we can advise whether treatment is appropriate. When in doubt, give us a call and we can discuss your specific situation.